Rycote A5 5-Section Aluminum Boompole

[Brian Reynolds]

I have used Rycote boom poles on several occasions and have found the lock off mechanism a real pain… yes its better than some but still a pain.

I own many boom poles 4.5m CF, 3m (Rode) Al., K-Tek Klassic K-56 (great CF pole and ideal for travel as it will easily fit into my audio case or backpack…great grip on the treads of the pole) BUT the pole I love the most is one with thumb clip adjustments similar to photographic tripods. Just awesome.
I don’t know the brand but if I could EVER find another one like it I would buy it in a flash.

[Craig Alan]

Well I guess its not just my students who can over-tighten the knobs. I’ve seen the type you are talking about. Even on painter’s poles. The only downside I see to that type is the latch that tightens the sections can fail. But you are right they are way easier to use. Rycote describes their locking mechanism as being better. They also describe this $200 pole as being professional quality which would be a pretty good deal.

Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Brian Reynolds]

If your looking for starter poles for students go fo a Rode pole…. Low cost, well constructed and very ‘usable’