Boom Pole Quick Release Systems?

[IronFilm]

Thoughts on Ambient QuikLok vs Rycote PCS-Boom Quick Release System vs nothing vs something else?

[Johnny Karlsson]

- Ambient QuikLok works great for me.

 

- I saw and handled the new Rycote ones at an event a few months back - they seem great, but I haven't actually used them, so whatever that's worth...

 

- For antenna mast and perhaps mic stands, I use On-Stage QK-2B... works fine, but I would not wanna put them on a pole, as the weight would be equal to (or even more than) that of a mic, especially since they are 5/8" threaded and require adapters to 3/8-16, which adds even more weight.

 

- Using no quick mount works fine too, of course. I used to simply carry two assembled poles - one for interior- and one for exterior- mic complete with wind protection. This is in some situations even quicker....

[Kisaha]

I got the PCS, I did a little post on them a little while ago on a similar thread.

[JonG]

I’ve been using the SGS ones since they’ve been available. I’m very happy with them, and have them on all my poles. 

 

I used to use the Ambient ones but found that they would sometimes lock up for no reason. 

[VASI]

I have been impressed with the new one from Rycote.

[Freeheel]

On 2/13/2019 at 3:22 PM, JonG said:

I used to use the Ambient ones but found that they would sometimes lock up for no reason. 

 

I do like the Ambients, but the random lock-up is really getting up my nose.  I can't figure out how to prevent it. I keep them greased, as per instructions, but every once in a blue moon they really lock- like I can't even release it with a Leatherman.

 

This thread actually just reminded me that I have a locked one in my bag right now, it happened last week on an out of town  shoot, and I finished the day by just screwing off the jammed end from the mic suspension.

Going to go to the toolbox right now to get 2 pairs of channel lock pliers to release it.

 

If anyone has a solution to this, please enlighten us!

 

Cheers,

Brent Calkin

[Johnny Karlsson]

On 2/15/2019 at 2:20 PM, Freeheel said:

 

I do like the Ambients, but the random lock-up is really getting up my nose.  I can't figure out how to prevent it. I keep them greased, as per instructions, but every once in a blue moon they really lock- like I can't even release it with a Leatherman.

 

[snip]

 

If anyone has a solution to this, please enlighten us!

 

Cheers,

Brent Calkin

 

Hey gang, I have one that locked up really bad right now - any tricks or solutions to getting it un-stuck?

I've had it happen occasionally, and always managed to wiggle it loose, sometimes with some mild force - but this one won't let go...

[Paul F]

Push the release lever and push the whole assembly down in the opposite direction of the latch while at the same time pulling out. I've had a Neutrik get stuck on the Switchcraft XLR of my boom. That procedure worked. 

[Johnny Karlsson]

Thanks, Paul - I will try that next time. I just did this right before I saw your post:

 

 

 

Now, after fiddling with it a bit, I noticed that it doesn't seem to have anything to do with grease, but rather if I let the spring action snap it back, it gets stuck. If I guide it back by hand, softening the way it settles in, it does not get stuck.

[Constantin]

I've been using the Rycote PCS system for a while now and must say it's great. Superior to every other system I've seen in every way

[Matthias Richter]

On 1/5/2022 at 11:23 PM, Johnny Karlsson said:

Thanks, Paul - I will try that next time. I just did this right before I saw your post:

 

 

 

Now, after fiddling with it a bit, I noticed that it doesn't seem to have anything to do with grease, but rather if I let the spring action snap it back, it gets stuck. If I guide it back by hand, softening the way it settles in, it does not get stuck.

you just found the top secret solution. Don’t let it snap! Have your index finger on the purple part and let slide back into the locking position. 

[Dalton Patterson]

On 1/5/2022 at 2:23 PM, Johnny Karlsson said:

Thanks, Paul - I will try that next time. I just did this right before I saw your post:

 

 

 

Now, after fiddling with it a bit, I noticed that it doesn't seem to have anything to do with grease, but rather if I let the spring action snap it back, it gets stuck. If I guide it back by hand, softening the way it settles in, it does not get stuck.

Awww, poor anodizing…

 

As a solution, next time just use a piece of bicycle inner tube tire that you cut to size and place it around the object before vice gripping them into vice grip oblivion. 🤫 Ask me how I know. 

[Johnny Karlsson]

5 hours ago, Dalton Patterson said:

Awww, poor anodizing…

 

As a solution, next time just use a piece of bicycle inner tube tire that you cut to size and place it around the object before vice gripping them into vice grip oblivion. 🤫 Ask me how I know. 

Haha! Yeah, I know you are absolutely right, but but but I was really careful with the vise grips - I promise

[RunAndGun]

On 1/8/2022 at 10:25 AM, Constantin said:

I've been using the Rycote PCS system for a while now and must say it's great. Superior to every other system I've seen in every way

These are what I’m using, too.  Easy in, easy out and feel solid.

[Eric]

The Panamic quick release. An oldie/classic, but goodie.

Just check the screw is tight every so often. Easy to remove one handed. I've fallen for them.

[Freeheel]

Hmmm, don't let it snap.  Makes perfect sense...  Thanks!

 

(I actually choose my leatherman multitools based on whether their jaws can fit around the Ambient quick-connect...)

 

Cheers,

Brent Calkin

[Alien]

Started with Panamic's and still think simple is best and have 4 Panamic poles. On my cabled (Loon and Ktek) poles I went with Ambient early on and have used them without problem in many different environments including sandy, salty beaches and cold Alaska mountains. As I've not had any problems I've not bothered to check into others.

 

[Constantin]

3 hours ago, Alien said:

As I've not had any problems I've not bothered to check into others

The Rycote system solves problems you never knew you had. It’s lighter and the mic mount almost jumps out. You just pull the pcs down and the mic pops out. True one-handed operation

[RunAndGun]

4 hours ago, Constantin said:

The Rycote system solves problems you never knew you had. It’s lighter and the mic mount almost jumps out. You just pull the pcs down and the mic pops out. True one-handed operation

And the Rycote doesn’t F-up the threads on the pole, either.

[axel]

On 1/5/2022 at 11:23 PM, Johnny Karlsson said:

it doesn't seem to have anything to do with grease

A colleague, whose (old) Ambients still work like new, told me he uses a bycicle grease called "white grease". I thought to be smart and tried the grease provided by Ambient for their threads on the poles (it is also white): Bad idea, all treated Quicklocks got stuck and were only possible to open the way like Johnny Karlsson showed. I cleaned the grease out and they were like before: a princess to open only with the right sense of touch.

 

Now I changed to the Rycotes and ... YES! easy true one hand operation. No fails within first year.

[Movies by Matt]

Ahhhh bike grease…my specialty. For small quantities I highly recommend:

 

1. Finish Line Flouro grease

http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/bicycle-greases/extreme-fluoro-grease

 

I got into this grease from building bikes with S&S stainless steel couplers and it being recommended by  the manufacturer. If you want to do a deep dive on the reasons why they chose this grease it can be found here:

 

http://www.sandsmachine.com/ac_greas.htm

 

I’m going to get those Rycote PCS products based off of this thread. Thank you to the contributors and of course JW!