Topic: Lowel Full Pole - which rapid adapter works well

[JimmieC]

I see people are using the Lowel Full Pole and thought I would double check here if anyone know these adapters are what I need to mount a mic bar on top of Lowel Full Pole.  Is the rapid adapter the correct threading for the bushing and the rapid adapter mounts securely?  Are these what people are using on their Lowel pole?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546490-REG/Manfrotto_014_38_014_38_Rapid_Adapter.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/232827-REG/K_M_21500_000_01_Reducer_Bushing_Converts_1_2.html

[vanark]

The first one would be my choice - it is what I use on my stands with 5/8" studs.

[cashandkerouac]

based on the specs it looks like the Lowell Full Pole has a male 5/8" on top, so the 2nd adapter link in your original post won't work with the Lowell.  if you need a 3/8" connector on top you might consider the Manfrotto equivalent (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/546540-REG/manfrotto_099b_3_section_extension_pole_35_.html).  the Manfrotto extends 12" more than the Lowell, is a couple dollars cheaper and you won't need an adapter (assuming that a 3/8" connector is what you need).  if you need to expand the 3/8" male connector to 5/8" the 2nd adapter in your original post will work just fine.  i use the Manfrotto and like it a lot.

option #1: if you don't already have a mic bar and need to buy one, they come in 3/8" and 5/8" versions.  if you buy the bar and stand together you can match them up so you won't need an adapter. 
option #2: if you already have a mic bar with a female 3/8" center hole and don't want to use an adapter get the Manfrotto.
option #3: if you already have a mic bar with a female 5/8" center hole and don't want to use an adapter get the Lowell.
option #4: if you can't decide, go with the Manfrotto.  i think it's easier to use an adapter that will expand from 3/8" to 5/8" rather than use an adapter that will reduce from 5/8" to 3/8".

[JimmieC]

All my mic bars are female 5/8".  My main stand (Manfrotto tripod) has a male 3/8" so I have several of similar bushings (2nd link in OP).  Unfortunately, I already picked up the Lowel Pole because I wanted a taller pole.  I have the Manfrotto 0229b and thought it was the same length as the 099b but now see it is a lot taller than the 099b and a foot taller than the Lowel.  It looked like it should go Lowel pole > rapid adapter > bushing (if threading is the same) > mic bar.  Definitely, would have been easier to have gone Manfatto 099b > bushing > mic bar and should have asked before buying the Lowel pole.

Thanks for the advice and guess I need to pick up a Manfrotto rapid adapter.  May be some day the Lowel Full Pole w/ adapters and Manfrotto 0229b will end up in the yard sale once I pick up a Manfrotto 099b.