This SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm is a compact mounting option for attaching a camera or accessory to a rod, tube, or table. Its double ball adapter and included action camera mount suit flexible tabletop or vehicle setups.
SmallRig 1138 Clamp Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp
A versatile clamp for creators who want to attach a camera or accessory to a rod, table, or frame and adjust its position with dual ball heads.
- Dual ball head adapter for positioning mounted gear.
- Clamp mounts to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod using a locking knob.
- 1/4"-20 screw supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Maximum supported load: up to 1.5kg.
Pros
- Works across several mounting surfaces, including rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods.
- Supports a range of camera and creator accessories through its 1/4"-20 screw.
Consider before buying
- The up-to 1.5kg load limit requires checking the weight of the complete mounted setup.
- Dynamic setups require a safety rope to help reduce the risk of accidental drops.
Read the full review summary
The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm combines a clamp, double ball adapter, and action camera mount in one kit.
It can attach compatible gear to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod, giving creators several ways to position a camera or accessory without drilling.
Its stated maximum load of up to 1.5kg makes the intended setup important: check the combined weight of the mounted equipment and leave room for a safety rope in dynamic use.
This is a practical choice for creators who want a flexible clamp arrangement, provided their mounting surface and equipment suit the clamp.
The buying factors
SmallRig 1138 Clamp Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Mounting flexibility
The clamp can secure to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods, and the dual ball head arrangement supports adjustable positioning.
Accessory compatibility
The 1/4"-20 screw accommodates several gear types, including cameras, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
Load guidance
A maximum load of up to 1.5kg gives buyers a useful equipment limit to check against their intended setup.
Build materials
Aluminum and stainless steel construction will appeal to buyers looking for a metal clamp assembly.
Included mounting options
The package includes the super clamp and an action camera mount adapter, extending its use beyond the clamp alone.
Dynamic-use precautions
Dynamic setups call for a safety rope to help prevent accidental equipment drops, adding a precaution users must plan for.
Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138 Clamp
- Dual ball head adapter for positioning mounted gear.
- Clamp mounts to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod using a locking knob.
- 1/4"-20 screw supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Maximum supported load: up to 1.5kg.
- Aluminum and stainless steel construction.
- Package includes a super clamp and action camera mount adapter.
- For dynamic setups, attach a safety rope to help prevent accidental drops.
Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138 Clamp
Pros
- Works across several mounting surfaces, including rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods.
- Supports a range of camera and creator accessories through its 1/4"-20 screw.
- Includes an action camera mount adapter along with the super clamp.
- Uses aluminum and stainless steel in its construction.
Consider before buying
- The up-to 1.5kg load limit requires checking the weight of the complete mounted setup.
- Dynamic setups require a safety rope to help reduce the risk of accidental drops.
- Confirm that the available 1/4"-20 connection matches the accessory you plan to mount.
Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138 Clamp?
Good fit
Choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm if you need a clamp that attaches to rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods and holds compatible creator gear through a 1/4"-20 screw.
The double ball adapter and included action camera mount offer flexible positioning across setups.
It suits creators whose gear stays within the up-to 1.5kg load limit and who can secure the clamp appropriately for the setup. For use in dynamic situations, plan to attach a safety rope as part of the rig.
Who should skip it
Look elsewhere if your assembled gear exceeds the up-to 1.5kg limit; the clamp is intended for loads within that capacity.
This setup may not fit buyers who need a mount that works without a safety rope in dynamic scenarios, since the product guidance calls for one to help prevent accidental drops.
SmallRig 1138 Clamp: Mounting Flexibility and Load Planning
Mounting surfaces and setup options
The clamp's listed mounting range covers rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods. That gives tabletop creators and people rigging a camera around a vehicle or workspace several possible attachment points, as long as the surface suits the clamp.
Positioning and gear compatibility
The dual ball head adapter helps position the mounted accessory, while the 1/4"-20 screw provides a connection for cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
Buyers should match the mounting interface to their own gear before building a rig.
Weight and dynamic use
Treat the up-to 1.5kg capacity as a ceiling for the whole mounted load, not just the camera body. In dynamic situations, the safety rope instruction makes secondary retention part of setup planning.
Construction and package contents
Aluminum and stainless steel construction, a super clamp, and an action camera mount adapter make this a multi-part mounting kit.
Buyers who already have their own accessory mounts should still check whether the included adapter and connection points suit their workflow.
Alternatives to SmallRig 1138 Clamp
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit
Pick the Magic Arm Clamp Kit if you want an articulating arm with 9.8 inches/25 cm of reach; choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm if its double ball adapter clamp design and included action camera mount suit your rig.
- This kit pairs a clamp with a 9.8-inch articulating arm and provides 1/4" and 3/8" threads; the arm gives it a longer reach for positioning accessories.
- The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm is a double ball adapter clamp arrangement with an action camera mount adapter and a supported capacity of up to 1.5 kg.
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG Super Clamp
Choose the Super Clamp if its jaw range of 15 mm to about 40 mm fits your mounting surface and you want threaded holes for accessories; choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm for a double ball adapter and an included action camera mount.
- The Super Clamp is a clamp-only option with 1/4" and 3/8" threaded holes.
- Its jaw spans from at least 15mm to about 1.57 inches, accommodating surfaces in that range.
- The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm includes a double ball adapter and an action camera mount adapter, with a supported capacity of up to 1.5 kg.
Is SmallRig 1138 Clamp Worth It?
The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp is worth considering if you want one clamp setup for compatible cameras and creator accessories, multiple mounting surfaces, double ball adapter positioning, and an included action camera mount.
Its aluminum and stainless steel construction is a practical feature for buyers choosing a metal mounting kit.
Buy it when your assembled load stays within the up-to 1.5kg capacity and your setup allows for secure mounting; add a safety rope for dynamic use.
If your rig needs a longer articulating arm or a simpler clamp-only design, consider those needs before choosing this combined ball head arrangement.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp
A versatile clamp for creators who want to attach a camera or accessory to a rod, table, or frame and adjust its position with dual ball heads.
- Dual ball head adapter for positioning mounted gear.
- Clamp mounts to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod using a locking knob.
- 1/4"-20 screw supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Maximum supported load: up to 1.5kg.