On the finish of 2024, SmallRig, in collaboration with YouTuber Potato Jet, launched a singular hydraulic video tripod. This tripod now has a successor, the Second Version. You may learn extra about this tripod on this evaluation.
YouTuber Gene “Potato Jet” Nagata designed, in collaboration with SmallRig, a tripod whose legs can actually be prolonged in a twist of the hand. This occurs by way of a hydraulic system. I reviewed the unique tripod again in December 2024. You will discover that evaluation with this hyperlink, full with a brief video of its use.
Now there’s a Second Version, which resembles the unique however has some vital enhancements. Nevertheless, it’s not the identical tripod. The SE model is made out of aluminum as an alternative of carbon fiber and has a less complicated dampened video head. It’s total a bit extra compact in measurement and construct. It does have the hydraulic X-Clutch system like the primary version, which lets you shortly arrange the tripod, irrespective of how tough the terrain is.
Look and Particulars
The very first thing that stands out are the legs of the tripod. The higher part has a pleasing rubber end. It provides a number of grip and appears stylish. This is applicable to the general look of the tripod as nicely.
There’s a detachable middle column, and the legs will be locked at three angles. The clips will be pulled out and routinely click on into place when a leg reaches one of many three positions. Every leg is fitted with a detachable rubber foot.
As talked about, the video head is an easy dampened model. There isn’t any adjustable counterweight, so you could set friction with the discharge lever itself. The top is appropriate for the Manfrotto or DJI RS system, with a 1/4″-20 thread for equipment. The panning deal with will be fitted on each side and is adjustable in size.
The tripod has a second 1/4″-20 thread for equipment between the legs. Sadly, the Hawklock system doesn’t slot in that tight place.
The Hydraulic X-Clutch System
What this tripod is all about, after all, is the hydraulic system for extending the legs. This works the identical as with the unique tripod. Take a look at the evaluation of that tripod to see it in motion. With this SE model, nevertheless, there are some enhancements and modifications.
The deal with has a extra streamlined design, and the discharge button is strikingly pink. It locks into two positions. The horizontal place is rather like within the first iteration. The second is now within the vertical place, which was missing beforehand. Nevertheless, the 45-degree angle lock is not current.
Within the first model, it was already noticeable that the hydraulic system wants time to construct up stress. Particularly when the ambient temperature is close to freezing, it takes a second or two earlier than the peak is fastened. A warning has now been added to the deal with to remind you of this. It’s not a shortcoming; it’s only a consequence of utilizing a hydraulic system.
The great thing about this hydraulic X-Clutch system is the pace with which you’ll arrange the tripod on uneven floor. The legs lengthen once you press the deal with and lock into place once you launch it. The one factor you need to do is make sure that the tripod is saved degree. In case you don’t, it turns into cumbersome to degree it as a result of you’ll be able to solely launch all three legs collectively, or none in any respect.
In contrast With the Unique First Model
After all, it is sensible to check this SE model with the primary one which appeared on the finish of 2024. The looks of the SE tripod, with its lovely end, stands out specifically. Do remember the fact that the SE model is a tripod for much less heavy setups. It’s not smaller in measurement or weight.
The unique model is manufactured from carbon fiber and weighs 5.5 kilograms. It will probably assist as much as 25 kilograms. The SE model is made out of aluminium and weighs 5.4 kilograms. It helps not more than 15 kilograms. The utmost peak of each tripods is 1.68 meters.
Each video heads are restricted to six kilograms. Nevertheless, the video head you get with the SE model is much less refined. It could possibly carry the identical weight, however its less complicated design makes using heavy setups much less excellent.
One other distinction that stands out is the design of the tripod ft. The primary model has detachable ft, spikes, and is suitable with the SmallRig floor spreader. The SE model is proscribed to the rubber ft, which will be eliminated or changed. The latter will not be doable with the primary model.
How It Handles in Completely different Conditions
The pace of organising the tripod makes it very straightforward to make use of, particularly once you change positions often and work on uneven floor. The automated clip system for the unfold place of the legs works very pleasantly.
The middle column provides additional flexibility to fine-tune the peak. Elevating the column barely is quicker in comparison with elevating the tripod, even with the hydraulic X-Clutch system. In any case, you’ll be able to’t launch only one leg with this method. If desired, the middle column can be eliminated. Similar to the unique model of the tripod, an Allen secret’s required. This Allen secret’s conveniently saved within the video head.
Spreading the legs fully horizontal implies that the deal with of the X-Clutch system will contact the bottom. Preserve this in thoughts when working in sand, water, and grime. If you could be this near the bottom, you may need to think about inverting the middle column. Nevertheless, this has its personal downsides.
Speaking about sand, water, and grime, I took the tripod to the seaside and used it in conditions the place the tripod legs have been partly submerged in seawater, in addition to dry and moist sand on the seaside. I additionally used it between rocks and boulders, the place the hydraulic system works at its greatest. The hydraulic system does hold the tripod on the desired peak, however when the legs get moist or lined in sand, it turns into tough or inconceivable to increase the legs routinely when releasing the deal with of the X-Clutch system. That you must pull the legs out or push them in.
Though the tripod did work as anticipated and provided a secure platform for my digital camera, I don’t discover the seaside or places with sand and grime the most effective atmosphere for a tripod that depends on hydraulics.
Conclusion
The hydraulic system makes working with the tripod straightforward. You may set it up straight away, whatever the floor. There’s, nevertheless, a small draw back to this methodology: fine-tuning and leveling the tripod will be harder.
When leveling, or making small modifications in peak, the deal with of the X-Clutch system should be pressed once more. This unlocks all of the legs, not simply the one which wants adjusting. Naturally, that is inherent to this method. That’s the place the middle column turns out to be useful.
Total, utilizing the tripod could be very nice. The dampened video head is enough for easy and comparatively mild video setups. The heavier the setup turns into, the much less efficient the dampening will likely be. In these conditions, the extra refined head of the primary version is a better option. You could possibly change the pinnacle for those who like.
The tripod head provided good management as much as about 300 mm focal size, particularly when extending the panning deal with to its most size. So long as no panning is required, 500 mm focal size and APS-C works as nicely.
I did discover one thing odd. There was some extent the place the panning appeared to run into some resistance. Nevertheless, this was not at all times the case, and I couldn’t reproduce the impact. Maybe a badly balanced setup is perhaps chargeable for that, however I by no means exceeded the utmost load capability.
The rubber ft of the tripod legs turned out to be very easy. In some circumstances, this was annoying, particularly on polished concrete. On different surfaces, it was much less of an issue. Fortuitously, the ft will be changed with spikes. Sadly, SmallRig doesn’t embrace spikes with the tripod. I appreciated the tripod ft of the unique higher, regardless of its bigger measurement.
The main draw back of the hydraulic X-Clutch system turns into obvious when utilized in sand and water. The legs will get soiled, and it will affect the performance of the system. Cleansing can solely be executed on the floor. Use a fabric to wipe off any water and grime earlier than retracting the legs.
In precept, no grime will get into the legs. In any case, the hydraulics are a closed system. Nevertheless, if it does occur, you can’t repair it your self, and the tripod will have to be despatched in for restore. I might advise to not use this tripod in places the place there may be a number of sand, water, or grime concerned.
In contrast with the primary model, this tripod has many small however vital enhancements. The SE model is a tripod for much less heavy setups, primarily evident within the video head. As a result of it’s made out of aluminum, it saves hardly any weight in comparison with the bigger first model. However collapsed, it’s barely shorter and extra compact.
The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex SE is actually not excellent. There stay a number of factors the place enhancements are welcome. Nevertheless, these factors are positively not vital to everybody, so choose for your self what issues to you.
What Works Properly
Visually enticing design
Rubber end on tripod legs
Computerized locking for leg unfold positions
X-Clutch deal with additionally locks in vertical place
Replaceable ft
Giant bubble degree (in contrast with first model)
Allen key saved in video head
Useful click on system for digital camera plate placement
Suitable with Manfrotto and DJI RS methods
1/4″-20 accent mounts out there
Good bag included (and a smartphone holder)
What Can Be Improved
Panning generally exhibits surprising resistance
X-Clutch deal with doesn’t lock at 45-degree angle anymore
Area between legs inadequate for HawkLock system
Rubber ft will be too slippery
Lacking hook on middle column from first model
No spikes included
Cleansing tripod legs inconceivable because of hydraulics
No vital weight financial savings in contrast with authentic model
Wants an additional bubble degree on base plate
Remaining Verdict
The SmallRig X Potato Jet Tribex SE is ideal for anybody who desires to arrange a tripod shortly and simply. The included video head is straightforward and appropriate for light-weight video rigs. However watch out when utilizing the tripod in conditions the place it will possibly get soiled.
Backside line: I can advocate this tripod if the shortcomings usually are not an issue for you. The tripod is out there for simply shy of $400, which is an affordable worth for a tripod of this caliber. As a last notice, I need to thank SmallRig for offering me with the tripod for this evaluation.
