Rycote
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
Rycote is a long-standing name in location sound, traditionally praised for its suspension systems and wind protection. However, recent professional sentiment is notably negative, with many users reporting a significant decline in quality control and customer service following the company's acquisition by a larger corporation. While its hardware remains functional and lightweight, the brand's reputation has suffered among its core professional user base.
Pros
- Effective side-wind suppression and suspension systems (Lyres)
- Lightweight and sturdy construction, making it suitable for boom pole use
- Highly customizable with various extension modules and sizing options
- Used kits remain a viable and popular budget option for newcomers
Cons
- Perceived decline in manufacturing quality and support after corporate buyout
- Fragile fabric covers that are prone to damage
- Frustrating customer service experience, specifically regarding part identification and ordering
- Negative reputation among professionals regarding the company's treatment of former employees
Caveats
- Many professionals who previously recommended the brand now advise looking at competitors like Cinela or Radius
- Some users find the clamping mechanisms can become finicky after several years of use
Best for
- Boom operators prioritizing lightweight gear
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for used professional-grade kits
- Users who prefer the specific feel and adjustment of Rycote suspension systems
Avoid if
- You require high-quality, responsive manufacturer support for spare parts
- You are looking for the most transparent wind protection available (competitors like Cinela are often preferred)
- You prefer to avoid brands with recent negative corporate transitions
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 18-month half-life. The evidence is based on 17 mentions from the r/LocationSound community, with a median source age of approximately 568 days.
Sentiment
5 positive (29%) · 3 mixed (18%) · 9 negative (53%)
Trust + time weighted score: -26% · raw score -24%
What redditors said (10 of 17)
Searching for used Rycote, Rode or Sennheiser kits will give you good budget options.
I used to recommend Rycote, but they were sold off a few years ago and the new owners are not great so I don't really recommend them now.
rycote: + better (side)wind supression better angle adjustment imo better suspension system - fabric is way to easy to damage rycote has become a shit company all over the place
Rycote sucks now. Stay away.
Dont go rycote for booming.
For example I know that some Rycote models offer an extension module.
The Cinela is more transparent than the Rycote, and the level of wind protection is about the same.
Avoid Rycote in 2025, company was sold to a corp and quality control/support has somewhat gone down.
Rycote are scum and deserve to fade away into non-existence.
I prefer the idea of buying Radius over Rycote because of the shit they pulled on their former employees
Compare
Rycote vs Sennheiser MKH 50Rycote vs DPA 2017Rycote vs Wisycom
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