SmallRig has joined forces with YouTuber Gene ‘Potato Jet’ Nagata, resulting in the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex video tripod. This hydraulic tripod can be set up in just a few seconds, making it perfect for situations where speed is of the essence. This is my honest review of this unique tripod.
There are situations where speed is important. Setting up a traditional tripod can take some time to finish. Gene ‘Potato Jet’ Nagata designed a tripod in cooperation with SmallRig that addresses this issue. Thus, this is where the name SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex originates.
SmallRig provided me with this tripod for review. The findings and opinions in this review are my own and are not influenced by SmallRig in any way.
Using the X-Clutch Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is what makes this tripod special. One lever is enough to extend the three carbon fiber legs simultaneously to any desired height. It’s something you need to see to understand the benefit it provides. As shown in the short video below, it can be set up in a matter of seconds. Adjusting the legs is just as quick.
The lever unlocks the tripod legs simultaneously and fixes them at the desired height. There are no clips or rotation knobs. This takes some getting used to, and I found myself reaching for rotation knobs on several occasions, only to realize the legs can’t be adjusted that way. While you could pull out the legs manually, using the lever is the proper method.
The lever is built into a handle that can be fixed in two positions, one at 45 degrees and one at 90 degrees. You can unlock it and push it into the 0-degree angle, but unfortunately, it doesn’t lock into that position.
You need to hold the lever until the legs are at the desired height. However, due to the hydraulic system, it takes a second for the legs to be securely fixed into position. If you don’t account for this, the tripod may lower itself by a few centimeters. If the tripod is cold, it takes longer—about one second at room temperature versus three seconds at 4 degrees Celsius.
The lever is also needed to lower the tripod or level it. There are two built-in spirit levels, one on the tripod itself and one on the fluid head. Leveling the tripod unlocks all three legs, so you need to hold the tripod at the desired height during the process.
Weight, Height, and Stiffness
Thanks to the carbon fiber construction, the tripod weighs only 3.8 kilograms, including the fluid head, making it easy to carry. It comes with a well-designed and versatile tripod bag, which is a nice addition.
The legs have three segments, and the feet have the typical SmallRig design. The removable feet are flat and made of plastic. These are compatible with the SmallRig Universal Tripod Dolly and Ground Spreader.
The maximum height with the center column extended is 1.68 meters. Without the center column, it measures 1.14 meters. At its lowest position, with the center column removed and the legs spread out, it stands at just 27 centimeters.
The maximum load for the tripod is rated at 25 kilograms, while the fluid head is rated for six kilograms. This is sufficient for small and medium-sized video rigs. Despite the rated carrying weight, the tripod can hold more. The hydraulic system doesn’t give an inch, even under brute force.
With the center column removed and the legs fully spread, the tripod maintains its stiffness and has no problem holding six kilograms of equipment. There is minimal play as long as the legs aren’t fully extended.
The Removable Center Column
The center column of the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex is removable. Although a center column isn’t great for stability when extended, I found this one to be quite sturdy and usable. It offers the flexibility to raise the tripod without the need for adjusting the legs.
The knob for raising the center column is a bit weird, although it does work. It’s spring-loaded, so you have to pull out the knob to unlock it. This is a nice safety measure. A rosette is built-in, so when you lock it, it will rattle. I don’t know if this will wear out eventually.
To remove the center column, you’ll need an Allen key, which is stored beneath the column’s hook. Loosen the 1/4”-20 screw, but don’t unscrew it too far. After placing the fluid head and locking it, the hook and Allen key can be replaced.
The Fluid Head in More Detail
The tripod comes with a well-designed fluid head with lots of features and handy details. I like the possibility to set the friction separate from the lock, both for horizontal panning and vertical movement. It makes it possible to set the friction once without fiddling about when unlocking and locking it again. The counterbalance for the vertical movement has four settings, with the 0-setting for free rotation.
The baseplate is compatible with the Manfrotto 501 and the DJI RS system. It supports two 1/4”-20 threads on both sides, which enable the connection of a monitor arm or similar. The tripod itself has a 1/4”-20 thread as well. The pan bar is extendable, removable, and can be connected to both sides of the head.
The baseplate has room for two spare screws, one 1/4”-20 and one 3/8”-16. On the inside of the rosette for the pan bar, a small rivet with a flathead screw is magnetically attached.
My Conclusion
I’ve been using the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex in multiple different situations. I also tried out a wide range of video setups, including a small mirrorless camera, a rigged mirrorless camera, a large video camera, and an old-fashioned camera to see how it feels. The tripod worked great with the different setups. The counterbalance and friction offer enough flexibility to get it right every time.
Although the fluid head features a lot of nice details that make it worthwhile, it’s the hydraulic system that attracts the most attention. To be honest, that’s what this tripod is all about.
The hydraulic system works great. It’s easy and fast, and changing the position of the tripod doesn’t take much time. It motivates using multiple different viewpoints during a shoot. However, you do need to take the time into account for the hydraulic system to build up pressure to keep the legs in the desired length. If you don’t, the tripod will lower itself a few centimeters. It’s not really a downside but something to be aware of, especially when you use it in colder environments. I noticed how the time for the pressure to build up becomes longer if the temperature is low.
Hydraulics need a closed system to work. This means there is no way to disassemble the legs for maintenance. I presume there is no issue with using the tripod in water, but the idea that it cannot be cleaned afterward bothers me. Perhaps it’s not much of a problem with fresh water, but I don’t know how it would hold up with regular use in seawater.
Although not unreasonable, price-wise, the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex is not a cheap one. It costs almost $800. However, you get a great carbon fiber tripod with a unique hydraulic system that makes it great in use. Besides that, the fluid head is a great one that works quite nicely and offers much versatility.
You might wonder how much benefit the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex offers. I think the speed can be great for filmmakers that work alone and like to use many different perspectives. If you’re working from a fixed location that requires only a one-time setup or on a team with screens, lights, and so on, this tripod may offer less benefit. You have to decide for yourself if the speed of setup justifies the cost.
What I Like
- Easy and fast setup with the X-Clutch hydraulic system
- Sturdy construction with minimal play once secured
- Lightweight at 3.8 kilograms
- Supports up to 25 kilograms (tripod) and six kilograms (fluid head)
- Maximum height of 1.68 meters (with the center column)
- Well-designed fluid head with adjustable friction and locking
- Counterbalance system with four settings
- Compatible with Manfrotto 501 and DJI RS camera plates
- Multiple 1/4”-20 threads for accessories
- Extendable and removable pan bar
- Includes a well-designed tripod bag
What I Don’t Like
- Brief delay for the hydraulics to lock the legs, especially in cold temperatures
- Awkward center column knob design
- Legs cannot be disassembled for cleaning
- Leveling requires unlocking all three legs
- Spirit levels are small and hard to use
- Ground spreader not included
- Higher-end price point
