At IBC 2025, we stopped by the SmallRig sales space the place Manny Moreno walked us by way of the newest addition to the Tribex line: a prototype monopod developed in collaboration with YouTuber Gene Nagata, aka Potato Jet. The Tribex sequence has already drawn consideration with their tripod designs, and now SmallRig is testing the waters with a monopod that carries over the identical X-Clutch deal with and hydraulic locking system, however in a streamlined, one-stick type.
The Tribex line started with tripods, developed along with Potato Jet, and shortly turned one among SmallRig’s most acknowledged designs. What began as a single product has grown right into a sequence, with the brand new monopod carrying ahead the identical concepts of velocity, modularity, and operator-focused dealing with.
Squeeze to launch and a one-press lock for fast and fluid top adjustments. Picture credit score: CineD
Hydraulic lock and fast setup
Manny demonstrated how the hydraulic lock works with a easy squeeze to launch and a one-press to lock, making top adjustments fast and fluid with one hand. This function is aimed toward operators who want to maneuver quick on set with out having to fiddle with twist locks – simply press and alter.
Rotating locking system. Picture credit score: CineD
Prime plate and base design
On the high, SmallRig is utilizing a fast launch plate that’s near Arca-Swiss, however with guiding pins and a rotating lock for additional safety. As soon as pressed down, it snaps into place and also you’re able to go, although a last hand-tighten remains to be beneficial.
Backside leg clutch system – swivel, lean, and lock. Picture credit score: CineD
The bottom has its personal clutch system, permitting the monopod to swivel and lean for versatile positioning, then lock again in with a press. Manny defined that Potato Jet has been carefully concerned in shaping the design, from experimenting with carbon fiber patterns to refining how the digicam sits on the mount. That collaboration, mixed with suggestions from U.S. and Asian markets, has pushed SmallRig to discover variations corresponding to a spherical ball as a substitute of three folding toes, since in some areas three toes would legally classify the monopod as a tripod. At IBC, they’re persevering with to collect European suggestions earlier than locking within the last model.
Payload 40 lbs/1-17kg. Picture credit score: CineD
Payload, prototype stage, and subsequent steps
The designated payload is round 40 lbs (16–17 kg), sufficient for totally rigged setups like Sony FX6, RED Komodo, or DSMC2 our bodies. Manny was clear that that is nonetheless a prototype, with load testing ongoing in Shenzhen, however stated that standard digicam weights shouldn’t be a difficulty, as a part of the method now’s ironing out the precise configurations filmmakers need, for instance, head or no head, toes or no toes, and what equipment ought to ship with it.
Worth and availability
SmallRig is concentrating on a sub-$400 value level, with last improvement anticipated to wrap up by the tip of 2025 and delivery no later than Q1 2026. For extra data on SmallRig merchandise, please see their web site.
The Tribex monopod carries over the DNA of SmallRig’s earlier tripod designs however adapts it for operators who need velocity, flexibility, and a modular method. Whether or not this prototype turns into the go-to stick for run-and-gun or occasion work will rely on the suggestions SmallRig gathers now.
Do you favor a monopod with folding toes, a spherical ball base, or no base in any respect? Is a 40 lb payload greater than you’d ever want, or do you recurrently push near that weight along with your setups? Tell us within the feedback!
