Loon v Ambient v K-Tek v Panamic

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INCProductions

Active member
Does anyone have some experience with the above brands? I used to think KTek was the way to go, but am having some second thoughts.
 
My own 2 cents...
All excellent brands.
I'd stay away from the Loon. While the pole is good their customer support is really really bad.
I currently own VDB and KTek and for me the VDB wins out. Why? cuz it's light.
To me everything else comes in 2nd.

What situations do you plan on using it in?
Are you going with an internal coiled cable?


Edit: I wanted to add that my current VDB is about 8+ years old, from the days that PSC was the distributer.
If I recall correctly I think new ones aren't considered as nice.
 
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Im not really sure where I plan on using it, haha. I think we'd prefer internal cable to avoid the hassle. We won't be "running" with it probably so I don't think we have to worry about the noise too much. Are their internal cables you can get that even if you do run, the noise won't be a problem?
 
I have not used the other brands, but I am a solid KTek supporter.

That pole was solid and dependable. But with any pole that is internally wired, running is not the only issue. Swings and turns can cause the cable to shift as well. So even with the high quality poles, if they are improperly used or used by someone without that experience....you will get mechanical artifacts. Just a fact of audio life.

Currently I am using a POS CF boompole, my last KTek "disappeared". And believe me I am longing for another one. Even an aluminum one. I would gladly trade the added weight for the dependability.
 
Another thing about internal cables...

I was out yesterday in the (literally) freezing cold for about 4 hours, and the cable stiffened up. I couldn't collapse the pole all the way. Only after I'd put it back in the truck with the heat running (read: the drive home) could I get the cable to behave.
 
It would probably benefit the OP and others reading this if we give reasons why we like certain poles over others.

With that I'll add to my original post saying I still prefer the VDB overall but
my k-tek locking collars tend to have less issues like coming loose, getting dirty..

I take apart my VDB every few months though and clean it. When it's back together it works perfectly till the next time it needs cleaned.
 
Alex H. said:
Another thing about internal cables...
I was out yesterday in the (literally) freezing cold for about 4 hours, and the cable stiffened up. I couldn't collapse the pole all the way. Only after I'd put it back in the truck with the heat running (read: the drive home) could I get the cable to behave.
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Was it a coiled cable inside? I'm asking because I recently purchased the 10ft version of Røde boompole (yeah, pretty cheap compared to those referred in this thread) and I'm able to feed the (straight) cable though the pole, my question: wouldn't it be the same with straight and coiled cable...inside or around the pole?
 
drapeama said:
Was it a coiled cable inside? I'm asking because I recently purchased the 10ft version of Røde boompole (yeah, pretty cheap compared to those referred in this thread) and I'm able to feed the (straight) cable though the pole, my question: wouldn't it be the same with straight and coiled cable...inside or around the pole?
Click to expand...

Yes, coiled cable. It's really a minor issue, but something to note. Straight cable that hangs out the end isn't an issue, as it just lets the slack out as the pole is collapsed. Coiled cable that is hard-wired into the pole, with an XLR connector in the base, has to expand and contract. Cables in the freezing cold can stiffen up. Unless you're out working in freezing/sub-freezing temperatures most of the year, it's only going to be a pain in the duff occasionally.
 
The way you get your pole cabled (or not) is completely up to you. Internally coiled cabled poles can be great for the sound mixer that is the "one man band", meaning you have your audio bag with your mixer, wireless, recorder, and other stuff, AND you are booming at the same time. Having an internal coiled cable in that situation makes your life easier because you don't have to worry about feeding a straight cable through the inside of it, or wrapping a cable around the outside of the pole, both of which can be a hassle if you are by yourself. When I've been to the sets of TV shows and features, I'd say I see a mix of non-cabled poles, internally coiled cabled poles, and internally straight cabled poles. Really long poles will most likely not have a coiled cable option, as the coiled cable can get tangled easily at long lengths if you are not careful, and the longer the pole is extended, the more likely an internal coiled cable is to make noise if you move the pole quickly when it is out over 20 feet.

In terms of which one to get will come down to which pole works best for you. I cannot make a recommendation other than to say to take into account availability, customer service, reliability, and track record.
 
drapeama said:
Was it a coiled cable inside? I'm asking because I recently purchased the 10ft version of Røde boompole (yeah, pretty cheap compared to those referred in this thread) and I'm able to feed the (straight) cable though the pole, my question: wouldn't it be the same with straight and coiled cable...inside or around the pole?
Click to expand...

Cables inside the pole can be quite nasty, though they do tend to like these poles in the USA.

The cable inside a pole has to be coiled (so it can change length as the pole is extended and telescoped back) and can often have foam in there as well. The downside is that the cable can move and rattle against the inside of the pole and cause noise. They also often have an XLR at the bottom which can get dirty if you are not careful.

The preferred method in the UK is to use a pole with a normal straight cable wrapped round the outside - here the cable can be kept tight to the pole and does not rattle nor cause noise.
 
John, there is also the straight cable run inside the pole, like I do. It is a heavier XLR cable, so it takes a lot more to get it to shift and make noise. All of my slack is flat wrapped and secured to my bag with a velcro strap.

I don't like wrapping the cable on the outside of the pole, myself. To extend the pole, I have to unwrap the cable, then re-wrap it. I find that causes the cable to get internally twisted over time and increases my in-between-take time. As Dave said, there are several ways and choices. Each person will have their own preference.
 
I've run all three ways, and currently use an internally-cabled (coiled) fishpole. Like Doc, non-cabled is my absolute least favorite way to run because of the hassle every time the pole length has to change. I did have an internally-cabled (straight) pole for a while, and it was good, but I wasn't fond of the potential for damage to the cable at the exit point (base of the pole). Dealing with the slack was not as convenient, but a minor concern overall.
 
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