What boom pole is best?

[Frank_L]

Is the K-Tek carbon graphite boom pole with internal XLR cable good or does the internal XLR cable create handling noise? Also is the 4.1 feet to 16.1 feet version overkill? What type of boom pole do independent films use? Thanks.

 

[Mark Phelan]

K-Tek is a standard that is used everywhere, and each have their own needs. As for length, you'll have to determine what you need. I would strongly suggest however if you do get the internal cable, make sure to get the right angle plug at the base. I have the internal cord and don't notice it slapping around during use.

Also, don't waste your money on the K-Tek boom cradle. It's a pain to use and incredibly overpriced. Go to a Bass Pro shop or similar and get a fishing pole cradle. It's much quicker, simpler to use and much cheaper to buy.

 

[Frank_L]

By right angle, do you mean the one with the side XLR connector?

 

[Dave Blackham]

Is the K-Tek carbon graphite boom pole with internal XLR cable good or does the internal XLR cable create handling noise? Also is the 4.1 feet to 16.1 feet version overkill? What type of boom pole do independent films use? Thanks.

Panamic, no question. We have 7. What ever pole you purchase, just bear in mind most less experienced boom ops use a pole thats too long. Don't bother with the internal cable stuff, they rattle and always break when you most need it, also the twin star quad for a stereo mic may not be available. Try for a standard pole of about 800mm closed. The stand base is useful so you can park it some where whilst not standing next to it (and recording your own breathing) for wild tracks.

 

[mike filippov]

I secretly covet Panamic's... though I own Ambient poles. Internal cables are handy for doc's but add unnescessary weight for dramas... and they will rattle inside the pole during fast movement.

16 feet is good, but there's typically a handful of shots per week that require an extra few feet (with the way most people shoot anyway) ... and you'd be surprised to know there will be times that 4 feet is too long... Hard to do a show properly with less than two poles, a shortie and a longie.

 

[Stephen Strangways]

One of the big advantages of using external cables is that you can have the cable drop down from the pole at whatever point of its length that is most convenient for each setup, rather than always having the cable exit at the rear.

 

[Mark Phelan]

By right angle, do you mean the one with the side XLR connector?

Yes.

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

We have a K-Tek carbon fibre with internal cable and right angle out and really like it. We also have the K-Tek boom pole cradle. I agree that it is overpriced, but it certainly does the job.

Stephen

 

[Brian Ferguson]

I have a K-tek, I got one short enough to fit into my luggage, with more sections though. I think it is 3-12'. I have had it for 8 years, just recently noticed that the threads on the end with the XLR are getting messed up. The right angle is a good suggestion, I wish mine had that.

I like the internal cable but I only use it a few days a month, so it isn't getting stressed like a boom op would experience. Also I do interviews mostly so there isn't much if any movement.

 

[Tom Visser]

Ambient QX short and QP long pole here. I have them both internally cabled, the convenience for me, outweighs the disadvantages. Ambient uses a side exit butt end fitting so no need for right angle plugs or worrying about damaging the cable. I don't like the K-teks that I've used, but it comes down to personal preference.

 

[Marc Wielage]

There's tons of good boom poles out there. I see K-Tek, Loon, Ambient, PSC, and older models all over the place, still being used.

Internally-cabled vs. externally-cabled is a user preference. Traditionally, West coast crews seem to use internal cables more than East coast crews in the U.S. I think there are advantages and disadvantages to each approach, but internally-cabled makes more sense. Note that once you get over about 14' or so, most manufacturers go with straight cables because of the difficulty in feeding a coiled cable smoothly down the tube.

The carbon-fiber poles are very strong, rigid, and super-lightweight. My preference is for the K-Tek, only because I like the people that make and service them. A friend of mine who booms full-time tells me he likes having a 12' pole for interiors and a 21' pole for exteriors.

K-Tek Booms

Ambient Booms

PSC Booms

Loon Booms

If you ask me, I think the tougher question is what are the best microphone mounts for booms, and you'll get a lot of diverging opinions on that, too. And the biggest issue of all is finding a skilled boom op who knows how to get the mike as close as possible without creating shadows or camera problems, and to do so consistently.