What is the difference between a CM Prostar and CM Lodestar?

The main difference is capacity and hoist size . The CM Prostar sold by MTN SHOP has a 500 lb capacity and is designed as a compact, lightweight hoist for smaller venues and lighter loads. The Lodestar range steps up to higher capacities for larger production loads.

How much can a CM Prostar lift?

The CM Prostar configuration covered in this guide has a 500 lb lifting capacity and a 16 ft/min lift speed. MTN SHOP also lists it as weighing under 36 lb, making it significantly more compact than a traditional Lodestar. MTN SHOP

Are CM Prostar and Lodestar the same speed?

For the specific MTN SHOP configurations compared in this guide, yes. The Prostar 500 lb, Lodestar Model F and Lodestar Model L are all available at 16 ft/min . The wider Lodestar family is available in other speeds, so this applies specifically to the models being compared here.

Can I use a CM Prostar instead of a Lodestar?

Only if the complete suspended load and rigging design fall within the Prostar’s rated capacity and specifications . The Prostar can be a good fit for lighter setups, but a Lodestar should be considered where greater lifting capacity is required.

ENTERTAINMENT

CM Prostar vs Lodestar: What’s the Difference?

Carmen L·November 2, 2026

Compare CM Prostar vs Lodestar chain hoists, including capacity, size, lift speed and rigging applications, to choose the right CM hoist for your setup.

CM Prostar vs Lodestar: What’s the Difference?

When choosing a CM entertainment chain hoist, two of the most familiar options are the CM Prostar and CM Lodestar. Both are designed for professional lifting in live entertainment, but they cover different capacity ranges and production requirements. CM manufactures both families in multiple configurations; within our entertainment lineup, we offer the Prostar in a 500 lb configuration and the Lodestar in 1/2-ton and 1-ton configurations.

So how do the CM Prostar and Lodestar compare in the configurations we offer, and when should you choose one over the other? This guide compares their capacity, size, lift speed and typical uses to help you choose the right option for your rigging setup.

What Are CM Prostar and Lodestar?

The CM Prostar and CM Lodestar are electric chain hoists used throughout the live entertainment industry, but they sit at different points in the CM range.

The Prostar configuration we offer has a 500 lb capacity, lifts at 16 ft/min and weighs under 36 lb. Its compact, lightweight design makes it well suited to applications where space, handling and overall hoist weight matter.

The CM Lodestar is the heavier-duty range. In our entertainment lineup, we offer Lodestar Model F at 1/2 ton / 1,000 lb and Model L at 1 ton / 2,000 lb, with both Classic and Next Gen versions available.

CM Lodestar Classic Model F 1/2 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$3,904.02 View

CM Lodestar Classic Model L 1 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$4,474.04 View

CM Lodestar Next Gen Model F 1/2 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$3,904.02 View

CM Lodestar Next Gen Model L 1 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$4,474.04 View

CM Prostar 500 lbs - Electric Chain Hoist$2,571.98 View

CM Prostar vs Lodestar: Key Differences

The CM Prostar and Lodestar are both designed for live entertainment lifting, but they sit at different points in the CM range. We offer the Prostar as a compact 500 lb option, while our Lodestar range steps up to 1/2-ton Model F and 1-ton Model L configurations, with both Classic and Next Gen versions available.

The configurations compared below all lift at 16 ft/min, so the main differences are lifting capacity and overall hoist size rather than lift speed.

Feature	CM Prostar	CM Lodestar Model F	CM Lodestar Model L
Capacity	500 lb	1/2 ton / 1,000 lb	1 ton / 2,000 lb
Lift Speed	16 ft/min	16 ft/min	16 ft/min
Hoist Size	Compact and lightweight	Larger than Prostar	Larger, higher-capacity Lodestar configuration
Available Versions	Prostar 500 lb	Classic and Next Gen	Classic and Next Gen

CM Prostar vs Lodestar: Which One Fits Your Setup?

Start with the total suspended load, then consider the type and scale of the rigging setup. The CM Prostar is a compact option for lighter loads, while the CM Lodestar provides higher-capacity options for larger production setups. The examples below are a general guide; the required hoist capacity should be based on the calculated load, load distribution and complete rigging setup.

Rigging Setup	CM Prostar	CM Lodestar
Small Lighting Bars and Lighter Fixtures	Suitable for lighter loads	Consider where additional capacity is required
Compact Venue or Restricted-Space Setup	Compact option	Consider where higher capacity is required
Larger Lighting Truss	Depends on calculated load	Higher-capacity option
Audio and Video Systems	Suitable for lighter loads	Better suited to higher loads
Heavier Scenic or Production Loads	Limited to our 500 lb configuration	Model F or Model L depending on load

View Featured Products

CM Prostar 500 lbs - Electric Chain Hoist$2,571.98

CM Lodestar Classic Model F 1/2 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$3,904.02

CM Lodestar Classic Model L 1 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$4,474.04

CM Lodestar Next Gen Model F 1/2 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$3,904.02

CM Lodestar Next Gen Model L 1 Ton - Electric Chain Hoist$4,474.04

Which CM Hoist Should You Choose?

Start with the required lifting capacity. If the load falls within 500 lb and a compact hoist is important, the CM Prostar may be the better fit. For higher-capacity applications, our Lodestar range includes 1/2 ton / 1,000 lb Model F and 1 ton / 2,000 lb Model L configurations.

From there, consider factors such as available space, hoist size and the overall rigging setup. If you are deciding between the two Lodestar generations, see our dedicated CM Lodestar Classic vs Next Gen guide for a detailed comparison of their design and features.

Browse the full CM entertainment chain hoist range to compare available models and configurations.

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CM Prostar vs Lodestar: What’s the Difference?

What Are CM Prostar and Lodestar?

The CM Prostar and CM Lodestar are electric chain hoists used throughout the live entertainment industry, but they sit at different points in the CM range.

CM Prostar vs Lodestar: Key Differences

CM Prostar vs Lodestar: Which One Fits Your Setup?

View Featured Products

Which CM Hoist Should You Choose?

Frequently Asked Questions

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CM Lodestar Classic vs Next Gen: What’s the Difference?

CM Chain Hoists Explained: Lodestar, Prostar & BatteryStar for Live Entertainment

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