SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod – First Look

by Omri Keren LapidotApril 17^th, 2024

The new Tribex by SmallRig x Potato Jet (YouTuber Gene Nagata) is a fast-setup hydraulic tripod. Built to support filmmaking gear in the field, the tripod is quite robust. Its carbon fiber legs are extendable via a single clutch – the X-Clutch. With a single press-and-hold action one may quickly adjust all three legs, and even level the base while doing so. Though not extremely compact, the Tribex is very agile and can quickly be set to any location or height.

Tripods provide absolute stability at the cost of operational agility. This constant is known to every filmmaker. There have been some significant advancements in this field in recent years – the Sachtler FlowTech is a famous line, and Manfrotto also offers several quick tripods. But those still require individually setting each tripod leg. The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex goes the extra mile here.

SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex Tripod with X-Clutch

The X-Clutch is a single-clutch, one-hand mechanism. One press-and-hold will release all three legs and enable both height settings as well as leveling. This eliminates the need for a bowl level, but it also eliminates the option of more precise adjustments. The X-Clutch can also be locked to prevent unwanted operation. When locked, it can also be used as a carrying grip.

Tribex physical specs

The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex is a small to mid-size video tripod weighing 3.4kg/7.5lbs. The carbon fiber, single-leg design gives the Tribex a range of 27-141cm/1.06-55.5in. Adding the center column will stretch the top end to 168cm/66.14in (with a low setting of 73cm/28.74in). The legs will support 35kg/77.2lb loads.

The fully-featured video head included has counterbalance, friction and tension adjustments, etc. As with most video heads, it supports 360° pan and -65° to 90° tilt. The counterbalance system supports up to 5kg/11lbs. with 6 adjustment steps. A nice dual quick-release mechanism enables quick switching between Manfrotto and DJI RS base plates.

Who is it for

The Tribex seems to be the perfect solution for small or one-person teams. Light enough to haul around, quick to set by a single operator, and has the grit to withstand smaller cine rigs or robust hybrid assemblies, this looks like an innovative, unique solution to this evergrowing crowd.

Price and availability

The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex price hasn’t been set yet. As Nagata puts it – “It definitely is a professional product, so it’s not going to be super cheap”. Fair statement considering what this Tripod provides. Preorders will start in early July for a first batch of 500 units. SmallRig also offers a 20% discount for early birds.

Do you see yourself using this agile tripod for your next project? Would you want to see more products originating from creators, filmmakers, and YouTubers? Let us know in the comments.