HenryMilliner Posted November 21, 2018 Report Share Posted November 21, 2018 Hello Folks. Having taken a couple of years sabbatical after emigrating from London to the Smokey Mountains to start a farm and family, I'm looking to get back to doing what I love! As I'm reviewing and rebuilding my kit, one thing that always disappointed me was my short boom pole. I used to be a dedicated Panamic fan, and for film work probably still am, but I was very sad to find their 5 stage fixed tip very disappointing and the customer service was awful. What are y'uns into, has anything come on the market recently? (The locals barely catch my accent these days 🙂) I guess I need about 4 stages with about 10-14ft reach, that is built well and just feels good to use. Thanks for any input, Henry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Rillie Posted November 21, 2018 Report Share Posted November 21, 2018 Sorry to hear that, Henry, about customer service. I have dealt with Canford's a few times now for replacement parts, and a new boom and found them very good and responsive to my inquiries. The Panamic Maxi that has 3 stages and goes to 14 feet. It has been our go to pole for drama for over 20 years now. We have 3 of them now, and a 4 stageSsuper Maxi 16 footer - "built well, and just feels good to use" No experience with a 5 stage Panamic. The 14 foot Maxi is very light and stiff, collars work flawlessly, repair parts available, and everything I use has the Panamic quick release attachments on it. My VdB documentary booms have the fittings added for the Panamic release, as well as my super shorty Ambient. I guess you are aware of the caveat about tightening the Panamic quick release - find the end of slot and make sure the flange on the thumbscrew seats in the circle, not just close. (just a tip for anyone new to Panamic) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric Toline Posted November 21, 2018 Report Share Posted November 21, 2018 Take a serious look at the Ambient line of poles. One of the best line of CF poles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kisaha Posted November 21, 2018 Report Share Posted November 21, 2018 Vdb has a new range. PSC have been reliable through the years. Ambient QXS are excellent for general use. I am debating buying a medium K-Tek or an Ambient QXS for ENG work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HenryMilliner Posted November 27, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2018 Thanks for the input folks, that gives me a great place to start. Jim, I agree that the Maxi poles age great, they just seem a lot more robust and better built than the Mini I had. Maybe I just caught Panamic/Canford on a bad day, but with near on $1000 in regret it's great to have some other options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Louw Verwoerd Posted December 12, 2018 Report Share Posted December 12, 2018 Hi Henry What about the 5 section mini Panamic did you find disappointing? Is it noisy, too bendy with a proper wind shield and rifle in the basket? Any elaboration on your $1000 disappointment would be appreciated. The collapsed length is what I find very attractive.. I'm a Panamic fanatic (even after my Ambient pole acquisitions) I was about to make the purchase when I saw this thread... Best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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