Boomkicker vs Rigid Vang vs 'Soft' Vang

[finleydc]

Any suggestions on the merits or demerits of the various types of boom vangs available? I have a traditional multi-purchase cord vang and have been considering adding a boomkicker so I can eliminate the topping lift. The boomkicker is cheaper than the rigid vangs I've priced. Are there advantages of one over the other (besides price)? Do the more solid vangs offer any performance that the traditional vang doesn't?