ProLine MS220 Tripod Boom Microphone Stand  

...or, at least, that's my working hypothesis to explain the softness of the metal.  I purchased a half dozen or so of these stands in a "package deal" for use in a studio where I am very gentle with all the equipment.  Four months later, half these stands are half-functional at best.  The adjustment screws for the boom are stripped and/or misaligning and the screwtop of the main pole won't last more than a few dozen exchanges of boom mounts and mic clips.  When getting this "package deal", I thought, "How bad could they be?"  I know now and am very sorry I didn't spend five times the money to have gotten something else -- anything else -- that would've been twenty times as good.  Maybe I can recycle these at a modern art installation?

So for the price, this mic stand is a piece of nonsense. You are better off getting the On-Stage mic stands than this. The On-Stage stands and this stand are essentially the same thing, but for a considerable less amount of money. If you use this stand for anything other than in the studio (where they do not get treated harshly), then you are S.O.L. This stand will last you about two to four weeks max. After which, it will begin to lose its hold at the boom lock joint, rubber feet will vanish, and the main shaft extension will also lose its grip on itself. Not worth your money or time, save yourself some serious frustration and get a DR stand. They are worth every penny. Again, however if you need a mic stand to record in a non abusive environment, this will work but you would be paying TOO MUCH MONEY for this. So in that case, get the ON STAGE stands.

It's not a matter of IF this will break, but WHEN. The clutch WILL break, probably at a gig like it did for us. Luckily we had extra stands(the cheap ones) around for just such an emergency. They are better than this. The DR are the best. Buy either one of those before this one.