Hardware Review: The Gymbl™ Pro, a pocket tripod for your iPhone 4

The Gymbl™ Pro [pronounced gim-bel] is a nicely packaged case, tripod mount (which is used to mount your iPhone to a full sized tripod) and all-in-one pocket tripod/grip for your iPhone 4.

The Case
The case itself is made of toughened polycarbonate plastic, and is of an ergonomic design, with a slightly bulky right-hand side, which houses the clever tripod clip on and off mounting system. Fitting your iPhone 4 inside the case, is easy to do. Simply remove the cases end/cap, slide your iPhone in, and replace the end/cap, and you're good to go. Removal of your iPhone from the case is easy, and is simply a reversal of the fitting process.

Mounting your iPhone
Having married the case with your iPhone, mounting it to either the tripod mount or pocket tripod/grip is really easy. Simply take either the mount or pocket tripod and align the metal mounting plate with the slot found on the bulky side of the case, and slide all the way in. Once fitted, you can position your iPhone in almost any position you like, by rotating and pivoting the adjustable multi-angle mount, which gives you almost the same flexibility as a ball and socket head would.

Multi Purpose Tripod
The Gymbl™ Pro is a multi purpose tripod and grip, and having fitted your iPhone in the case and mounted it to the tripod/grip, it is quick and easy to use, and switch between grip and tripod modes. Once mounted you can quickly rotate your iPhone to its desired position, and using in grip mode, makes it perfect for shooting videos, allowing for better handling, and improving stability.

If you want to use the pocket tripod feature, either for stills or video, simply open out the neatly folded away legs, place on a firm surface, adjust the iPhone positioning and shoot.

Uses
The Gymbl™ Pro is perfect for shooting videos, time-lapse movies, family and self portraits, panoramic's, low light photography and just about anything where keeping your iPhone stable is required, you can even use it as a stand for viewing videos.

What do I think of the The Gymbl™ Pro?
First up, I have to point out the Youbiq are a paid advertiser/sponsor of the iPhoneography blog, but they would not be here, if I did not like their product, as I am in the fortunate position of being able to choose who advertises here, and will not just take any old product.

OK, with the little disclaimer out of the way, what do I think of the The Gymbl™ Pro? Well, whilst the Gymbl™ Pro is not a cheap solution, coming in at $99 USD plus shipping, I think it is a well thought out, well made and engineered product (the case of toughened polycarbonate plastic, and the tripod/grip/mount of toughened polycarbonate plastic and metal). The case adds a little bulk to the iPhone 4, but not so much that the phone has become un-pocketable, and in use, I found the Gymbl™ Pro very quick, sturdy and agile.

Now whilst I like the Gymbl™ Pro, with its design and construction, it is not my preferred tripod solution, as I prefer to carry my iPhone naked, and what I mean by that is without a case, and so for me, I prefer a mixture of other things, but that's another article for another time. That said if I did have a need to carry my iPhone in a case, then I would look to the Gymbl™ Pro, knowing that I could call on the added flexibility of its pocketable tripod/grip as and when needed.

The Gymbl™ Pro is available now from Youbiq, priced at $99 USD plus shipping, but if this price is a little high for you, then there is a slightly cheaper version, the Gymbl™, priced at $69 USD plus shipping.

Comments

[Sleep]

I'm sure it's a nice tripod but at $99 or even $69 it would be much cheaper to buy a Glif and Gorillapod.

[Darren Stephens]

What happens when the form factor changes with the iPhone 5?

[donnie b]

do you have any suggestions for a tripod/mount for the 4th gen ipod touch?

[Glyn Evans]

@Darren, they will just need to design a new case.

[Patrick Gervais]

That Glif looks great! I already have the gorillapod!

[squishybrain]

I really think that the author missed the boat. Looking at the product's website, it is apparent that the Gymbol's primary use is for panorama photos. The mount can swivel about your iPhone camera lens nodal point, creating nearly perfect panoramas. This makes the Gymbol almost worth it for me (I love panorama photography). I'd get it if only the price was a bit cheaper, or if I could purchase the Gymbol without the tripod at a lower price.

[Glyn Evans]

@squishybrain. Thanks for your comment, and whilst you are correct, that Youbiq have designed and optimised the Gymbl™ for taking panoramic photos, ultimately it is a mini tripod that doubles up as a handy grip, making it a multipurpose device, so I don't think I missed anything.

[drrjv]

The iPhone Tripod Holder, also advertised on your site, appears to be a much better deal at $9.95.

http://www.iphone-tripodholder.com/

[Gordon Fowler]

Hi everyone,

First, Glyn thank you for iPhoneography, and for the review, it means a lot to us. And to the commenters, thank you for your feedback, we listen and will use it to continue to make the Gymbl a better product.

In regard to the iPhone 5, we will be offering a new case if the iPhone changes. At the moment, it looks like it could still go either way. Shortly we will also start offering the case as a separate item so that those who own the Gymbl need only buy a new case when they upgrade.

As for the iPod touch, we're looking into it and will probably make a decision after we see the new version... if there is one.

On panos, squishybrain you're right, there's nothing out there that even comes close.

And good luck with pocketing that Gorillapod (I have one too) and be really careful if you're going to use the Tripod Adapter or Glyph with the mini-tripod as a grip. These are all great products that offer good value by doing one or two things really well. If that's all you need then I agree with Sleep, Patrick and drrjv, there is no need to pay more.

But Glyn has it right, we designed the Gymbl as the one accessory that was as mobile as your iPhone and that would help photographers capture better photos and videos in most situations. And for those who regularly use Apps like AutoStitch, Photosynth, ProHDR and FilmPro, you'll realize there really isn't an alternative.

If you missed it, visit our Community site at blog.youbiq.com. It includes a gallery and an increasing list of tutorials. You can then like us or follow us to keep in touch.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Gordon Fowler