Derek H Posted September 20, 2015 Report Share Posted September 20, 2015 https://vimeopro.com/ipstv/ips-tv-at-ibc-2015/video/139217326 Seems like they're trying for yet another new locking mechanism. Hopefully better than the last generation I owned which I can only describe as terrible. Too bad because they are very rigid and I like the glossy section, very low handling noise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olle Sjostrom Posted September 20, 2015 Report Share Posted September 20, 2015 I loved the old VdB poles. Now I own a PSC one, cus they're pretty similar. Not sure about that new VdB though... It looks like it could be either rubbish or great.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pindrop Posted September 20, 2015 Report Share Posted September 20, 2015 https://vimeopro.com/ipstv/ips-tv-at-ibc-2015/video/139217326 Seems like they're trying for yet another new locking mechanism. Hopefully better than the last generation I owned which I can only describe as terrible. Too bad because they are very rigid and I like the glossy section, very low handling noise. I liked the last generation, because the locking threads / collars are very finely graduated, and it is possible to set them such that the pole can be extended/ collapsed without touching the collars, but with sufficient friction to stop a 416 size mic with full Rycote and Windjammer from twisting. So very fast to work with, excellent as far as I am concerned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek H Posted September 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2015 Yeah that never worked for me with mine. I'd say you got a good one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Norflus Posted September 21, 2015 Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 I have two Vdb poles one of which is about 20 years old and I love that pole. The locks are great and in my opinion its the best pole I've ever used. And I have a Vdb thats about 10 to 15 years old and the locks suck. Possibly the worst pole I've ever used. Those locks look pretty cool and I would be very intrested in taking it out for a test drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bash Posted September 21, 2015 Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 The new 1/4 turn locking mechanism felt really sweet when I tried it at IBC. I had Mr Wolff of Rycote nexct to me and we were both smiling. I think VdB might be back on top form!!!! Kindest, sb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toy Robot Posted September 21, 2015 Report Share Posted September 21, 2015 I would LOVE 1/4 turn locking connectors. I will definitely check these new poles out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Capulli Posted September 22, 2015 Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 I love my VDB XL I would jump on one of these Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pindrop Posted September 22, 2015 Report Share Posted September 22, 2015 Yeah that never worked for me with mine. I'd say you got a good one. All five of them? I would LOVE 1/4 turn locking connectors. I will definitely check these new poles out. Not so sure myself, because I love the current model for the reason I have outlined above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Sonnenfeld Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 Are the new locks being used yet? Has anyone had a chance to try them? I'm looking to get a new 12 or 14 footer and am considering the vdb large. Was looking at one in the shop though it made a pretty loud noise as it was opened and closed. Maybe air or the graphite itself passing through the locks Is this normal? Does the noise go away with use? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Norflus Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 Other than the noise - how were the locks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bash Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 IPS TV video including these poles is here........ http://tinyurl.com/nlunf45 Kindest, sb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Sonnenfeld Posted November 19, 2015 Report Share Posted November 19, 2015 They felt pretty nice but not certain if they were the new locks. Trying to find out if vdb is shipping poles using them already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Sonnenfeld Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Spoke to vdb. The new locks will be shipping in january along with new carbon. Price lists should be available in about 2 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pindrop Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 (edited) One of the great things about VDB poles was that, because of the precision and fineness of the thread, it was quite easy to find a position where there was sufficient friction to stop the mic twisting (even a 416 style in basket with windjammer), but remained sufficiently loose to just be able to pull the pole out without touching the locking collars. This made them very fast to use, and one of the main reasons I have stuck with them for many years. I wonder if the new locks will offer this? It's something I always test for when evaluating boom poles, and none come close to the now soon to be previous model of the VDB for this. Edited November 20, 2015 by pindrop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olle Sjostrom Posted November 20, 2015 Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Pindrop, this is exactly the reason I went with PSC. I've used Vdb in the past, but since the new locks (before these) were not so good. The PSC has exactly what I liked with Vdb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek H Posted November 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 20, 2015 Inconsistent would be the best word to describe my experience with Vdb poles. Some have been fantastic, unfortunately the one I actually owned and paid the most for had terrible locks. Even after a trip back to France it still came back to me with nearly unusable locks. Lots of mic twisting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Blankenship Posted November 21, 2015 Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 I like vdB poles for the reasons others have listed. However, each of my three is built differently, and performs differently. I like my K-Tek poles because they perform consistently and K-Tek support is second to none. The latter can't be said about vdB or Loon. Among the three brands, when your pole needs refurbing, you'll be by far the happiest if you own a K-Tek. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pindrop Posted November 21, 2015 Report Share Posted November 21, 2015 Pindrop, this is exactly the reason I went with PSC. I've used Vdb in the past, but since the new locks (before these) were not so good. The PSC has exactly what I liked with Vdb. I'll have to see if I can arrange to try some, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElanorR Posted November 22, 2015 Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 Be sure to test this new one out wet. My slightly older model (with the colored measurement lines 16ft) is really hard to use when wet, or even on a damp morning. The collars either slip or won't unlock. Indoors its a great, really light pole, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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