SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

This review of the SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber tripod will be a thorough assessment of this innovative new product.

I love it when companies reinvent a classic, taking something believed to have reached its peak and giving it a fresh, innovative twist. This is exactly what happened when this tripod was released.

Everyone expects small ergonomic improvements with each new generation of a product, but this one completely altered how I think about setting up a video tripod.

Photography tripods are usually fast and easy to use, but video tripods are often slow. They support larger loads, and it’s important to have them level so that your pan and tilt motions are accurate.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod

Ultra-fast hydraulic tripod built for speed, stability, and pro-level performance.

Enter the SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber tripod, a video tripod that sets up in seconds, is highly versatile, fully featured, and offers tremendous value.

In this review, I’ll cover all the cool new features I love, a few of the quirks, and some of the things I think could be improved on this tripod.

As a full-time photographer and videographer with over a decade of experience, I think my insight will help you get a better feel for this product and go beyond the hype.

What is the SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod?

Camera Mounting: 1/4″-20 Screw (Quick Release Plate: 501 Type)
Head Type: Fluid Head
Drag Control: Yes
Primary Material: Carbon Fiber
Load Capacity: 13.2 lb / 6 kg
Maximum Working Height: 66.1″ / 168 cm
Minimum Working Height: 10.6″ / 27 cm
Closed Length: 31.1″ / 79 cm
Weight: 8.2 lb / 3.7 kg

This tripod is ideal for those seeking a fast, high-quality option for video production without breaking the bank.

It’s perfect for those stepping up from a cheaper tripod who want professional features and speed without spending over $1,000.

Design and Build Quality

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod extended to partial height.

This tripod represents a significant leap in tripod design. If you haven’t seen all the hype on YouTube, just know that this product is making waves.

The TRIBEX goes beyond the ordinary by employing a unique hydraulic clutch design to extend and lock all the legs with one lever.

Combine this innovation with high-quality materials like carbon fiber and fine-tuned adjustments on the fluid head, and you have a great tripod.

Smallrig and Potato Jet managed to pack in a lot of small design features as well. From built-in tools to a wide range of compatibility, this tripod levels up significantly from what I was using before.

It’s clear that a lot of attention was put into the design and build quality of this Tripod.

Height and Adjustability

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod latch handle and legs.

Offering remarkable versatility, the TRIBEX tripod can adjust from an incredibly low 10 inches to a maximum height of 66 inches.

When you add underslung mode, there isn’t a limit to how low this tripod can go. Also, with the plate mount at 66 inches, your camera is going to be approaching 6 ft in the air. This is plenty of height for most creators.

The revolutionary hydraulic leg deployment system is the true game-changer, allowing you to adjust height and position with unprecedented speed.

Unlike traditional tripods that require multiple twisting locks and complicated adjustments, the TRIBEX system lets users extend or retract legs with a simple squeeze, making setup instantaneous across various terrains and shooting conditions.

This tripod even outpaces the top-of-the-line Sachtler Flowtech.

To get super low, you’ll need to remove the center column with the built-in Allen key. One issue is that if you are trying to get super low on an angled slope, leveling in a solid way will be a challenge.

Once you get above about 2 ft, leveling is much easier. Given that the only method of leveling this tripod is to adjust the legs (there is no leveling bowl), this is an area where other tripods have an advantage.

Despite this flaw, there is nothing cooler than locking all your legs with one hydraulic mechanism and being the fastest tripod on set.

Weight and Portability

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod with legs at their shortest extension.

While this isn’t your ultra-slim photograph-specific travel tripod, it is a lighter option for video-focused creators.

Weighing just over 8 lbs, the TRIBEX packs a lot of functionality into a sleek design. While some might initially balk at the weight, the carbon fiber construction ensures that every ounce serves a purpose.

The tripod strikes an exceptional balance between revolutionary design, robust stability, and portability.

I also appreciated that the hydraulic lever can lock in and function as a carrying handle. It also comes with a high-quality carrying bag that keeps it nice and protected on the road.

On a recent travel production, I did find that I needed a checked bag to fit the tripod. Even with the head removed, it’s still quite long (28 inches, 71cm). It certainly wasn’t going to fit riding carry-on on my camera backpack.

Despite its size, it is fully featured. I’ll get more into the fluid head below but compared to other tripods in its category, it’s compact/lightweight.

By comparison, the Sachtler Flowtech 75 with fluid head weighs 12.1 lbs.

Stability and Load Capacity

With a 13lb load capacity, the TRIBEX is a solid option for many modern videographers. With rigged-out mirrorless cameras you’re often looking at less than 5lbs, so you’ll fall well within this tripod’s capacity.

Potato Jet famously put his whole body weight on the tripod to demo how strong it is.

While it may be compatible with a wide range of camera setups, I did find the limitation to be the counterbalance. With a tall setup, the weight distribution will cause the counterbalance to struggle even on the highest setting.

Other than that, I found the lock and drag settings to be more than adequate for any of my mirrorless setups.

On the end of the legs, you’ll find flexible rubberized feet that sit flat on most surfaces. When you need a more aggressive grip, they can be removed to reveal sharp metal feet.

As I mentioned above, the only time I got frustrated with the legs was trying to get a level camera in the lowest setting.

In other scenarios, the legs quickly adapt to the most uneven terrain with the quick deploy hydraulic mechanism.

Overall, this tripod felt super stable and solid.

Tripod Head

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod fluid head.

From the adjustable tilt and pan friction to the fine-tuning of the counterbalance, there was a lot to appreciate. Incredibly smooth camera movements are now easy.

To get even more precision, you can extend the control handle to get fine adjustments to your movements.

Professionals can fine-tune the counterbalance to match the size of their camera rig with three different settings. However, I did find that it was slightly underpowered for my rather tall camera setup.

With smaller mirrorless setups, the counterbalance is probably adequate, especially when you take the time to balance things properly – but it isn’t built to handle professional setups.

On the other hand, I did appreciate the firm lock that’s available for both tilt and pan security.

Another notable feature on the head of the tripod is the compatibility with RS and Manfrotto plates. This means you can go from a DJI gimbal to the tripod and back without changing plates (a very handy feature).

Lastly, the head is easily raised up via the center column to get even more height after the legs are fully extended. This feature was great for capturing shots over the heads of a crowd.

Although this might not be as refined a head as you get on the finest tripods on the market, it had all the features I could ask for in a very affordable package.

Leg Locks & Joints

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod showing the hydraulic locking mechanism.

Traditional leg lock mechanisms seem very basic and antiquated compared to TRIBEX’s hydraulic deployment system. Gone are the days of wrestling with multiple latches and complex twisting mechanisms.

The hydraulic technology completely changes all of that with ultra-fast deployment of legs.

From the studio to outdoor locations, this system is a game changer. It’s robust and an amazing breakthrough of new technology.

It blows other tripods out of the water in terms of speed. One handle unlocks all three sections on all three legs.

Release the lever once things are in the place you want them, and you’re already level, no matter the terrain!

Because the technology is new, I do have a few minor complaints. The lever does take a few seconds to lock.

This means releasing the lever, counting to 3, and then taking your hand off the rig. Once locked, it is super solid but it does take a moment to completely lock in place.

My second complaint was when shooting from a very low angle on an uneven slope. In this particular scenario, the hydraulic legs don’t extend because they are only driven by gravity.

When you have them out horizontally, they don’t slide out even when the hydraulic lever is engaged.

This was the only time I wished this tripod had a leveling bowl. Other than that particular scenario, it’s far better than any other leg log mechanism I’ve used!

My favorite time to use the legs was on uneven terrain. The legs naturally slide to the proper length and quickly establish a stable platform!

It doesn’t matter if one leg is fully extended and the others are only out part way, it still locks everything in place with one lever.

You really have to try this tripod to appreciate the speed it can offer. I used to hate working with tripods because they are so cumbersome but the TRIBEX is changing that!

Features and Accessories

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod being used on a commercial video production.

Packed full of subtle features, the TRIBEX is an awesome upgrade from my last tripod. Beyond its core functionality, the TRIBEX offers a range of professional features.

The quick-release plate system enables rapid camera mounting and dismounting, while integrated ¼-20 mounts offer places to attach a monitor, b-cam, or other accessory.

Coming from your DJI Gimbal, just rotate the mechanism to RS mode and it will accept your gimbal plate and allow you to keep one plate mounted all day.

Unique design elements like underslung camera mounting and a simple extension tube locking mechanism demonstrate the thoughtful engineering behind this tripod.

The integrated tools on this tripod are also very handy. On the head, you’ll find a magnetized flat-head washer for tightening plates. On the center column, you’ll find a 4mm Allen key.

Lastly, there are several attachment points for spare ¼-20 and ⅜ screws for when you lose one of your mounting plates.

It feels like Smallrig and Potato Jet thought of everything you actually need and left off all the gimmicks.

Ease of Use and Setup

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod being used on a commercial video production.

Designed with the working professional in mind, the TRIBEX simplifies the entire setup process. As I’ve already said, the intuitive and innovative hydraulic system is fantastic.

It reduces time significantly so you can focus on getting the shot rather than wrestling your gear into place.

From quick height adjustments to leveling with one lever, this system is perfect for videographers working on fast-paced productions.

The TRIBEX is one less thing to slow you down on your next run-and-gun shoot!

How I Tested the Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod alongside a Sachtler Flowtech Tripod.

From studio work to commercial shoots, I tested the TRIBEX across a diverse range of scenarios. I took it on airplanes (checked in, it’s not built to be a carry-on), took it to the mountains, coast, and everywhere in between.

The one place I do have some concern about taking it (and any tripod for that matter) is the beach. Sand and camera gear just don’t mix and I would worry it could jam up the smooth hydraulic mechanism.

If the legs stop sliding easily, the entire tripod would cease to function in an innovative way. You’d be back to hand adjusting each leg.

I’ll be continuing to use this tripod on several upcoming productions and I think it’s going to perform very well!

Alternatives

To be honest, the TRIBEX is in a league of its own. No other tripod I’ve seen can match its speed and simplicity.

While I have used some other tripods from Smallrig in the past (and they are great), the TRIBEX felt like my first step into the big leagues of quality.

You could get something like a Smallrig Trailblazer or AD50, but now that I’ve used the TRIBEX, I never want to go back.

I even used a top-of-the-line Sachtler Flowtech on a recent shoot (~$2500 tripod), and I was happy with my TRIBEX. I loved the fluid head on the Sachtler, but it made me realize the fluid head on the TRIBEX was actually quite good.

If you want a professional tripod but don’t want to pay crazy money, this is a great option.

Value for Money

At around US$800, this tripod is not cheap. However, the most innovative products rarely are.

If you’re looking for the fastest tripod on the market for videographers, look no further. With photo/video equipment, you often get what you pay for.

I’ve used cheaper tripods that work but the TRIBEX really stands out from the pack with the quick deployment system.

With the TRIBEX, I honestly believe you get more than what you pay for.

I do have some concerns about the longevity of the hydraulic leg locking mechanism and the availability of spare parts long-term, but so far, it’s working great.

An innovative design alone would justify the $800 price tag, but TRIBEX goes further, delivering the quality and attention to detail found in far more expensive tripods.

Sure, you could get the Sachtler Flowtech, but who wants to spend triple the price? You get a few cool features but it still doesn’t have the ultra-fast deployment legs.

Bottom line: If you’re a videographer in the market for a solid tripod, look no further than the TRIBEX.

FAQ’s

Is it really that fast to operate?

Yes, it truly is fast. It’s a little slower to collapse, but it’s way faster than any other tripod I’ve used.

Is it good for photographers or videographers?

This tripod is much better suited to videographers because of the fluid head. Photographers could use it but there are cheaper and smaller options that offer more compatibility for just taking photos.

Can the TRIBEX handle rugged conditions?

This is my main concern with this tripod. While most tripods are not meant for use in sandy, dirty, wet environments, the TRIBEX poses an extra risk because of the hydraulic mechanism. I would worry that any sand or corrosion inside the mechanisms would cause it to jam up.

That said, I haven’t had any problems so far and only time will tell.

SmallRig x Potato Jet TRIBEX Hydraulic Carbon Fiber Tripod Review | Conclusion

The SmallRig TRIBEX jumps way ahead of conventional tripod design, offering a unique solution that addresses real-world challenges faced by photographers and videographers. Speed won’t hold you back any longer!

Its innovative approach to stability, efficiency, and versatility makes it a standout product in a crowded market.

I’ve always thought the tripod market was kind of boring, but the TRIBEX breathes new interest into an area of gear that I thought was tapped out for innovation.

If you have any questions about the Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod, leave a comment below.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Smallrig X Potato Jet TRIBEX Tripod

Ultra-fast hydraulic tripod built for speed, stability, and pro-level performance.