Boom End Attachment- Matthews Gag, Matthews Knucklehead,Avenger E700 pin, Avenger F830 pin or others

I have seen a few posts that mention some of the above items to attach a boom to a monolight to aid in light positioning. Which is the best in practical use?

Matthews Math Gag with pin- https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …ews_429614_Matt​h_Gag.html

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …99_6_Pin_with_C​ollar.html

Matthews knucklehead- https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …_540024_Knuckle​_Head.html

Avenger E700 Pin- https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …_E700_E700_Baby​_Drop.html

Avenger F830- https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …830_F830_Baby_S​wivel.html

I have several Avenger E700 baby drop down pins that I use often. But, It all depends on the boom arm and other grip items you have and what your needs are....

Hi,

If the attached light/modifier combo is light-weight, then simply having the boom terminate in a pin with Hex flats on the 'neck' section works well.

For anything heavier, I prefer a 'Drop Down Pin'. I happen to favour versions with a thumbwheel/knuckle at the primary articulation (not just on its 5/8th in receiver). Remember to check the receiver 'depth' on your light(s) - Eli, some Godox & some Jinbei have shallow receivers that may not align straight/safely when their thumbscrew is snugged onto some 'Drop Down Pin' necks. In which case you may need Kupo's 'Eli' adaptor or similar.

A Gag (and Baby pin) obviously can work in this setting (including to resist torque from the modifier weight), but/and they introduce an offset to one side . . .

I also found another possibility in the Matthews Magic Finger.

https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …_388210_Magic_F​inger.html

MSE's Magic finger and other makes' Swivel fingers are fine, but they do not drop beyond 90 degrees. For me, they offer too many simultaneous freedoms of movement - and the lock is out of reach. And then there's the price.

Another option for the boom's terminal pin is to use a grip-head, but with the circular jaws gripping the boom's pin (resisting torque really well). This leaves the grip-head's receiver to take a collared Baby pin - orientated vertically down - free to swivel if that's your preference - but only about a vertical axis. That suits some setups very well.

Whatever you fancy, if possible, try a direct comparison between that and a 'drop down pin'. Oh, and use a safety wire or line, always. Cheers