Making your own boompole

[John Unger]

I have read a couple of threads about people making their own boompoles. The two main substitutes I have seen have been either an extendable paint/window washing pole OR the handle to a fish landing net.

I searched this weekend for one of these solutions to use with my Rode Videomic. I could not find a local dealer of the telescopic fishing net handles, but I did find a few extendable poles at the hardware store.

My questions: Has anyone tried to go this route before? Is there a certain material that is better than another (fiberglass, plastic, metal)?

I have been waiting on the Rode Boompole to be restocked at online retailers but it has yet to happen. I am needing this rather quickly for a demo I am shooting in 2 weeks.

Any input, suggestions or advice is greatly appreciated.

[Mike Teutsch]

John,


If you just want something cheap, go to Home Depot and get the light bulb changing kit. It goes from about 39" to 11' when you extend it. It is light weight aluminum, and four sections, weights less than two pounds. It come with many attachments, including a large rubber suction cup. Wrap the suction cup around the mic and use a couple of rubber bands to hold in place on each end. I did it and it works just fine.

Total cost $19.95 plus tax!

Mike

http://treasurecoastvideo.com/images/P1010074.JPG
http://treasurecoastvideo.com/images/P1010075.JPG
http://treasurecoastvideo.com/images/P1010076.JPG

[Greg Boston]

Originally Posted by Mike Teutsch

John,


If you just want something cheap, go to Home Depot and get the light bulb changing kit. It goes from about 39" to 11' when you extend it. It is light weight aluminum, and four sections, weights less than two pounds. It come with many attachments, including a large rubber suction cup. Wrap the suction cup around the mic and use a couple of rubber bands to hold in place on each end. I did it and it works just fine.

Total cost $19.95 plus tax!

Mike

http://treasurecoastvideo.com/images/P1010074.JPG
http://treasurecoastvideo.com/images/P1010075.JPG
http://treasurecoastvideo.com/images/P1010076.JPG

Excellent idea with the suction cup Mike. I am using the same pole but it was painted a bright yellow so I scuffed it and repainted to flat black. I also substituted the original end grip with a pair of BMX bicycle hand grips. One is at the very bottom, the other is at the end of the first section. They are the nice big grips with a flange on the end which keeps your hands from slipping.

-gb-