hi there,

I recently got hold of a Dearmond starfire bass, and its a really cool bass and I love playing it

BUT, the volume it puts out is low in comparison to my other basses.

the pickups are still covered in plastic material, for protection. it also covers the poles, does this lower the output? would removing the plastic diminish my problem?

or should I just get a clean boost and be done with it

I think the covers doesn't play that much role in the volume output, if it would be difference it would be hardly noticeable.
So you better get a booster, or clean booster as you say if you like your bass more brightened.

you may have already done this, but check your pickup height (in relation to the strings).

check open strings and fretted notes... you want them as close as you can without knocking them together or creating phase problems.

your manual will probably give you some recommended measurements.