Review: SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex video tripod

Friday 6 December 2024, 13:13 by Nando Harmsen | 4,193 views | 2 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

SmallRig has produced an unusual tripod for video recording. The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex can be set up in just a few seconds. I was sent one for an extensive review. Is this tripod worth it for videographers?

This tripod is the result of SmallRig's collaboration with YouTuber Gene 'Potato Jet' Nagata. That explains the origin of the tripod's name. His input has optimised the practical use of a tripod for video.

The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex video tripod isn't cheap, but it isn't extremely expensive either. To get straight to the point: it costs 889 euros. For that, you get a carbon tripod, including a video head. In other words, you have everything you need.

The SmallRig Potato Jet Tribex tripod with a unique hydraulic system for setting it up extremely quickly.
What makes this tripod so special is its unique hydraulic setup system. With a simple lever, the legs slide to the desired height in no time. You have to see it in action to fully understand it.

Setting it up in no time, in detail

The video essentially shows how easy it is to set up this tripod. Hold the tripod at the desired height, press the lever, and the legs slide out. Release the lever, wait a second, and the tripod is rock solid.

A handle with a lever used to extend the legs to any desired height, or to retract them fully after use.
The legs have no clips or twist knobs. You can pull them out by hand, but you cannot retract them. That isn't the intention, as the lever is designed for this. Levelling, adjusting the height and setting up on uneven surfaces is quick and easy this way.

The handle can also be used to carry the tripod. A button lets you lock it in a 45-degree or 90-degree position. The lever itself can be pulled out of the handle. The tripod folds automatically when you turn the button.

At almost 4 kilograms, it isn't the lightest tripod, but it is easy to carry. The handle makes carrying it comfortable.
Bear in mind that it takes a little time to build up the hydraulic pressure in the legs. If you release the lever and the tripod at the same time, it sinks a few centimetres. You have to give the system a moment. Only when the lever has fully sprung back do the legs remain at the desired height.

To retract the legs easily, it is advisable to fold them first. This makes retracting them much easier.

Sturdiness

The legs of this tripod are made of carbon. This gives the tripod the necessary strength without making it too heavy. The weight of the tripod, including the video head, is 3.8 kilograms.

Once in the desired position, the tripod can carry no less than 25 kilograms. The fluid-damped video head has a load capacity of six kilograms. This is sufficient for most video setups.

With a maximum load capacity of six kilograms, the fluid-damped head can carry almost any video camera. The tripod can take 25 kilograms.
In its normal spread position with the centre column extended, the tripod reaches 1.68 metres. With the centre column removed and the legs in their widest spread position, the height is just 27 centimetres. It is important to put the handle in the 90-degree position. Otherwise, it touches the ground.

I applied quite a lot of force to the extended legs to see whether they would sag. They are held in position entirely by the hydraulic system. The legs don't give at all, which inspires confidence in their sturdiness.

By removing the centre column and placing the handle at 90 degrees, the tripod can be set to a height of 27 centimetres.

The video head

The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex has a fluid video head. This means that the movements you make with this head are very smooth and controlled. The damping of the movements can be adjusted to the desired level.

The panning handle can be adjusted continuously to different lengths.
The panning handle for moving the head can be attached on either side via a rosette connection, in any desired position. Its length can be adjusted to make movements even more precise.

The head of the SmallRig x Potato Jet with its adjustment options.
The friction of both the horizontal and vertical movements can be adjusted continuously. This lets you achieve the desired damping for the movement. There is a separate lock knob, so the desired friction setting can be maintained.

The counterbalance adjustment knob. The friction can be adjusted on the other side of the head.
There are four counterbalance settings in the head. This system makes the head automatically return to the horizontal position. At setting 0, the counterbalance is completely disabled.

The head has a quick-release plate that is suitable for both the Manfrotto and DJI RS systems. Two screws can be 'stored' in the plate, and there is a 'hidden' magnetic washer that can be used as a flat-head screwdriver.

A small hidden washer. It can be used as a flat-head screwdriver.
There is an accessory mounting point on both sides via a 1/4-inch threaded hole. This connection is also found in the centre section, between the legs. A monitor or audio recorder, for example, can be mounted using a magic arm.

There are 1/4-inch threaded holes for accessories on both sides of the head and on the tripod itself.

Removable centre column

The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex has a centre column. There is a removable hook that houses an Allen key. This Allen key can be used to attach accessories, but it is also needed when removing the centre column.

Press the button on the hook and you can pull out a handy Allen key.
A hole in the column provides access to the Allen screw that needs to be loosened to remove the head. You must not unscrew the Allen screw completely, loosening it is enough. The head can then be removed, followed by the centre column, after which the head can be put back. The hook in the centre column can then be replaced.

Removing the centre column in a few steps. Make sure the Allen screw is not unscrewed completely.
Using the centre column always has a negative effect on stability, especially when it is extended high. It can help you raise the camera slightly without having to extend the legs. Although the centre column is thin, it turns out to be very rigid and stable.

In use

I used the tripod in various situations. The video head offers plenty of flexibility. There are many adjustment options, which can also be set independently of one another. A lot of attention has been paid to the details, making it very pleasant to use.

The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex with a number of different video setups.
The hydraulic system is of course the most important aspect of this tripod. It works very well. It does take a little getting used to having to wait until the lever has returned fully to its original position after setup. If you don't, the tripod sinks slightly.

This isn't really a disadvantage in itself. However, the waiting time gets longer as it gets colder. At room temperature it takes one second, while at 4 degrees Celsius this increases to three seconds. Although the difference is only a few seconds, it is noticeable.

This hydraulic system does mean that you cannot take the tripod legs apart for cleaning. If you put the tripod in water, you can essentially assume that it is waterproof. Otherwise the hydraulics would not work.

The tripod feet are removable. This is SmallRig's standard system
The button for unlocking the centre column takes some getting used to. You have to pull the button out to release it. It is spring-loaded, so the button immediately springs back when you let go. There is a rosette inside that prevents the button from coming loose accidentally.

The centre column button is spring-loaded and protected against accidental loosening by a rosette. It takes some getting used to.

When you tighten the button again, it ratchets. I assume this will always cause some wear to the rosette teeth. If you don't use the centre column, or hardly use it, this is of course not a problem.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Glen 'Potato Jet' Nagata and SmallRig has produced a beautiful tripod that is very quick and pleasant to use. A lot of thought has gone into the small details, which I have come to appreciate. The 1/4-inch mounting options and the adjustment options on the head make this tripod worthwhile.

The hydraulic system is of course the star feature. It takes a little getting used to, but it is very convenient and easy to use. You can set up the tripod in no time. Although speed isn't necessarily essential, it does make it appealing to use different positions and perspectives during a shoot.

Although 899 euros is a substantial investment, the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex is a very complete and unique tripod. It isn't too heavy, so it is easy to carry. Especially with the smart, functional bag that comes with it. I think it is a good investment for the serious videographer.

A smart and functional tripod bag, with a handle or for use as a backpack.

What I like about this tripod

• Quick and easy to set up
  
• The legs are rock solid when locked
  
• Separate knobs for adjusting and locking the friction
  
• Counterbalance adjustment
  
• Compatible with both the Manfrotto and DJI RS systems
  
• 1/4-inch mounting options on the tripod and head
  
• Removable centre column
  
• Removable feet and compatible with a ground spreader or tripod dolly
  
• Sufficient load capacity for medium-sized video rigs
  
• The hook under the centre column is sturdy enough to hang weights from
  
• Includes a functional bag that can also be used as a backpack
  
• Reasonable price-to-quality ratio
  

What I like less about this tripod

• The centre column button
  
• The hydraulic pressure takes a moment to build up, especially when it is colder
  
• The tripod legs cannot be taken apart
  
• The tripod legs cannot be unlocked individually
  
• The bubble levels are small and difficult to see when levelling the tripod
  
• Ground spreader not included
  

Thanks to SmallRig for providing this tripod.

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