Quick answer

The Rapid Box Switch 1x4 is a collapsible strip softbox that creates a long, narrow light source for rim, hair, and edge lighting. The 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for Rapid Box Strip 10x24 and Switch 1x2 is a fabric grid that attaches to a softbox to control spill and add direction. They are complementary, not competing: choose the 1x4 if you need the narrow light source itself, and add the egg crate grid if you already own a compatible strip softbox and want tighter control.

What each tool actually does

The Rapid Box Switch 1x4 is a strip light modifier with a durable metal framework and heat-resistant fabrics. It uses a quick-release thumb-lock to secure a Switch Insert, so you can mount different lights in seconds. Its taut silver interior maximizes light output, and the neutral diffusion fabric provides consistent color temperature. This is the tool that creates the narrow, elongated catchlight and soft falloff you see in rim and hair lighting.

The 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid is a hand-assembled interlocking grid that attaches to a softbox with heavy-duty touch fastener. It is designed for the Rapid Box Strip 10x24 and Switch 1x2. By adding depth and a 40-degree cutoff, it controls spill and flare, turning a broad strip into a more directional source. It collapses into an included case for travel and storage.

How they change the shape of light

A strip softbox like the Rapid Box Switch 1x4 produces a long, narrow highlight. That shape is ideal for separating a subject from the background or adding a glossy edge to hair or product surfaces. Because the light is spread across the strip, it remains soft along one axis while staying narrow on the other.

The egg crate grid does not change the shape of the light source; it limits where the light travels. The 40-degree grid narrows the beam, reducing spill onto the background or into the lens. This is useful when you want the strip's shape but need to keep light off nearby surfaces or avoid flare. The trade-off is a slight reduction in output and a more directed look that may require repositioning.

Setup and compatibility

The Rapid Box Switch 1x4 requires a Switch Insert to mount a compatible light source. The quick-release thumb-lock makes switching inserts fast, but you must match the insert to your light's mount. The softbox collapses for transport, though the 1x4 size is still a long package.

The 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid is specific to the Rapid Box Strip 10x24 and Switch 1x2. It attaches via touch fastener, so setup is quick, but it will not fit other softbox sizes. If you own a different strip box, check the opening dimensions before buying. The grid's labelled edge helps you orient it correctly, and it folds into its case.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Rapid Box Switch 1x4: flexibility vs. size: You get a complete strip light modifier that sets up fast and works with multiple lights via Switch Inserts. It is long and requires an insert for your specific light. Choose this if you need the narrow light source and value quick changes.
  • 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid: control vs. output: The grid cuts spill and flare, giving you more directional light. It also reduces overall output and only fits the Rapid Box Strip 10x24 and Switch 1x2. Add this if you already own a compatible strip box and need tighter control.
  • Combined use: precision vs. simplicity: Using both gives you a shaped, controlled strip light. But it adds setup steps and requires the correct insert and grid size. Best for controlled studio or location work where spill matters.

Product facts

  • Rapid Box Switch 1x4: Convenient and collapsible strip light modifier with the fastest setup time; easily switch different types of lights in seconds; requires a Switch Insert to mount a compatible light source; quick-release thumb-lock secures a Switch Insert; durable metal framework and heat-resistant fabrics; neutral diffusion fabric provides consistent color temperature; taut silver interior maximizes light. This is the core narrow light source. The fast setup and light-switching make it practical for run-and-gun shoots, while the metal frame and heat-resistant fabrics handle repeated use.
  • 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for Rapid Box Strip 10x24 & Switch 1x2: Hand-assembled interlocking grid; ideal for an edge light, rim light, or hair light; further control light spill and flare; increased depth for improved light control; attaches to a softbox with heavy-duty touch fastener; durable construction with labelled edge; collapses into included case for easy travel and storage. This grid refines the output of a compatible strip softbox. It is the add-on that gives you tighter control when spill or flare is a problem, and its compact storage makes it easy to bring along.

Which should you get?

Best for

  • Photographers who need a narrow, soft rim or hair light and want fast setup with switchable lights.
  • Users who already own a Rapid Box Strip 10x24 or Switch 1x2 and want to reduce spill and flare.

Not for

  • Anyone who needs a large, broad light source for filling a whole scene.
  • Users who do not own a compatible strip softbox or do not want to manage Switch Inserts.