Stiff boom materials

[InteraX]

Hi all,

What stiff boom materials do you use? I'm looking for something that will 'reset' a rig if picked up and dropped. For hooklinks (blowback, slip-d etc), I normally use ESP Tungsten Loaded (x-stiff), but I find this a bit soft for what I'm after. I'm trying out the ESP Stiff Rig hooklink, however it's so stiff and thick that tying knots well can be a challenge. Ideally, I'm looking for something in between. What would you recommend?

[framey]

could try amnesia

or jell e wire 

Edited September 23, 2024 by framey

[salokcinnodrog]

  On 23/09/2024 at 14:07, InteraX said:

Hi all,

What stiff boom materials do you use? I'm looking for something that will 'reset' a rig if picked up and dropped. For hooklinks (blowback, slip-d etc), I normally use ESP Tungsten Loaded (x-stiff), but I find this a bit soft for what I'm after. I'm trying out the ESP Stiff Rig hooklink, however it's so stiff and thick that tying knots well can be a challenge. Ideally, I'm looking for something in between. What would you recommend?

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For years my boom material has been 20lb Amnesia in black or clear.

The black seems slightly more supple, but both work.

On booms, I use it either knotted to a supple material as part of a combi rig, or tied to a size 10 swivel if I'm using it for a pop-up rig.

[framey]

Hydro link is pretty good aswell 

you can also strip out the core for a supple section 

I keep forgetting about this stuff 

[elmoputney]

I mainly use 15lb korda boom, I have used Gardner stiff link before in 25lb but I find they can be too thick and wirey in 25lb, I like the korda one because you can now get XS crimps which match the 15lb nicely. The 15lb boom is a little more supple and yet stiff enough to always reset. 

[yonny]

  On 23/09/2024 at 14:07, InteraX said:

ESP Tungsten Loaded (x-stiff), but I find this a bit soft for what I'm after. I'm trying out the ESP Stiff Rig hooklink, however it's so stiff and thick that tying knots well can be a challenge.

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Tbh if the X-Stiff aint stiff enough you have little choice but to go to a high memory stiff/bristle/chod filament type material. I've not come across any coated braid stiffer than the X-Stiff.

Any decent stiff filament will do. I've used Gardner, Korda, and ESP stuff over the years. They're all much of a muchness imo.  Knots are dead easy with super stiff stuff - just do a 2 turn blood knot. Doesn't get any easier 😃

  On 23/09/2024 at 14:52, framey said:

Hydro link is pretty good aswell 

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Yup. Something a little different. Their CAMH20 stiff link is decent too and also a bit different to others on the market. It pulls straight!

[elmoputney]

  On 23/09/2024 at 14:52, framey said:

Hydro link is pretty good aswell 

you can also strip out the core for a supple section 

I keep forgetting about this stuff 

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I've got some of that still, it does make a good boom tbh, I think I bought a weird colour though it's almost the same as a pair of farah action slacks. 

Also don't buy the extreme that is impossible to use. 

[framey]

  On 23/09/2024 at 18:23, elmoputney said:

I've got some of that still, it does make a good boom tbh, I think I bought a weird colour though it's almost the same as a pair of farah action slacks. 

Also don't buy the extreme that is impossible to use. 

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The one I have is a salmon colour 

 

[salokcinnodrog]

  On 23/09/2024 at 15:25, yonny said:

I've not come across any coated braid stiffer than the X-Stiff.

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@yonny how does it compare to Snakeskin and Snakebite?

 

[yonny]

  On 26/09/2024 at 06:38, salokcinnodrog said:

@yonny how does it compare to Snakeskin and Snakebite?

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Stiffer but with less of a wiry feel.