SwitchPod Review

I’ve got the perfect solution if you love taking selfies with your smartphone, need a tripod for vlogging or for filming YouTube videos, or are just looking for secure stabilization for your DSLR when taking stills. It’s called the SwitchPod, an innovative tripod designed by a vlogger for vloggers. Let’s find out if it lives up to all the hype?

The SwitchPod, created by Pat Flynn, was launched last year on Kickstarter. The campaign brought in a staggering $100K in the first 12 hours. This met their initial goal with additional funds continuing to flow in. I think you’ll understand why this mini collapsible tripod is so popular.

Versatility and portability: The SwitchPod tripod is the ultimate in versatility because it’s compatible with both DSLR cameras and smartphones, including iPhone, Android, and Galaxy. It’s made of lightweight aluminum alloy, will easily fit into your backpack or camera bag, and is virtually indestructible. It’s even small enough to fit inside a fanny pack or attach to a carabiner. Say goodbye to clunky, bulky, inconvenient tripods that waste your valuable time. This mini tripod is highly recommended by professionals.

Handheld and tripod modes: The SwitchPod has two modes, one for taking selfies and the other for use as a traditional tripod, whether you’re taking stills or filming video. You can switch back and forth between modes in seconds. That’s why it’s called the SwitchPod. It was designed to be handheld for vlogging and for snapping selfies. Magnets keep the legs collapsed for easy gripping, and gravity opens the legs when you’re ready to use it as a tripod.

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Recessed feet and finger grooves: The SwitchPod is sturdy enough to support heavy DSLRs with long lenses without sagging, yet versatile enough to stabilize smartphones. The SwitchPod has non-slip, recessed feet, which allows for noise-free placement on any surface without slipping or making a sound. It’s easy to hold thanks to the finger grooves on the legs that enable comfortable gripping anywhere along its length, depending on how heavy your camera is.

Add your own ball heads and quick release plates: The legs on the SwitchPod have large slots, which makes it lightweight, without compromising stability. A handy tightening knob lets you attach and remove your camera quickly and without fuss. The SwitchPod is designed for modification if you want to add your own ball head or quick release plate. SwitchPod has now come out with their own ball head that enables a 90° portrait tilt, and supports professional DSLRs up to 15 pounds. The ball head comes with a 1/4-20 screw on the top and a 1/4-20 thread mount on the bottom.

Weight 11 ounces: Toss the SwitchPod in your bag or purse, you won’t notice the added weight. It weighs just 11 ounces, approximately half of what the GorillaPod weighs. The SwitchPod is also significantly smaller, measuring under 10 inches in both height and width. Here’s a rundown of more of its impressive features:

Features


  • Can easily switch between tripod and handheld modes
  • Collapsed handles measure 11″ in length
  • Tripod measures 9.75″ tall by 9.75″ wide
  • Versatile – supports both DSLR cameras and smartphones
  • Simple, innovative design
  • Lightweight, yet sturdy and compact
  • Will fit in a pocket for easy transportation
  • Constructed of aluminum alloy
  • Handy finger grooves make for secure gripping
  • Non-slip, recessed feet
  • Handy tightening knob
  • Can add quick release plates and ball heads

Pros


✅ Convenient to transport

✅ Supports varying weights

✅ Can handhold or use as a tripod

✅ Collapsible and compact

✅ Designed for adding quick-release plates or ball heads

✅ Outstanding ergonomics

✅ Functional design

✅ Weighs 11 ounces

 

Cons


✔️ Lacks a pan/tilt head

✔️ Price may be steep for some

Check out the SwitchPod on eBay

Questions and Answers


1. Question: Does the tripod support vertical orientations?

Answer: Unfortunately, not for DSLRs unless you use a ball head mount. You can, however, use a smartphone on a mobile phone mount.

2. Question: What is the size of the screw on the top of the tripod?

Answer: The screw measures 1/4″-20. There are two threads on the SwitchPod’s legs, which support a microphone or LED light.

3. Question: Does the SwitchPod come with a smartphone attachment?

Answer: No, it doesn’t come with one, but you can buy smartphone tripod adapters on Amazon.

Key Points


I don’t personally own a SwitchPod YET, but my friend has one so I’ve been able to use his. I’ll be purchasing one soon. The SwitchPod was designed for function, portability, stability, and it feels good in your hands. Fun fact: one of the designers on the SwitchPod team is a design architect, which likely explains the great ergonomics. I vote a resounding YES for the SwitchPod!

Does the SwitchPod sound like a winner to you? Let me know in the comments:)

 

 

SwitchPod

$99.00 (Price Subject To Change)
9.5

Overall Design

9.5/10

Innovative Features

9.5/10

Function

9.5/10

Pros

  • Supports varying weights
  • Collapsible and compact
  • Selfie and tripod modes
  • Functional design
  • Impressive ergonomics

Cons

  • No pan/tilt feature

4 thoughts on “SwitchPod Review”

  1. Thanks so much for sharing such a great article and review to know more about the SwitchPod mini collapsible tripod.

    I’m currently looking for a tripod that can help me to take better pictures of my work as I’m interested to create my own audience on Instagram.

    I currently have a regular tripod to take some photos of my work and the videos for my YouTube channel, but it’s hard to set it up to get the best photographs and videos with my Canon.

    I’m looking for a tripod that is easier to set up and on which I can trust that my Canon is safe and easy for me to work with it at the same time I’m working on a project.

    I see the price is right so I’ll give it a try!

    Reply
    • Hi Alejandra,

      Thanks for reading my review. The SwitchPod mini tripod is amazing. It would be the perfect solution for photographing your work and displaying on Instagram. It’s easy to set up and your Canon would be safe on it. The price is very affordable, especially considering the durability of the tripod and the stabilization it provides. 

      Reply
  2. When I first saw a stranger uses a SwitchPod mini collapsible, I thought “I need one of those!”  But before I buy it I wanted to do a little research. Thanks to your review, now I know that it is exactly what I need. I love the practicality of it and it is small and I can fold it. I will definitely get it. 

    Reply
    • Awesome. I know you’ll love it. It’s super convenient, which is a big deal to me because I’ve been fighting with tripods for years. Thanks so much for reading my review and taking the time to comment:)

      Reply

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