I've looked at all the high tech wind socks out there, and I am SHOCKED at what is being charged for a relatively ridiculously simple bit of foam and fur. 

I actually own a Rycote Softie, and it does a wonderful job of cutting wind noise, much better than the standard foam windsock. But its pricey. I've seen exactly the same fur on my dog's chew toy which cost about $10.

I do wonder, however, at the picture on the Rycote.com web site advertising their product. You can see a picture of them with their furry microphone at the top of a secluded mountain.

What exactly are they recording anyway?

The scampering of mouse feet over the tundra?

The fluttering of a falcon's wings at 18,000 feet?

I, for one, do not try to shoot outdoor scenes when the wind is mixing up my cast members clothes with the sagebrush blowing by at 20 mph.

Please note: For those who REALLY want the best in wind noise protection I recommend the following:

The best windsocks actually come from Scotland, where the original founder of Rycote started in the back of a garage.

I got one of these Scottish Windpals (tm) a couple of years ago. (below)

The advantage over the Rycotes is that these furry Scottish windbreakers have about 60 percent denser "fur" than the Rycotes and a very unusual snow white perpetually renewing cover. They also keep your microphone close by- so you never leave it anywhere. Its a miracle of modern engineering, something they haven't yet caught on down south in Stroud.