Live use: My new tripod put to the test

As a keyboard player, a stable and practical stand is essential for live performances. For years I used my Ultimate V-Stand – a reliable companion, but it was starting to show signs of wear and tear. That's why I've now bought a new model that promises several improvements. In this post, I'll show you what's changed and whether the upgrade is worth it.

The first differences from the predecessor

The design reveals some innovations:

• Improved folding mechanism with locking pin : Previously, there was a screw with a plastic head to secure the legs – this eventually stripped on my old tripod, so I couldn't tighten it properly anymore. Now there's a pin mechanism instead, which makes this point more stable. However, the insertion process isn't particularly well designed: The pins have to be guided through two holes several centimeters apart, which proves to be awkward. A small tube as a guide would have been much more practical.
• New height adjustment : On the old model, you pulled a mechanism forward that was then locked in place by a spring. On the new model, you now have to open a side clamp to adjust the height. I can't yet say whether this is an improvement – ​​it seems more cumbersome than the old solution.
• Adjustable position of the support arms : The arms on which the keyboard rests can now be moved. This is presumably due to the option of installing a second level. I only use one myself, but for setups with two keyboards, this is certainly a useful addition.

Initial findings from practical experience

After the first test, I noticed two more things:

1. Steeper angle of the V-stand : The new stand has a significantly steeper angle than my old model. This means that your arms are closer together when playing while seated. It feels a bit unusual and less stable. However, I had no problems with a Fantom 7 EX – so it's simply a matter of getting used to it.
2. Thinner rubber pads on the arms : The rubber pads on the support arms could be a bit thicker. Especially if you frequently set up and take down your instrument, a little more padding would be desirable.

Conclusion: Is the upgrade worth it?

After the initial test, I'm satisfied with the new tripod. It's compact, stable, and practical for live use . While the minor changes aren't without their drawbacks (e.g., the more complicated height adjustment), overall the tripod does exactly what it's supposed to.

Long-term experience will show whether the new mechanisms are truly an improvement or whether I'll end up missing the old model. For travel, however, this tripod is definitely a good choice!

🎬 You can watch the complete unboxing and review in this video:
➡️ To the YouTube video