K-Tek KEG-150CCR Avalon Series Graphite Boompole with Internal Coiled XLR Cable

Weight not too heavy, very minimal if any mic noise. Use it in combination with Sennheiser 416 and KTek shock mount.

This is the best boom pole you can get. Sturdy, easy to handle, and most importantly, lightweight. Our boom pole operator loves how lightweight it is. Makes his job easier to do.

New out of the package it has the following minor flaws: -There's a bit of stick in the action of extending the sections, maybe this will improve with use? -The internal coiled cable likes to pull back each section just after it is extended, making the pole more awkward to extend. -There are several small light-colored marks on two of the sections. -There's oil on the carbon fiber near the collar locks. The last two issues are minor quibbles, but when you pay for an A-list brand, it's concerning and disappointing to not get top-notch quality control. I shoot primarily interviews/doc/corporate with ENG-style B-roll. My only pole had been an 8-foot aluminum K-Tek Avalon KE89CC. I bought this new 12-footer for the rare occasions when I need a longer pole. I considered the 12-foot H&A pole, but after trying a new H&A I could tell I wouldn't be satisfied with it - extending sections was way too sticky, the rubber inserts on the locking collars slithered around, and the cable was too short at the mic end. Also the likelihood of future parts availability is highly questionable. So I bit the bullet and bought this K-Tek. I had intended to use this new pole as my main pole, but its bigger size when collapsed plus the sticking and unwanted coiled cable retraction make it awkward enough that I'll probably use my old pole whenever the extra length isn't needed. Pity, because €608! So now my secondary pole costs three times as much as my primary. Gotta keep it though; I think a cheaper pole would have too much handling and cable noise.