This SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm review looks at a dual-ball clamp setup for mounting cameras and accessories on rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods.
SmallRig 1138 Clamp Review Summary
The quick verdict
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp
A versatile clamp for creators mounting cameras, lights, microphones, or action cameras on rods, tubes, tables, and frames.
- Supports a maximum load of up to 1.5kg.
- Uses a clamp with dual ball heads and an anti-twist structure.
- Includes a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras and creator accessories.
- The locking knob secures the clamp to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod, with no drilling required.
Pros
- Combines the clamp and dual ball head in one mounting setup.
- Supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
Consider before buying
- The maximum supported load is 1.5kg, so heavier camera and accessory combinations fall outside its stated capacity.
- For dynamic setups, plan to attach a safety rope to reduce the risk of an accidental drop.
Read the full review summary
The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm combines a super clamp, dual ball head, and action camera mount adapter. It supports up to 1.5kg, with non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure to help it hold position without loosening.
It suits creators who want a compact way to attach a camera, webcam, monitor, light, microphone, or action camera to a suitable support.
Because installation uses a locking knob and does not require drilling, it can work for temporary tabletop or rod setups; for moving rigs, use the recommended safety rope.
The buying factors
SmallRig 1138 Clamp Scorecard
Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.
Supported load
The stated capacity is up to 1.5kg, giving buyers a clear ceiling for planning a camera or accessory setup.
Mounting flexibility
The clamp can attach to rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods, covering several common creator setups.
Accessory compatibility
A 1/4"-20 screw supports a broad selection of cameras and creator accessories, from webcams and monitors to microphones and lights.
Grip design
Non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure are intended to resist loosening during setup.
Included mounting pieces
The package combines a super clamp with an action camera mount adapter, reducing the need to source that adapter separately.
Dynamic-use precautions
A safety rope is recommended for dynamic scenarios, so buyers should account for an extra securing step when a rig may move.
Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138 Clamp
- Supports a maximum load of up to 1.5kg.
- Uses a clamp with dual ball heads and an anti-twist structure.
- Includes a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras and creator accessories.
- The locking knob secures the clamp to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod, with no drilling required.
- Package includes a super clamp and action camera mount adapter.
- Made from aluminum and stainless steel.
- A safety rope is recommended for dynamic use.
Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138 Clamp
Pros
- Combines the clamp and dual ball head in one mounting setup.
- Supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
- Fits several common support types, including rods, tables, frames, and tripods.
- The included action camera mount adapter expands the package beyond the clamp itself.
Consider before buying
- The maximum supported load is 1.5kg, so heavier camera and accessory combinations fall outside its stated capacity.
- For dynamic setups, plan to attach a safety rope to reduce the risk of an accidental drop.
- For rigs that will move, check that the clamp and supporting surface stay secure through the intended range of motion.
Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138 Clamp?
Good fit
Buy it if you want a clamp-based mount for a camera or accessory on a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod. The locking knob and no-drill setup make placement adaptable for creator gear.
It is a sensible fit for lighter rigs within the 1.5kg maximum and for buyers who want the action camera adapter included. Use a safety rope when the setup is dynamic.
Who should skip it
Skip it for a rig whose combined camera and accessories exceed 1.5kg; that is above the stated maximum load.
Look elsewhere if you cannot add a safety rope to a dynamic setup, since one is recommended to help prevent accidental drops.
SmallRig 1138 Clamp: Setup and Load Considerations
A flexible mounting point
The clamp's dual ball head and 1/4"-20 screw accommodate several types of creator gear.
Its mounting options can help when a conventional camera position is unavailable, and the locking knob allows no-drill placement on rods, tubes, tables, frames, or tripods.
Keep the payload within range
Treat 1.5kg as the upper limit for the complete mounted load, including the camera and attached accessories. Non-slip threads and an anti-twist structure are designed to help resist loosening, but they do not change that capacity ceiling.
Plan for motion
A fixed tabletop or support point is a straightforward use case for this clamp. If the camera or mounting surface will move during shooting, add a safety rope as recommended and check the whole rig before use.
Materials and included adapter
Aluminum and stainless steel construction gives buyers the material information for evaluating the mount alongside their existing rig. The included action camera mount adapter is useful for compatible action-camera setups without sourcing that piece separately.
Alternatives to SmallRig 1138 Clamp
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit
Choose the Magic Arm Clamp Kit if you want an articulating arm with a 9.8-inch reach. Choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm if you prefer its dual-ball arrangement, included action camera adapter, and 1.5kg capacity.
- The Magic Arm Clamp Kit includes an articulating arm with 1/4" screws at both ends, and its camera mount measures 9.8 inches/25 cm.
- The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm combines a super clamp and action camera mount adapter with a dual-ball arrangement, and supports up to 1.5kg.
Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative
2,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSMALLRIG Super Clamp
Choose the Super Clamp if you want a clamp-only base with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threaded mounting holes and a jaw range from 15mm to about 40mm.
Choose the SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm if you prefer a dual-ball head and action camera adapter in the package, with a 1.5kg load limit.
- The Super Clamp is a clamp-only option with 1/4" and 3/8" threaded mounting holes. Its jaw fits surfaces from at least 15mm to about 1.57 inches (40mm) thick.
- The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm includes a dual-ball head and action camera mount adapter, with a maximum supported load of 1.5kg.
Is SmallRig 1138 Clamp Worth It?
The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp is worth considering if you need a clamp-mounted position for a camera or accessory and value the included action camera adapter.
Its 1.5kg maximum capacity and choice of mounting surfaces suit adaptable creator setups.
Before buying, match the combined rig weight to the 1.5kg capacity and attach the safety rope for dynamic use.
The clamp's dual-ball positioning and compatibility with cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras can suit a range of creator setups.
Your review at a glance
8,000+ ratings
Read Amazon ReviewsSmallRig 1138 Cool Ballhead Arm Clamp
A versatile clamp for creators mounting cameras, lights, microphones, or action cameras on rods, tubes, tables, and frames.
- Supports a maximum load of up to 1.5kg.
- Uses a clamp with dual ball heads and an anti-twist structure.
- Includes a 1/4"-20 screw for cameras and creator accessories.
- The locking knob secures the clamp to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod, with no drilling required.