If you were to step into, let's say, Manny's Music on 48th street in Manhattan, approach one of the salespersons, and say "I would like a Rode The Blimp," they would most likely assume you were a non-English-speaking tourist who'd lost their way.

That's why I'd recommend copying and printing out an image of the new Rode "The Blimp" shotgun windscreen to bring with you. You'll still be mistaken for a journeying Hinterlander, but at least you'll get what you came for.

The Blimp, on the outside, may seems like a normal windscreen, but a careful dissection reveals a few unique design features that place it above (sky high?) its competition. For starters, the main housing frame for the windscreen is a single, continuous injection-molded ten-series geodesic, tubular lattice (booya!), offering more protection with less obstruction than most shotgun windscreen frame designs. The ends of the frame are threaded -- removable via unscrewing for easier mic access without the use of unwieldy and easily broken clips.

The interior shock mount features two "infinitely adjustable" hoops that will accommodate a large variety of shotgun mics. The ergonomic pistol-grip handle features a quick release trigger for fast mic or windscreen adjustments. The grip also features an integrated cable patch, meaning there's no need to thread a cable into the housing -- simply plug your XLR lead into the base of the handle.

Finally, The Blimp comes with the controversially-named "Dead Wombat." Don't freak, "Dead Wombat" is Australian for "Synthetic Fur Cover." Silly Aussies.