Quick releases for boom poles?

[Jim Feeley]

Nope I've never gotten on the quick-release train. Because I'm an idiot. But now there are a few alternatives to the Ambient QuickLok (though none match the QuickLok's groovy purple). So what do you use and recommend? Things I'm considering (and that appear to still be available):

 

Ambient QuickLok Quick Release

Rycote PCS Boom Connector

Orca Bags OR-45 quick release

Sound Guys Solutions quick release

 

Just standard boompoles (a couple K-Tek and a couple LTM; LTMs mainly used for sit downs ), all 12 feet (~3.5 meters) or shorter, and standard mics (Schoeps, Sanken, sometimes a 416), in standard screen (heaviest is a Rycote Modular for CS-3e). So not an unusual amount of strain on the connector.

 

ANYWAY, what are you using and what do you recommend?

 

[jason porter]

I recently switched to Rycote PCS from SGS. Very happy so far, no issues.

[Mattias Larsen]

My favorite that I have used so far is the Rycote one. The ones I have personally on the poles for now since it is much cheaper is the Aliexpress knockoff of the Ambient. Its okey, but the Rycote is pretty foolproof to operate.

[JonG]

I used to use the Ambient ones but sometimes they lock up, and it’s always go-time when they do. I switched to SGS and like them a lot. I have them on all seven of my poles. 

[KC Kelly]

I think the SGS ones are the lightest.

[Johnny Karlsson]

18 hours ago, JonG said:

I used to use the Ambient ones but sometimes they lock up, and it’s always go-time when they do. I switched to SGS and like them a lot. I have them on all seven of my poles. 

After I learned to not let them snap back, and instead keep a finger on it to slow the rotation as it twists back into place, they will no longer lock up. Haven’t happened even once since I figured this out.

 

[Tim Norris]

I'm a fan of the Rycote quick release.

 I have fitted them to all of my poles , accessories and microphones. Super easy to change things out.

[Spin360]

Definitely Rycote PCS.

[Constantin]

Yes, I have also bought a pile of the Rycote PCS, they are brilliant. And they are kind of purple, too!

[VASI]

I have switched from Rycote PCS back to Ambient QL. There where two problems. One was getting dirty inside the mechanism making plug - unplug a little stressful (not smooth). Second, IDK how to explain it in English or with words; but between the black and grey parts - after a month (using it with MKH70 & MKH50) the grey part was jingling, like a loose screw inside.

[DanieldH]

Dumping this thread for reference:

 

My 2 ct: 

I am pretty happy with my PCS Boom Cons and may expand my collection with other products of the PCS ecosystem. A feature no other system has, afaik. I prefet the Boom Con pulling operation a lot more to the QuickLock twist.

Dirt/Sand is an obvious nogo for these mechanics. (neither is salt water, as they involve springs). If I'd work regularly on beaches I might prefer solutions from SGS or Panamic or alike.

[Michiel]

Personally I just unscrew as I don't switch boom that often... The theory is that it's lighter.

[Trey LaCroix CAS]

I like my ambient quick releases.

[RunAndGun]

Rycote.

[Axel Mishael]

Rycote

[Jim Feeley]

Really helpful responses everyone! Thanks!

[John Dombroski]

You may have already seen this, hope it's useful! A friend of mine swears by ambient, but I'll probably eventually put my money on the Sound Guy Solutions one for its locking mechanism and 360 degree rotation.

 

 

[Derek H]

I say get the same system as your colleagues and crew you regularly work with have. For me that’s Ambient and they are durable and mostly trouble free. Good advice not to let it snap back to avoid lock ups.