Best budget boom pole? ($100-200)

[Andreas]

What is the best boom pole in the 100-200 dollar price range?

[Axel Mishael]

There's none of that price that can be worth it I believe.

 

[Andreas]

I'm buying a cheap one as backup and I'm trying to pick the best from this price range.

[Johnny Karlsson]

“Best”…?

To get any help here, I would suggest  specify:

Length, un-cabled/ Cabled (coiled, straight etc) ? 

 

As far as I know there’s nothing even available in that price range. Maybe a used short aluminum pole?

 

 

[Andreas]

I was looking at the Rode Pro (3m, un-coiled) and hoping it might be more usable then their ordinary one. I know this is not pro gear but I'm looking for a backup and if someone feels it's beneath them there's really no reason to reply.

[osa]

The best option for the price in my experience is the ktek avalon aluminum poles i believe they are around $200 w/internal coiled xlr. I have one I could sell but not worth the shipping i am sure to your location - you might find one local used much easier. Or if only for backup you can be creative with extra long selfie sticks, mono stands or monopods and adaptors for an external cabled version  in a pinch plus i am sure those bits could find use for other things

[Andreas]

Thanks a lot

[Tim Norris]

If you already have the best... get an identical one for backup so you won't feel compromised.

If you don't have the very best, upgrade to a better pole and use your current one as a backup.

If you need a different pole for special purposes (longer, shorter), get the best that you can afford.

 

Never cheap out on your gear...

 

Cheers,

 

Tim

[CineStrega]

I'd also say the Avalons are the best budget pole, but at the price it's going to be aluminum. If you poke around places that sell used gear you can probably find a decent used carbon pole. Alternatively, get another length that way you have options. 

[IronFilm]

Here you go, here is a Ktek boom pole (as has been mentioned already) which fits within your budget:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/319988-REG/K_Tek_KE_89CC_KE_89CC_Avalon_Series_Aluminum.html 

 

But I honestly feel like 7.6" is a teeny bit on the short side, unless it really is for emergency usage. (perhaps you're doing a run & gun reality tv show which is fully expected to just be 100% on the lavs, but you're a little uncomfortable yourself personally going out without any boom pole?? Then sure, you might just want "something" that folds up very compact to just a couple of feet long. You might go for the even smaller: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387889-REG/K_Tek_KE_79_KE_79_Traveler_Avalon.html)

 

So anyway, I would suggest spending a teeny bit more, and get this 9' 3" (2.8m) long boom pole for US$222: 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/326966-REG/K_Tek_KE_110_KE_110_Avalon_Series_Aluminum.html 

Or even this one for US$249 which gives you a full 12 feet:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/625156-REG/K_Tek_KE_144_KE_144_Avalon_Series_Aluminum.html 

 

I've used the Rode Boompole Pro on a short film once, and I don't think I'd strongly recommend it at all. Plus the Rode is more expensive than a K-Tek KE-144!

[Andreas]

Thanks for the input on Rode Pro, and good point about the length!