How to dismantle this small octagonal softbox?

Question

I need help to dismantle a softbox. The model is an Elinchrom 22" Portalite octagonal softbox. From memory it was exceptionally difficult to assemble and now I'm finding it so impossible to dismantle that I think maybe there's an obvious trick to this? I've never tried to take it apart before as I haven't needed to.

Each rod is only about 10" long so I can't get enough bend in them to remove any one from their position, and I've noticed that the canvas part might rip if I put more strain on it. There's no velcro openings or removable flaps to reduce the strain, and I can't see any way to remove the rods at their base.

Answer 1

First posted as a comment
It looks very much like a lightweight hiking chair I own. Is there not sufficient give in it to lift one of the outer 'pockets' away from the rod? Each one should get easier after the first.

I found the manual - apparently it's the other way round, get the rod out of the socket in the centre first, before releasing from the pocket. Sounds like some effort may be required - as indeed applies to my chair too.

Presumably, disassembly is the reverse of assembly...

& from my chair…

Assembling your Helinox chair is quick and easy. The shock-corded frame will virtually self-assemble – just be sure all the poles are fully inserted into the hubs. Always fit the seat to the upper rear poles first. Then, lay the chair on its back and use your body weight to flex the lower seat poles into the last two pockets. Brand new seats can be a little tight and the durable fabric helps prevent the seat from sagging over time. But don't worry, the more you use your chairs, the easier they'll be to assemble.

You do have to get your back into it a bit to start with - it's part force, part technique ;)

Answer 2

I've got 3 solutions to this:

• First option (what I should have done): Do not build the softbox in the first place. Sell it online to some poor unsuspecting bugger and put the money towards a decent softbox.
• Second solution: if you've already made it up, and it's useful to you, don't dismantle it. It's highly likely it will get damaged and become useless.
• Third option (what I actually did): Get two guys on the job and go for the 'brute force and ignorance' approach using the method in @Tetsujin's answer. As I half expected, I ended up with a pile of bent metal and torn fabric but it's been in my way for months now so no massive regrets.

@Tetsujin's answer is worded much better but I wanted to give viewers the benefit of my hindsight! 😜

Happy lighting everyone.