Windkiller poll

[JonG]

I’ve been using Koala fuzzies on my shotguns for mild wind situations for many years, and they’re all basically falling apart at this point, so it looks like I need to replace them. Sadly they have not been available for some time, so I have to look into a different brand. I never liked the Rycote ones, I always felt that they weren’t any more affective than using the foam that comes with the mic. 
 

There seems to be a number of newer solutions available within the past several years. So what are people using? Likes, dislikes? I will be primarily using Sennheiser mkh416’s and Schoeps cmit5u’s.
 

Let’s hear your iptinions and experiences. 

[edward chick]

I’ve been using the Bubble Bee Windkiller series with good results last few years. 

[inspire]

Rycote Works for me. If I could buy again, I would buy Cinela Pianissimo. Why I bought Rycote, there are some things, such as that it a little cheaper and a little smaller in dimensions and putting on is easier. Also, the cylinder takes a little less space than Cinela (for storage at home). I expect Cinela to work a little better, although I have not unfortunately tried it myself (the reason that I just don't have it to try here). I will obviously not be able to acquire it on my side either. I am not happy with the stronger wind (with Rycote), but I am not sure, if Cinela would just fix it. The weaker wind, then Rycote is good enough (in my opinion).

Edited October 8 by inspire
Instead Piano better Pianissimo!

[JonG]

8 hours ago, inspire said:

Rycote Works for me. If I could buy again, I would buy Cinela Piano. Why I bought Rycote, there are some things, such as that it a little cheaper and a little smaller in dimensions and putting on is easier. Also, the cylinder takes a little less space than Cinela (for storage at home). I expect Cinela to work a little better, although I have not unfortunately tried it myself (the reason that I just don't have it to try here). I will obviously not be able to acquire it on my side either. I am not happy with the stronger wind (with Rycote), but I am not sure, if Cinela would just fix it. The weaker wind, then Rycote is good enough (in my opinion).

Thanks but I’m not talking about blimps. I am good in that department. 

[inspire]

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I meant that mild wind situations already require blimps? My experience shows that my setup becomes quite ineffective when there’s even a bit more wind. The recording example in the photo was taken from a birdwatching tower. I already know that it’s usually not worth bringing my gear to such a place, because if there’s any stronger wind, the result would be unusable.

[Roland Harris]

On 10/6/2025 at 8:37 AM, JonG said:

I never liked the Rycote ones, I always felt that they weren’t any more affective than using the foam that comes with the mic.

Which 'Rycote ones': Classic Softie or Super Softie? Or both? Both are certainly better than any foam I have come across for a shotgun mic. One alternative would be a Radius Nimbus. But also, though getting into blimps, which I know you say you have covered, the (small diameter) Radius Mini-ALTOs might be worth considering for mild wind (esp. if at least some of the slip-on ones don't deliver what you want) as they can be removed and added very quickly. And with fur on, they can then step up a level in terms of wind protection. Or Cinela Cosi?

Cheers,

Roland

[syncsound]

I switched from classic Rycote softies to the Gutmann wind screens and never looked back. They're incredibly light, and perfect for low wind:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Gutmann-Microphone-Windshield-Windscreen-Sennheiser/dp/B01N9UAUYO

[OB1]

I switched to Cinela Cosi and don't use any of my windkiller or softies, etc. anymore. Sonically no difference so you can deal with light to medium wind no issues and the integrated suspension with a QR makes it a quick setup. Interiors I'm using the OEM DPA foamy and in high wind the blimp comes out. 

[Johnny Karlsson]

+1 for the Bubblebee Windkiller - it has been working very well in my experience.

[JonG]

7 hours ago, syncsound said:

I switched from classic Rycote softies to the Gutmann wind screens and never looked back. They're incredibly light, and perfect for low wind:

 

https://www.amazon.com/Gutmann-Microphone-Windshield-Windscreen-Sennheiser/dp/B01N9UAUYO

Interesting, I’d never heard of these

4 hours ago, OB1 said:

I switched to Cinela Cosi and don't use any of my windkiller or softies, etc. anymore. Sonically no difference so you can deal with light to medium wind no issues and the integrated suspension with a QR makes it a quick setup. Interiors I'm using the OEM DPA foamy and in high wind the blimp comes out. 

Cinela Cosis are only made for short mics, not “full size” shotguns. I spoke with them about that when they were first introduced and they seemed very much against the idea of making them available for longer mics. 

[igomarsound]

for efficient wind suppression and transparent sound, the mics should be in a basket like the cinela pianissimo, the rode blimp or the radius alto IMHO,

 

this is my conclusion after using softies that you put on mic body is that it's meh

[Johnny Karlsson]

6 hours ago, igomarsound said:

for efficient wind suppression and transparent sound, the mics should be in a basket like the cinela pianissimo, the rode blimp or the radius alto IMHO,

 

this is my conclusion after using softies that you put on mic body is that it's meh

As JonG mentioned above, he is good in that department. As am I. However, the Bubblebee Windkiller is quite transparent, and works well in many situations. In fact, I rarely bring out the Pianissimo. But yes, when the wind really kicks up, that is of course the way to go.

[John Dombroski]

For what it's worth, I've just spotted that Radius is making fur for a bunch of different wind protection, blimps and beyond, from different manufacturers. I've not used it yet, but heard decent reviews so far. In serious wind, my Rycote long fur has been sufficient on the blimp and is holding up well enough with a quick brush every once in a while to keep it fresh.

[ivanovich]

I’ve had really good experiences with the Bubblebee wind jammer. Nice and light too!