Rode Blimp MkII

I'm a field recordist and use this blimp mainly with stereo microphones or similar setups, also doing a lot of nature recording.

The Rode Blimp MkII is a big improvement over the MkI. it is lighter, sounds better, and the use of rycote's lyre system is a big plus.

While it's sound and ergonomics can't be compared to the more pricier alternatives like rycote or cinela, it will provide you with a decent amount of protection against wind. There a bit more muffling of the sound than the pricier alternatives. (Any windjammer muffles the sound somewhat, the Rode blimp a tad more than it's higher end competitors).
But it is still a decent blimp for the price. And if you're on a budget but need a windjammer, this is the cheapest one. It works from light to moderately stong winds.

I've used it for almost 4 years now and I think it is quite sturdy, I travelled a fair bit with it, and apart from a few scratches on the handle it almost looks new. I do put it in a PVC pipe when it needs to go in checked luggage.

The biggest dissappointment is the fact that you can't get a stereo conbox. I often use this with a stereo mic, but instead of the conbox, I just use a short 5pin xlr lead that I feed into the handle.

Another dissappointment is that the connections of the lyres to the rail is not compatible with other lyres from Rycote. so you can't replace the lyres in the blimp with for example a duo lyre from. At least not like that. I now use a 3D printed adaptor that actually lets me swap out the lyres (I use the duo with heavier stereo mics).

If you need to boom a long time, the weight of the blimpmkII might become an issue. for short runs it's fine. and withaout the blimp it also works as a good pistol grip.

In short, if you're on a budget but need a blimp, this will work well, especially for dialogue. If you need to record critical ambiances, or need to work in heavy wind, you might need to look at pricier alternatives.