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At the end of 2024, SmallRig, in collaboration with YouTuber Potato Jet, released a unique hydraulic video tripod. This tripod now has a successor, the Second Edition. You can read more about this tripod in this review.
YouTuber Gene “Potato Jet” Nagata designed, in collaboration with SmallRig, a tripod whose legs can literally be extended in a twist of the hand. This happens by means of a hydraulic system. I reviewed the original tripod back in December 2024. You can find that review with this link, complete with a short video of its use.
On route to the beach to try out the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex SE.
Now there is a Second Edition, which resembles the original but has some important improvements. However, it’s not the same tripod. The SE version is made out of aluminum instead of carbon fiber and has a simpler dampened video head. It is overall a bit more compact in size and build. It does have the hydraulic X-Clutch system like the first edition, which allows you to quickly set up the tripod, no matter how rough the terrain is.
Different situations where I used the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex SE tripod.
Appearance and Details
The first thing that stands out are the legs of the tripod. The upper section has a pleasant rubber finish. It gives a lot of grip and looks classy. This applies to the overall appearance of the tripod as well.
It’s a good-looking tripod.
There is a removable center column, and the legs can be locked at three angles. The clips can be pulled out and automatically click into place when a leg reaches one of the three positions. Each leg is fitted with a removable rubber foot.
As mentioned, the video head is a simple dampened version. There is no adjustable counterweight, so you need to set friction with the release lever itself. The head is suitable for the Manfrotto or DJI RS system, with a 1/4″-20 thread for accessories. The panning handle can be fitted on both sides and is adjustable in length.
The 1/4″ – 20 thread between the legs is not usable for the Hawlock system. That’s unfortunate.
The tripod has a second 1/4″-20 thread for accessories between the legs. Unfortunately, the Hawklock system does not fit in that tight place.
The Hydraulic X-Clutch System
What this tripod is all about, of course, is the hydraulic system for extending the legs. This works the same as with the original tripod. Check out the review of that tripod to see it in action. With this SE version, however, there are some improvements and changes.
The handle has a more streamlined design, and the release button is strikingly red. It locks into two positions. The horizontal position is just like in the first iteration. The second is now in the vertical position, which was lacking previously. However, the 45-degree angle lock is no longer present.
The design of the X-Clutch handle has changed.
In the first version, it was already noticeable that the hydraulic system needs time to build up pressure. Especially when the ambient temperature is near freezing, it takes a second or two before the height is fixed. A warning has now been added to the handle to remind you of this. It’s not a shortcoming; it’s just a consequence of using a hydraulic system.
Give the hydraulic system time to build up pressure. An important warning.
The beauty of this hydraulic X-Clutch system is the speed with which you can set up the tripod on uneven ground. The legs extend when you press the handle and lock into place when you release it. The only thing you must do is ensure that the tripod is kept level. If you don’t, it becomes cumbersome to level it because you can only release all three legs together, or none at all.
Make sure it’s level the first time. That makes life easier. The center column is convenient to adjust the height of the setup.
Compared With the Original First Version
Of course, it makes sense to compare this SE version with the first one that appeared at the end of 2024. The appearance of the SE tripod, with its beautiful finish, stands out in particular. Do keep in mind that the SE version is a tripod for less heavy setups. It’s not smaller in size or weight.
The original SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex next to the SE version.
The differences between the two versions. The slightly smaller SE version is made out of aluminium. The original one is carbon fiber. The weight is nearly the same.
The original version is made of carbon fiber and weighs 5.5 kilograms. It can support up to 25 kilograms. The SE version is made out of aluminium and weighs 5.4 kilograms. It supports no more than 15 kilograms. The maximum height of both tripods is 1.68 meters.
Both video heads are limited to 6 kilograms. However, the video head you get with the SE version is less sophisticated. It may be able to carry the same weight, but its simpler design makes the use of heavy setups less ideal.
I would prefer the original one for heavy setups. It’s not because of the tripod, but because of the video head.
Another difference that stands out is the design of the tripod feet. The first version has removable feet, spikes, and is compatible with the SmallRig ground spreader. The SE version is limited to the rubber feet, which can be removed or replaced. The latter is not possible with the first version.
I prefer the older tripod feet.
How It Handles in Different Situations
The speed of setting up the tripod makes it very easy to use, especially when you change positions frequently and work on uneven ground. The automatic clip system for the spread position of the legs works very pleasantly.
The center column offers extra flexibility to fine-tune the height. Raising the column slightly is faster compared to raising the tripod, even with the hydraulic X-Clutch system. After all, you can’t release just one leg with this system. If desired, the center column can also be removed. Just like the original version of the tripod, an Allen key is required. This Allen key is conveniently stored in the video head.
Removing the center column is possible. For that, you need an Allen key, which is included.
Spreading the legs completely horizontal means that the handle of the X-Clutch system will touch the ground. Keep this in mind when working in sand, water, and dirt. If you need to be this close to the ground, you might want to consider inverting the center column. However, this has its own downsides.
The center column upside down.
Talking about sand, water, and dirt, I took the tripod to the beach and used it in situations where the tripod legs were partly submerged in seawater, as well as dry and wet sand on the beach. I also used it between rocks and boulders, where the hydraulic system works at its best. The hydraulic system does keep the tripod at the desired height, but when the legs get wet or covered in sand, it becomes difficult or impossible to extend the legs automatically when releasing the handle of the X-Clutch system. You need to pull the legs out or push them in.
With the legs spread out, the X-Clutch handle will touch the ground. Keep that in mind if you work in water, sand, or dirt.
Although the tripod did work as expected and offered a stable platform for my camera, I don’t find the beach or locations with sand and dirt the best environment for a tripod that relies on hydraulics.
Conclusion
The hydraulic system makes working with the tripod easy. You can set it up in an instant, regardless of the surface. There is, however, a small downside to this method: fine-tuning and leveling the tripod can be more difficult.
When leveling, or making small changes in height, the handle of the X-Clutch system must be pressed again. This unlocks all the legs, not just the one that needs adjusting. Naturally, this is inherent to this system. That’s where the center column comes in handy.
The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex SE in different situations.
The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex SE in four more situations.
Overall, using the tripod is very pleasant. The dampened video head is sufficient for simple and relatively light video setups. The heavier the setup becomes, the less effective the dampening will be. In those situations, the more sophisticated head of the first edition is a better choice. You could exchange the head if you like.
The tripod head offered good control up to about 300 mm focal length, especially when extending the panning handle to its maximum length. As long as no panning is needed, 500 mm focal length and APS-C works as well.
The simple video head can handle long focal lengths, but for more than 300mm, I would advise a video head that is more heavy duty.
I did notice something odd. There was a point where the panning seemed to run into some resistance. However, this was not always the case, and I couldn’t reproduce the effect. Perhaps a badly balanced setup might be responsible for that, but I never exceeded the maximum load capacity.
The rubber feet of the tripod legs turned out to be very smooth. In some cases, this was annoying, especially on polished concrete. On other surfaces, it was less of a problem. Fortunately, the feet can be replaced with spikes. Unfortunately, SmallRig does not include spikes with the tripod. I liked the tripod feet of the original better, despite its larger size.
I like how the clips work, the design pattern on the legs, and the overall look. The rubber feet are good for most normal situations.
The major downside of the hydraulic X-Clutch system becomes apparent when used in sand and water. The legs will get dirty, and this will influence the functionality of the system. Cleaning can only be done on the surface. Use a cloth to wipe off any water and dirt before retracting the legs.
In principle, no dirt will get into the legs. After all, the hydraulics are a closed system. However, if it does happen, you cannot fix it yourself, and the tripod will need to be sent in for repair. I would advise not to use this tripod in locations where there is a lot of sand, water, or dirt involved.
The one major downside of the hydraulic system. If it gets dirty, operating the hydraulics isn’t that smooth anymore. Cleaning can be done only on the surface.
Compared with the first version, this tripod has many small but important improvements. The SE version is a tripod for less heavy setups, mainly evident in the video head. Because it’s made out of aluminum, it saves hardly any weight compared to the larger first version. But collapsed, it is slightly shorter and more compact.
The SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex SE is certainly not perfect. There remain several points where improvements are welcome. However, these points are definitely not important to everyone, so judge for yourself what matters to you.
What Works Well
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Visually attractive design
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Rubber finish on tripod legs
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Automatic locking for leg spread positions
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X-Clutch handle also locks in vertical position
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Replaceable feet
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Large bubble level (compared with first version)
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Allen key stored in video head
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Handy click system for camera plate placement
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Compatible with Manfrotto and DJI RS systems
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1/4″-20 accessory mounts available
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Nice bag included (and a smartphone holder)
What Can Be Improved
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Panning sometimes shows unexpected resistance
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X-Clutch handle does not lock at 45-degree angle anymore
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Space between legs insufficient for HawkLock system
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Rubber feet can be too slippery
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Missing hook on center column from first version
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No spikes included
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Cleaning tripod legs impossible due to hydraulics
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No significant weight savings compared with original version
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Needs an extra bubble level on base plate
Final Verdict
The SmallRig X Potato Jet Tribex SE is perfect for anyone who wants to set up a tripod quickly and easily. The included video head is simple and suitable for lightweight video rigs. But be careful when using the tripod in situations where it can get dirty.
I like the SmallRig x Potato Jet Tribex SE. It’s perfect for simple setups.
Bottom line: I can recommend this tripod if the shortcomings are not a problem for you. The tripod is available for just shy of $400, which is a reasonable price for a tripod of this caliber. As a final note, I want to thank SmallRig for providing me with the tripod for this review.