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The Sound Recordist's Toolbox: Boom-Buddy Boom Pole - Review

boom-buddy logo
boom-buddy boom pole

Recently, I had the chance to test out one of the new boom poles from the Boom-Buddy brand while working on a documentary shoot near York. I was excited to see how this pole would perform in a real-world setting, especially in comparison to other brands I’ve used over the years. In this blog, I'll share my honest thoughts on the Boom-Buddy 4-Section Boom Pole, discussing its strengths and weaknesses, and how it stacks up against the competition.


Boom-Buddy 4-Section Boom Pole: Specifications

boom-buddy boom pole twist releases
Boom-Buddy's boom pole is made from carbon fibre

The model I tested is the ‘Boom-Buddy 4-section boom pole’, constructed from carbon fibre. When collapsed, it measures a compact 93cm, extending up to 308cm at full length. It features a removable 3/8” thread and offers the option for internal cabling—useful for those who prefer a cleaner setup.


Initial Impressions

boom-buddy boom pole rubber mount
Boom-Buddy's boom pole features a rubber mount at the bottom

Right out of the box, my first impression was the pole’s lightweight feel. Holding it, the pole felt sturdy yet comfortable, which is crucial for long days on set. A standout feature for me was the rubber mount at the bottom, which effectively prevents the pole from sliding when placed on the ground or leaned against a surface. This might seem like a small detail, but it’s incredibly practical during shoots.


Performance in the Field: Pros and Cons

One of the biggest advantages of the Boom-Buddy boom pole is its value for money. Compared to other boom poles on the market, especially those made from similar materials like carbon fibre, it offers excellent quality without breaking the bank. The twist-releases used to extend and collapse each section are user-friendly and add to the overall ease of handling. The pole’s lightweight nature and its impressive maximum length make it suitable for a variety of scenarios, particularly in TV factual work and documentary filmmaking.

boom-buddy boom pole removable mount
The rubber mount at the bottom is removable to allow internal cabling

However, there are some trade-offs to consider. For instance, while the pole supports internal cabling, this feature requires removing the rubber mount at the bottom. This means that when using internal cabling, you lose the benefit of the anti-slip rubber base, which could be a minor inconvenience depending on your setup needs.


Another point worth mentioning is the handling noise. Like many boom poles, the Boom-Buddy isn’t entirely silent when adjusting hand positions, which is something to keep in mind during quieter scenes. In a side-by-side test with my Ambient QSM carbon fibre pole, the Boom-Buddy produced slightly more noise—though not enough to be a dealbreaker.


The twist-releases, while generally easy to use, can sometimes come loose more easily than expected. This could be seen as both a pro and a con: it’s handy for quick adjustments, but it might be troublesome if you need the sections to stay locked in place securely.


Comparing the Boom-Buddy to Other Brands

dan guest using boom-buddy
Dan connecting a Sennheiser 416 mic to the Boom-Buddy

In terms of how it compares to other poles, the Boom-Buddy holds its own quite well. I’ve been using an Ambient QSM pole as my go-to for years, and I also have a smaller Rycote pole. The Boom-Buddy easily outperforms the Rycote in terms of weight, maneuverability, and the added benefit of the rubber mount. However, when it comes to my trusted Ambient QSM, the decision isn’t as clear-cut. The Boom-Buddy is significantly lighter, which is a huge plus, but the Ambient pole’s proven reliability, particularly in challenging weather conditions, gives me pause. It remains to be seen how well the Boom-Buddy will perform in similar environments.


Final Thoughts

Dan on set with the Boom-Buddy boom pole
Dan on set with the Boom-Buddy boom pole

The Boom-Buddy 4-Section Boom Pole is an impressive piece of kit, especially given its price point of around £200 (as of August 2024). It’s lightweight, well-constructed, and easy to use, with thoughtful features like the rubber mount at the bottom. While it has a few minor drawbacks, such as the need to remove the mount for internal cabling and some handling noise, these are relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things. Overall, I’m pleased with this boom pole, and I think it’s a solid addition to my sound kit. If you’re in the market for an affordable yet high-quality boom pole, the Boom-Buddy is definitely worth considering.


For more details on this pole, check out the product page here.


To learn more about Boom-Buddy, visit their website here.



Dan Guest

Sound Recordist

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