SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm 1138 Review

This SmallRig camera clamp review looks at a compact mounting setup for creators who need to attach cameras or accessories to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.

Its dual ball head and included action camera mount make it a good fit when adaptable positioning matters.

SmallRig 1138 Clamp Review Summary

The quick verdict

SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm 1138

A dual-ball clamp for creators who want to mount a camera or accessory to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.

• Double ball adapter for adjustable camera or accessory positioning.
• Clamp can lock onto a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod without drilling.
• 1/4-20 screw supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
• Supports gear weighing up to 1.5 kg.

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✓ Pros

• Mounts to several support shapes, including rods, tubes, tables, frames, and tripods.
• The dual-ball arrangement supports adjustable positioning.

− Consider before buying

• The maximum supported load is 1.5 kg, so check the combined weight of the mounted device and accessories before setup.
• Dynamic use calls for a safety rope, which adds another setup step when mounting around movement.

Read the full review summary

The Cool Ballhead Arm combines a clamp, dual ball adapter, 1/4-20 screw, and action camera adapter in one mount.

That gives creators a flexible way to attach cameras, monitors, lights, microphones, or action cameras to a range of supports without drilling, while the stated capacity of up to 1.5 kg helps set an important load boundary.

It suits desk setups, vehicle rigs, and other light camera arrangements where flexible placement and a compact clamp are more useful than a dedicated support system.

Buyers should keep the 1.5 kg limit in view and use the safety rope in dynamic settings; the clamp is intended for adaptable mounting, not careless movement with expensive gear attached.

Editorial scores reflect listed features and buyer fit; they are not laboratory measurements or customer ratings.

Key Features and Specifications of SmallRig 1138 Clamp

• Double ball adapter for adjustable camera or accessory positioning.
• Clamp can lock onto a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod without drilling.
• 1/4-20 screw supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
• Supports gear weighing up to 1.5 kg.
• Includes a super clamp and action camera mount adapter.
• Aluminum and stainless steel construction.
• Use a safety rope for dynamic setups to help prevent accidental drops.

Pros and Cons of SmallRig 1138 Clamp

Who Should Buy SmallRig 1138 Clamp?

Good fit

Choose this clamp if you need one mount for a small camera or accessory and want to attach it to a desk, tube, rod, frame, or tripod.

The 1/4-20 screw and included action camera adapter cover a useful range of mounting tasks, while the no-drilling clamp approach can simplify temporary setups.

It is a sensible fit for creators building a compact desk or vehicle rig, provided the attached gear stays within 1.5 kg and the clamp is secured correctly.

In a moving setup, make room for the safety rope as part of the mounting routine.

Who should skip it

Skip it if your planned camera and accessories exceed 1.5 kg; the product's stated capacity does not cover that load. Choose another mounting approach for a heavier rig.

It is also a poor fit if you want a mount that needs no secondary restraint in a dynamic setup, since SmallRig advises attaching a safety rope in those conditions.

SmallRig 1138 Clamp: Positioning, Load, and Setup

Flexible attachment points

The clamp is useful when a fixed tripod position is inconvenient: it can fasten to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod, and does not require drilling.

That makes it adaptable for temporary desk and rigging arrangements, though the support still needs a suitable surface and secure locking.

Accessory compatibility

The 1/4-20 screw accepts cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras. The included action camera adapter adds a second mounting route, so check the connection type of your device before settling on this clamp.

Load and movement

The maximum load is 1.5 kg, a clear boundary for choosing a camera and any attached accessories.

For a vehicle or other dynamic position, use the safety rope as instructed and consider whether the installation remains stable as the setup moves.

Materials and package

Aluminum and stainless steel form the clamp's listed construction, and the package includes the clamp and action camera mount. Buyers who need a more specialized arm or extra extensions should account for those separately when planning the rig.

Alternatives to SmallRig 1138 Clamp

Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative

SMALLRIG 9.8 Inches Magic Arm Clamp Kit

Choose the Magic Arm Clamp Kit when reach from the mounting surface matters and an articulating arm is useful; choose the Cool Ballhead Arm when you want its dual-ball clamp arrangement and included action camera adapter, while keeping the main mount's 1.5 kg limit in mind.

• The Magic Arm Clamp Kit pairs a super clamp with a 9.8-inch articulating arm, offering more reach between the clamp point and mounted accessory.
• The Cool Ballhead Arm is a double-ball clamp setup with a stated capacity up to 1.5 kg, suitable when you want an integrated clamp and action camera adapter.

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Camera Mounts & Clamps alternative

SMALLRIG Super Clamp

Choose the Super Clamp if you want a simpler clamp with threaded accessory points and a jaw range suited to your support; choose the Cool Ballhead Arm if you prefer an integrated double-ball adapter and action camera mount, with capacity up to 1.5 kg.

• The Super Clamp is a clamp-only option with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threaded holes, and its jaw fits surfaces from 15 mm to about 1.57 inches thick.
• The Cool Ballhead Arm combines a double-ball adapter with an included action camera mount, and supports up to 1.5 kg.

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Is SmallRig 1138 Clamp Worth It?

The SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm is worth considering for creators who need an adaptable clamp mount for cameras or accessories and can stay within its 1.5 kg capacity.

Its dual ball head and 1/4-20 screw fit a range of gear, while the included action camera mount adds flexibility for desk or rig setups.

Buy it if its support points match your setup and you are prepared to attach a safety rope whenever the mount will be used dynamically.

Pass if your rig exceeds the load guidance or you need a longer arm to place the camera farther from the clamping surface.

Your review at a glance

SmallRig Cool Ballhead Arm 1138

A dual-ball clamp for creators who want to mount a camera or accessory to a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod.

• Double ball adapter for adjustable camera or accessory positioning.
• Clamp can lock onto a rod, tube, table, frame, or tripod without drilling.
• 1/4-20 screw supports cameras, webcams, monitors, lights, microphones, and action cameras.
• Supports gear weighing up to 1.5 kg.

Check Price on Amazon