Pro Boom Op Evaluates The K-Tek KC-108 Essentials Boom Pole

Imagine that there was a leading boom pole manufacturer located in the US and that company decided to start hand making boom poles at a price point of $200 and that boom pole would be supported and able to be repaired in the US by that same company... well, imagine no longer because in this video I'm going to evaluate this boom - the K-Tek Essentials KC-108 boom pole.
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Full Disclosure:
K-Tek did send me their KC-108 Essentials Boom Pole in exchange for a fair and honest assessment. I do get to keep it following this video but I'm not going to allow that to affect my opinion. K-Tek also did not have any input in this video nor did they see it before release.
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[@itgoochproductions7448]

The hole in the base is a 13/16-20 thread, designed for the Switchcraft B3M panel mount XLR Male connector. This is what they use for their Avalon booms with the coiled internal cable. I know this because I just started making and selling a side-exit adapter for the Avalon series, along with a "Boom-a-Round" adapter for the Avalon poles that allows you to mount a plug-on transmitter nestled up against the base.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thank you for this info. Comment pinned.

[@SoundSpeeds]

There's no such thing. Avalon piles aren't modular

[@VirginaAV]

anywhere to find your side exit adapters?

[@SoundSpeeds]

@itgoochproductions7448

[@jay1324]

This pole looks amazing, especially for the price! Hopefully K-Tek release some longer versions for pro-sumers!

[@SoundSpeeds]

If this one sells well, they might.

[@curtisjudd]

Impressively in-depth look. Thanks, Allen!

[@SoundSpeeds]

Thanks Curtis.

[@audiobuff]

I love the smell of fresh carbon fiber in the morning. Reminds me of my mom.

[@SoundSpeeds]

😲

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Thorough review as always. Is that a lav mic on your hat line?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes sir.

[@MartinShapiroWriter]

I love your enthusiasm for your craft. These reviews are very helpful and I appreciate you taking the time to educate us newbies out here. I subscribed to your channel and look forward to future videos. One of my old film school buddies said "$200 for a boompole?" and I said that's dirt cheap compared to what the pros use. Buy once, cry once!

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's right! And they retain their value for years to come. I have friends selling discontinued booms for more than they bought them for 10 years ago because they are in great condition and discontinued.

[@IMDABROWN]

That opening officially your best. Not in the market for another boom pole but I know to get this if something changes.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Especially at that price point.

[@GKRGY_music]

This is the video I was hoping for since I discovered your channel and basically binge-watched all day for a couple of days in a row. Thank you Allen. It seems the local shops pointed out by the official dealer don't carry K-Tek products anymore and I will have to source around Europe. Totally worth it! My "we all have to start from somewhere kit" is now going to be: Zoom F6, KC-108, Rode NTG5, Rode Blimp MKII, Orca bag/harness. I wish K-Tek was more prominent over here, as I'm learning to love their products from your videos.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Send me an email and tell me where you live. I'll see if my friends at K-Tek can try to get into a local shop.

[@GKRGY_music]

@@SoundSpeeds Hi Allen, just making sure you did receive my email. No need to reply if you don't want to, I'm just making sure it was at least delivered. Wouldn't like you to think I ignored your kind offer. Cheers :)

[@SoundSpeeds]

I reply to every email I received so if I didn't reply, I didn't get it. Please check the spelling and resend.

[@GKRGY_music]

@@SoundSpeeds just to make sure: is the email from this very channel About section -> For business inquiries -> email address still valid? Because that's what I used. Please and thank you.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes

[@kikevigp]

Great review, thank you very much. I laughed a lot with the train conflict 😂 Do you know if is possible to buy from Spain?

[@SoundSpeeds]

I would imagine so. Contact your local pro audio dealer

[@kikevigp]

@@SoundSpeeds I will, thanks 🙏

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@jay1324]

freakin' trains man

[@jonbuder]

This one seems very flexible, would you have any concerns about having a blimp + deadcat and maybe even a transmitter at the end and having it extended most of the way?

[@SoundSpeeds]

That's a feel thing. I doubt it would be a problem though with 9' of length.

[@jonbuder]

@@SoundSpeeds Good to know. I am using a Gitzo pole (also 9 foot) which is pretty heavy, not much flex. But eventually I hope to get a longer one, which is lighter but might flex more. And it would be for outdoors which would be a heavy setup.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍

[@curtisjudd]

Oh, and stop smelling your boom pole.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I will not! I'll be looking for the Yankee Candle scent soon.

[@kevinkelly2513]

@@SoundSpeeds Could the smell and the stickiness be coming from K-TeK Boomershine?

[@SoundSpeeds]

Maybe. It's been such a long time since I've come across it...

[@ColinZiemer1]

@@SoundSpeedsimagine a 9 foot candle of a boom pole

[@SoundSpeeds]

I'd buy it.

[@cornergarageproductions9182]

K-Tek comes in a distant to the OG Loon pole.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Depends on your preferences. I know many die hard K-Tek guys that didn't like Loon.

[@kevinkelly2513]

The "Midnight Train to Georgia"?

[@SoundSpeeds]

🤷

[@Hugmir]

I liked the overly-conversational train.

[@SoundSpeeds]

That makes one of us

[@imark7777777]

So if that's the best $200 boom pole what's the best $100 boom pole? What about $50? Almost like a challenge to find the best cheapest boom pole.

[@SoundSpeeds]

I don't know

[@VirginaAV]

$50 rode? $200 Avalon or KC in my research.

[@SoundSpeeds]

Avalon anyway. You can get a Composite for $300 new

[@nicklodeonstudios2944]

Can the cable come out the top as well?? If i run an internal straight cable??

[@SoundSpeeds]

It should but you shouldn't unless you have the right attachment at the base.

[@nicklodeonstudios2944]

@@SoundSpeeds Ok, but youre saying it’s possible to have a typical straight XLR cable run straight through the hole at the bottom, & come out at the top end as do other k-tek poles??

[@SoundSpeeds]

Yes.

[@nicklodeonstudios2944]

@@SoundSpeeds copyy that.

[@SoundSpeeds]

👍