The Fastest Tripod in the West...

Discussing the SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Carbon Fiber Tripod.

Discussing the SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Carbon Fiber Tripod.

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Table of Contents:
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0:00 - Intro & Disclosure
0:53 - Nice Case Is Nice
1:13 - The Clutch
2:58 - Price
3:26 - Height & Center Column
5:38 - Leg Positions
5:57 - Clever Features
6:59 - The Head
8:26 - Practice Required
8:56 - The Feet
10:18 - Hidden Tool
10:46 - Strong Hook
11:14 - Quirky Legs
11:51 - Final Thoughts

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[geraldundone]

UPDATE – Here's the reply I received from SmallRig:

"Gerald, thank you so much for your honest and unbiased feedback on our TRIBEX tripod. Your input is invaluable to us. We have already shared it with our R&D team for their review. We are planning to conduct an internal assessment shortly to pinpoint areas where we can enhance the product further and continue to make it even better. Your insights are truly appreciated!

1.Clutch Handle Color: The Original Series features an orange clutch handle, while the Standard Series has a sleek black one.
2.Center Column Locking Structure: The Original Series utilizes a level locking design for the center column, whereas the Standard Series employs a convenient knob locking design.

User satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to provide our user with the best products and services."

[LunarGlowMedia]

Gerald is a real one for the FULL transparency on this ad.

[kustoo]

This is the way all sponsored reviews should be done.

[davidsfilmmaking]

The most honest sponsored video on YouTube. Great job!

[philipbloom]

"When it was fully spread, and I had a heavy package on top..." you dirty Canadian!

[papsny]

I would say this again as I said it in the SmallRig comment sections:

1. It's a hit or miss, there's a bunch of tripods that has quality control issues. My first order, one of the legs did not go down. my second order, two of the legs did not go down.
2. The handle wobbles and SmallRig says they upgraded it with a new version, how would you know yours is the upgraded version? SmallRig has not given any guidance.
3. The tripod's hype is in setting it up, you still have to fold all 3 legs to the center to close it down.
4. There is a quality control issue with the legs, once liquid or sand gets in, the legs get stuck.
5. This tripod does not have a bowl head, you need to purchase a bowl head on top of that $800 price tag.
6. Since there's no bowl head, your option is to level the tripod while holding all that weight on the rig/tripod head. Not the easiest thing to do.
7. The tripod is not friendly/does not work with tripod wheels.
8. Yes, the legs dont lock into place. If you pack this tripod with other gear like lightstand, the legs just move from all the wobbling inside a lightstand/tripod bag
9. When you pan the tripod, the center column pans with the head...

Hoping they can improve things with version 2.

[RaidOwl]

I've been using mine for about a month and I like it. I think you nailed the 'oddities' with the clutch not keeping the legs from extending. Another is that the clutch doesn't have a locking position all the way folded in. You can lock it out, or slightly in, but not all the way in. Overall, I really like it and I'd buy it again but for the price I can't recommend it with a straight face to anyone.

[scottievee]

It adds to the value of his opinion. Instead of product manufacturers being weary of what he might say, the value of people's trust in Gerald is far more of an asset to SmallRig. They make great stuff so it was not a big gamble.

[AnthonyGugliotta]

Genuinely love this tripod. Gene did an amazing job!

[SNLS]

'Fastest tripod in the west' sounds like a tragic adult movie title.

[iamthejtm]

That last "con" at the end, where the legs can just be pulled out.... that really makes me wonder if over time they will start to get more loose.

[ChrisA]

Honestly, in the world of tripods, it's been forever since there's been any innovation. The Flowtech is probably the last time I can remember being excited about a tripod. And that was when? All the way back in 2017? And of course it's an awesome tool in terms of not just quality and durability, but speed. But it's also big, heavy and expensive. Travel with that thing flat out sucks. It's amazing to see that there's finally something new. The Tribex ticks a ton of boxes. My favourite tripods in this category have been the ifootage ones... but the one design flaw for them (and many other similar tripods) is that the head can unscrew on a whip pan. The Tribex apparently has a locking system which prohibits that. Wish you would've checked that out. For run and gun filming where quick set ups are crucial or if you're a one man crew, not having to extend and adjust 3 individual legs is HUGE. If the durability and quality is there, then this is an absolute winner IMO. Looking fwd to not having to lug out my Flowtech all the time

[Zugaaa]

A simple return spring on the clutch would make this so much better

[TaranVH]

I've been saying for years that I want a tripod like this, for CES! Squeeze or twist a thing, and all legs go floppy. Release, and they lock.
But I wasn't sure if there would be a market for such a thing. Guess there is!

[aratafreecs]

I really appreciate the transparency at the beginning of the video!

I think I saw this tripod showcased by PotatoJet at a convention at some point and thought that, if I needed a tripod, this should be the one to get for me. I just hate adjusting the legs of a tripod individually, so I do most of my work handheld, with a monopod or a gimbal.

[BreakItYourself]

I got one and use it to shoot around the house. The time value alone vs my other tripods will pay for itself over the years. I thought squeezing the clutch would make the legs extend effortlessly, but as Gerald shows, you have to jerk up on the tripod slightly to get the legs to come out sometimes. I do worry about the clutch system when I expose this thing to water and sand. We shall see.

[MrTechTok]

The new version have a diff center column lock actually. So I tink Gerald got the prototype. I ended getting two version. This all black version looks like prototype and there is another newer one with orange accent to it.

[emilycohan]

Gerald you are a masterclass in disclosures up front. Super appreciate it

[davidward]

This would be a nice tripod for shooting real estate and architecture if it didn't have the video head.
Hope SR considers offering just the legs and center column with 3/8 stud for those of us that don't need video head.

[noahyv]

Ive had the earlier batch origin (orange handle) one for a while. Regarding the clutch, ive never had much issue with the delay but thats because i never press it all the way down. It has a distinct threshold where it lets go so if you just squeeze past that threshold and let go to lock it locks quite quickly. Interesting that they changed the center post lock, I cant quite grasp whats happening with the knob you're showing and why it makes a grinding sound. Mine has a flip lock with a little latch lock thats a little weak but its ok, not my favorite but it works fine.

I do think people miss the fact that this is the only tripod in the world that deploys and levels this fast which justifies the price tag in my mind. Normally I'm very skeptical about the value of creator collabs but Gene has been super responsive and thoughtful about creating and improving the totally unique new design.

Did you check the pan head fluid adjustment? The leg design is pretty revolutionary but my biggest issue with the tripod is that issue with the head. Mine has an almost 90deg dead zone on the pan drag ring where you cant adjust drag without turning the pan fluid knob a full 90deg before it starts actually changing the drag in either direction. I really want to know if they fixed that in the newer batch.