JamStands JS-TB100 Telescoping Boom

Needed to replace an old one and this is just what what's needed excellent

I'm a big fan of Ultimate Support equipment because it's always engineered and manufactured to a high level... when I open the box my expectations are met or exceeded. Well this is not really Ultimate Support gear, and if they're going for a budget line with the JamStands label then I think they'll tarnish their name. It only takes 15 seconds to see that this boom arm will not take abuse and will likely fail eventually with normal use. It will suffice for someone who sets it up, leaves it alone, and uses it personally. But don't plan on breaking it down and packing it, or changing the adjustments too often. This is a frail bit of gear that will need to be babied. It has all the hallmarks of cheap Chinese manufacture... including the tell-tale noxious paint smell (I truly pity the workers that build this stuff and live in those factories). But I guess that's what $19 delivered gets you. Edit: I knocked it down to two stars bc after setting it up, it really doesn't perform its function without modification... the central pivot (where the arm meets the stand) slips and doesn't hold the angle no matter how hard you tighten it. And I have it set up without the extension out and with the boom about half back... basically about 1234; in total length. I do have a condenser diaphragm mic on it, but it should certainly be able to hold that short of a reach. The reason it slips is that the housing... the sleeves on the outside of the joint... are smooth inside and they squeeze two rubber disks. The rubber is too hard and the housing is a bit large, so the rubber just slips and doesn't hold. I modified it by cutting disks of that 3M tread stuff you can buy at Home Depot... its an aggressive grit and has strong glue on the back. I put two disks facing the rubber washer on each side (4 disks total) so that they press on the rubber, since that will wear slower and can be replaced. It's now fairly stiff even before it's tight, and locks up nicely when tightened down. Took about 30 minutes, but I already had the 3M stuff and some Wiss snips to cut it. I'd normally return it but I need it for the weekend. And I'd normally give it one star but I was able to modify it quickly and effectively. If you don't enjoy that sort of thing, you're better off looking elsewhere and paying more. When you buy inexpensive gear you really buy more of a kit than a finished product, and some extra ingenuity seems to be needed more often than not these days

Great boon

Works as it should

Works great with the Bluebird.

Good