Ease of Use:
Both of these K-Tek models incorporate open cell foam inserts inside of their outer coverings. A steady, firm action ensures a secure fit around the mic that ensures confidence. The rubber shockmount portion of the Z-FM-M must be removed from the frame every time I put the mic in or took it out. This was a little bit arduous for some of the initial, quick tests I was doing with it, but it does come on and out of its mounts pretty easily once you get the hang of it.
Depth of Options
As with everything else, K-Tek offers a variety of permutations, including various internal lengths for different length shotgun mics and a camouflage option for the fleece models!
Performance:
As the test results showed, you do tend to get what you pay for in this case, though I was surprised how well the much cheaper K-FLCY-L performed.
Value
I've learned the hard way just how valuable a good windscreen is! Although the Z-FM series may seem a little on the pricey side for our readership, you just can't knock its performance! Obviously, you just can't shell out the bucks for it, the fleece laden K-FLCY is a great general-purpose windscreen. However, if you don't need the shock mount included in the Z-FM-M, K-Tek does make the Z-FM-M's Fuzzy cover in a slip-on version for $110, which is a great deal for high wind conditions. (Since we weren't able to test this last option out, we can't comment on any possible differences in performance that might exist between the Z-FM-M Combo and the slip-on only version.)
Final Comments
K-Tek holds true to the needs of a professional in its line of more affordable windscreens. If you're looking for reasonably priced gear from a trusted name in the industry that offers great wind noise reduction, you've found it.
