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Matthews 24
Matthews

Matthews 24" x 36" Hot Flag Thermal Resistant Fabric

Cut hard shadows and kill unwanted spill inches from your HMI without scorching a flag — the Matthews Hot Flag handles the heat so you don't have to.

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Overview

On a tight set with high-output tungsten or HMI fixtures, standard flags become a liability the moment you need to cut light within inches of the source. The Matthews 24" x 36" Hot Flag is built for exactly that scenario — a precision light-control tool made from patented thermal-resistant fabric rated to 1,800°F (982°C), allowing gaffers and DPs to flag aggressively without damage, distortion, or the acrid smell of burning fabric mid-take. It's the flag you reach for when the cut needs to be tight and the fixture is running hot.

At 24" x 36", this is a practical mid-range size that handles single-subject key light cuts, spill control near practicals, and close flagging of Fresnels on a studio floor. The fabric is lightweight enough that it won't strain a baby arm or knock a stand out of balance, and its rapid heat dissipation means you're not waiting long between adjustments during a busy lighting session. It mounts with standard grip hardware — no proprietary system required. If your grip package includes junior pins and swivel clamps, this flag drops right in.

Specifications

Size
24" x 36"
Material
Patented thermal-resistant fabric
Heat Resistance
1,800°F (982°C) continuous
Brand
Matthews
ASIN
B005JVI534

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Withstands sustained proximity to HMI and tungsten fixtures that would destroy a standard flag
  • Lightweight construction makes repositioning during a shoot fast and fatigue-free
  • Maintains shape and flat surface under heat, so cut edges stay precise across a long take
  • 24" x 36" size covers a useful range of single-source flagging tasks without over-rigging
  • Rapid heat dissipation means shorter cool-down between adjustments

👎 Cons

  • Does not include a frame, pins, or hardware — you must supply your own grip equipment
  • Thermal fabric can show scorch discoloration over time at extreme proximity, even if structurally intact
  • 24" x 36" is too small for wide fill sources or large soft boxes without adding additional flags
  • Not useful as a diffusion or bounce tool — strictly a light-cutting flag

Frequently Asked Questions

Very close. The thermal-resistant fabric is rated to withstand continuous heat of 1,800°F (982°C), so you can flag light aggressively near high-output fixtures without worrying about the material warping, charring, or off-gassing.
No. The thermal fabric holds its shape and opacity under heat, so your cut stays clean. Standard flags can warp or sag near hot fixtures, which softens your edge — this one doesn't.
Yes, it's a versatile mid-size flag. It's large enough to kill a full key spill from a Fresnel or HMI on a tight set, and compact enough to mount on a junior or baby stand arm without over-rigging.
It uses standard flag hardware, compatible with typical grip clamps and swivel pins. It does not include a mounting frame or hardware — you'll use your existing grip equipment.
Yes. The lightweight construction and thermal resistance make it well suited for location work near high-output daylight fixtures where fast repositioning and heat tolerance both matter.

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