Hey Crew,So im new to carbon booms. Looking to buy 2nd hand 180-230. What FAULTS do i look for? Wear at clips n holes on extension. Can this be fixed? Wear of head. Can be built up. Obviously the grips. Plan on custom Vgripping anyway. Anything else?

Hi olskool,
You can definitely improve most old booms by upgrading to a Streamlined head.
They offer really grippy double attachment that is the best ive ever used .

Be a little wary of booms that widen out in the tube diam towards the back to increase stiffness.
On bigger settings they can cause hand fatigue.

I love the feel of the aeon v grip, but thats a personal preference.
prevents hand fatigue for me.

Older booms widen gradually from the head, rather than suddenly wider, which means the front hand is twisted on old booms while on new booms the front grip and the rear grip are on a very similar angle. Again comfort and less fatigue.

Avoid the clips that relly on tightening rings rather than pins. They always slip. Avoid single pin clips, they are mostly really old now.

There are apparently boom copies around that snap. Its a risk you take buying second hand. or even buying new from an unauthorised dealer.

While buying a new boom is a big cost, once you have a favourite it is worth considering because old booms do cause grief. However on the other hand you can save quit a bit if you choose well. Unfortunately thats hard.

Heavy1, ive got a Gaastra Vgrip alloy. Definitely like Vgrip. My first Carbon boom an RSX is 2nd hand but in mint condition. So i wont be making it a Vgrip anytime soon. Now looking in the 180-230 size. Dont mind if grip is stuffed, coz i will Vgrip it myself. Its the extension if its worn im thinking will be the biggest issue. If the holes are worn, can this be fixed/ re-epoxied? Or if it shows wear from sand on extension n being slid in n out a million times. Does this weaken it?Found a boom at cheap price, in one piece but grips are totalled. So id Vgrip straight away. Easy enough task. Just wondering what else can be a drama to avoid.

Holes are easily filled
I reckon look for a boom with good original grip (not much use then) and owned by the smallest person who is selling one.......

Mark, buying off little guy was on the wish list.Pics of interstate Boom im looking at are crap. NP X9, grip colour looks light grey n black. ANY IDEA OF YEAR MODEL? Grip pretty worn/ perished over the entire length. I can sort that though. Price = considerably less than $300.Owner says price reflects age n condition. Wondering if its worth the risk? Waiting on clearer pics before i proceed.

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Mark _australia said..
Holes are easily filled
I reckon look for a boom with good original grip (not much use then) and owned by the smallest person who is selling one.......

Pity I'm not selling any..

Sboardcrazy, guessing youre a little lady n maybe only used it on sundays?

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Mark _australia said..
Holes are easily filled
I reckon look for a boom with good original grip (not much use then) and owned by the smallest person who is selling one.......

Mark, any tips on how to do a good job on filling worn boom arm holes and wear on the extension arms generally?
thanks