U-Go easel review part 2

Here is my follow-up review of the U-Go plein air easel, as promised. I spent two weeks painting every day with this in the rugged backcountry of Glacier Park. It performed admirably and I only had small complaints. Mostly that I lost a perfectly good (and delicious) CapriSun to the sharp side clips.
The only improvement I could see would be to make it out of 3D printed plastics or carbon fiber-- Hey! A boy can dream!
(This is not a paid-for review in any way)
It can be found on most online retailers or directly through them here:
newwaveart.com...
The Trekking Pole Tripod adapter must be 3D printed here is a link to the file:
www.thingivers...
My name is Kenneth Yarus and I am a painter from Montana. I love to get out into nature and bring my paints along. I am hoping to share my adventures and how I paint with the world. Thanks for watching!
Website: www.kennethyar...
Facebook: / kennethyarus
Instagram: / kennethyarus

[@NewWaveArtVideo]

Hi Kenneth - Thanks for reviewing our u.go Pochade Box. You painted in some great spots! In regards to the sharper metal edges on the side tray pieces that you had mentioned, you will be happy to know that as of the other week, all metal pieces within the boxes are fully buffed/sanded and powder coated a neutral grey. The edges are now softer than a butter knife! :-). Stay tuned for more u.go plein air products! -Kyle

[@tbelsom]

Can I purchase a set of just the new metal pieces?

[@KennethYarus]

I am about to post an update to that with those new super soft brackets. Thank you for creating such an awesome product!

[@judynail1690]

That's good news because I also felt the same way about those sharp edges. And they just didnt pack well. They need a felt pouch maybe.

[@joanbauman1571]

I hope the Pochade box builders will send him free metal holder replacements. He deserves them.

[@寅-m2t]

i like the idea you use pill box as paints box.

[@KennethYarus]

It is a helpful way to stay clean and organized. I don't always use it but it can be very helpful.

[@highartforever]

Great review, thanks. Just got mine, feels totally awesome. Super snag hinges, great workmanship. Can't wait to give a try.

[@maggiemardis1185]

I use the bubble type packing envelopes that I get from Amazon and other sellers for storing things like those sharp brackets. They don’t weigh anything and keep the sharp edges protected.

[@KennethYarus]

This is an awesome solution! I will try that out :)

[@angelmonette1331]

Can we have a link at Amazon?

[@seasidenomads2762]

Cool to see another painter with the trek pole tripod adapter! It’s been a game changer for us when backpacking.

[@KennethYarus]

It is a serious game changer! Even for photography it is useful.

[@RamGanesh]

@@KennethYarus is it a 3d printed mount? so u need 3 poles to make it work?

[@KennethYarus]

@@RamGanesh Yes you need three poles, which is handy if you hike with friends who might already have them. Otherwise you have to carry one extra- still MUCH lighter than a full tripod. It has always felt very stable too.

[@leahevergreenart]

Thank you for sharing the positive and negatives of the easel. I saw the U.Go and wasn’t sure about it but your videos were very helpful.

[@KennethYarus]

I am super glad the review had value to you. Easel shopping is a daunting task sometimes and I am happy to offer my insight. Your channel rocks by the way!

[@leahevergreenart]

@@KennethYarus Oh :) Thank you. Your work is amazing and that location for the artist residency, wow beautiful

[@cutiescorner2]

I have the same easel addiction and OCD about my gear. Same thing happened with my pallet… I tried so many ways to keep it clean. The pill thing you used is a brilliant idea … I may actually try that

[@christianbond1561]

Good review, maybe a home made cardboard sleeve for the extension shelf brackets?

[@KennethYarus]

Thanks for the comment and idea. The news ones are actually less sharp! I am making another video about it now.

[@rosannedistefano6204]

What is the tripod “contraption “. You mentioned?

[@annebyrne8437]

Great review thanks Kenneth. Ive just ordered the large U-Go and can't wait to trial it... see great tips in your vid.

[@KennethYarus]

Awesome! Im glad you liked the video- how do you like the large Ugo? Does the large also have the expanding side trays?

[@suzannekoenen3084]

Kenneth, I purchased a small pacade box with two side panels. I am going to do watercolor and acrylic. I used it for the first time Friday and the shelves seemed a little loose on one side. I didn't know if it was because I used two on the small pochade box, but with more research I saw that many had two shelves. Is your loose on the sides? I called New Wave but they haven't gotten back with me yet. I am going to take it to a paint this next week on location in Paducah and see what happens . My metal 4 x 8 watercolor palette fit on there perfectly with the magnets. I actually put a paper pallete on the plastic pallete and it was easy to clean up. Acrylic dries really fast. Thanks for your review.

[@KennethYarus]

Hey Suanne, thanks for the comment. The side panels are certainly not SUPER stable. They hold for light use, and never popped off on me. Still they can bounce a little in the wind etc. I think it is just the way it is designed. The big rubber band it ships with might help make them tighter. Thanks for the paper palette recommendation! Happy Painting :)

[@carolleslie2837]

Great review - do you think the side panels would have worked in the shorter size, as well?

[@seasidenomads2762]

I wonder about securing them (the sharp brackets) to the outside of the park, like where the trek poles or or ice axe goes…

[@KennethYarus]

I am thinking of some system like that. The new ones are less sharp though-they updated the design!

[@wajang1000]

The website shows you how to store the holders and they will be out the way. It’s why they supplied the elastic band in the box.

[@KennethYarus]

I will double over the site and see what I missed thanks for the info!

[@tbelsom]

Thanks! I looked around it, but didn’t find anything. Those things gouge everything they come in contact it and it’s VERY sharp.

[@actionaddie]

Thank you for the informative review and field testing. Can you share more about the plastic gizmo you mentioned that looks like it might replace a tripod head? Thanks & Cheers!

[@KennethYarus]

Thanks for the comment. A friend of mine has access to a 3d printer and made me one of those. It replaces a tripod with trekking poles you may already be using to hike. Here is a link to the 3d file- www.thingiverse.com/thing:650943/files

[@KennethYarus]

There is a CC over the design so I cannot make and sell them sadly ;) You will need to find someone with a 3d printer to make you one.

[@actionaddie]

@@KennethYarus Thank you for your reply. Very cool idea! Now to find someone with a 3D printer🙂. Looking forward to your next video! Thank you again for this info and for sharing your captivating work!

[@KennethYarus]

@@actionaddie I will do some reasearch and see if I can't get some printed and ship them. Or perhaps there is an online service somewhere. Thanks for the kind words :) More videos coming soon

[@annapetrash5093]

Interesting !!

[@qianqian2015]

Great review! How do you carry the wet panel back down the trails (especially for oil paints)?

[@KennethYarus]

Hey there! Many easel makers offer wet panel carriers. My current set came from the Prolific Painter website. RayMar also makes this light boxes for hauling several wet panels. www.prolificpainter.com/shop/wet-panel-carrier/ www.raymarart.com/collections/wet-painting-carriers

[@janetkelsey9247]

How about adding a split water pipe insulation noodle split around your sharp edges?

[@KennethYarus]

Good idea! I am going to file the edges down by next summer and see if that helps.

[@omdraws7325]

Hello maestro is this the medium sized palette?

[@KennethYarus]

It sure is!

[@paulfogarty7724]

Those metal brackets for the tray. There's no real need for them to detach from the tray itself and I find the magnets dont really hold it very secure. In fact it would be better if they were permanently attached. I might see if I can do that with mine - double sided tape or something.

[@KennethYarus]

Let me know how it works out for you. I always like modding my easels to make them work better where I can. Good luck!

[@HondoTrailside]

Nice easel, though I can't see it as better than the Prolific Painter easel, for back country, or general use. The one problem with the PP is that while, the Fly is nice, but I feel when weight was less of an issue, I could use more space on the palette. The larger model is really large, I make one based around 8.5x11 glass, so that may end up my favourite.

[@KennethYarus]

Yep P.P. Easel is still my number one go to! I have an Open Box M I am excited to review soon though!

[@SelfSealingStemBolt]

I’d argue the PP easel is a different category of easel. Note that the notebook style easels are something you could use at a table in a coffee shop (like in this vid). Doesn’t look like PP easel could do that.

[@louiseh2932]

what do you think of the tripod that comes with it??

[@trappedindc8678]

Save up another $115 and get yourself an AllaPrima “Lite” pochade. Smooth as silk to use. Ugo seems like a total PITA to work with.

[@KennethYarus]

I have an older AllaPrima and LOVE it. I need to pick up another easel from him. Great craftsmanship

[@trappedindc8678]

@@KennethYarus if you haven’t checked Ben’s website in a while he has made huge improvements and upgrades to the entire lineup. I just bought 2 Belly River Lite boxes and a Blackfoot. Giving my old Yellowstone to a friend and getting a new one in a couple months.

[@KennethYarus]

@@trappedindc8678 Very cool! The website looks great and now I am even more tempted to pick one up. Business Expense I suppose...

[@trappedindc8678]

@@KennethYarus he offers engraving on the drop door so have your business name/emai on there. Advertising expense 👍

[@jackfischer-b6h]

What is the hanging cup you have under the easel? Also, do you have a link to the tri pod/hiking pole adapter you use?

[@camerachica73]

Was the reason you got the longer side trays because of long brush handles? I've seen pics of the pochade with side trays that are flush.

[@KennethYarus]

I may have ordered the wrong size holders for all I know. I like having as much space as possible though.

[@a.humphries8678]

I'm leary about getting the side trays. They seem Jacky and I don't want the extra weight or bulk. How could you attach solvent? Do you think it would be possible to just clip it on the side of the palette?

[@KennethYarus]

Yeah solvent holding is always a little tricky. I have a little clip that can hang onto my tripod. Sometimes I just put it on the ground. I don't use a ton of solvent when I'm working though. Good luck :)

[@marcwheeler4406]

Thanks for review mayhaps the designer can prefabricated the arm slides and make them foldable so they transport better if you can talk to a welder maybe they can reward the arm slides so they can fold down...it might Cost you fifty dollars in welders or fabricators time but hey it's better than gouging out your equipment or bags....good luck..

[@KennethYarus]

So true, that REI bag was probably $80 and I don't need a hole in it. I will see what I can find for a solution but for now I am back to using my daytripper.

[@UbiquitousBooks]

Could I ask you to comment on how you got along with the palette size in this medium box? I usually paint no bigger than 12x10 (horizontal) which would fit on the medium, but am considering the large simply to get more palette area.

[@KennethYarus]

Thanks for the comment :) I definitely wished I had the larger size. I mostly felt cramped trying to paint an 11x14. Smaller was alright. If you are going to have paint stored on the palette it will feel even more cramped. I used a pill container for my paint so I have extra mixing room.

[@annapetrash5093]

Put between foil so it is clean !!

[@dicoughlin7255]

What size is that one

[@KennethYarus]

This is the medium sized one

[@HondoTrailside]

If you break it down, most of these notebook "easels" are actually pretty good palettes, and pretty bad easels. My version of the PP easel weighs 9 ounces and will outhold any notebook easel based on sliders or magnets.

[@KennethYarus]

I am excited to see your design! Weight is a big concern for someone like me who loves to hike and paint.

[@drewbaker4175]

I'd love to see what you've come up with. Could you point me to it? Thanks!

[@phillipstroll7385]

And that's why I never by palette boxes. Make your own. You can make them lighter, stronger, less expensive and to your exact needs. Paying all that money for something you aren't 100% badly with is like paying a car payment on a car that doesn't run.

[@KennethYarus]

Oh man I can't wait to show you the easels I have made before- the thing is I am a much better painter than woodworker. My easels turned out pretty bad.

[@Tizniter]

OCD obviously, haha

[@KennethYarus]

I have been accused of that before haha!

[@gdaynate7219]

Excellent review. Thank you. Wondering what that little contraption is called that hold the tripod legs? And do you still rate it as the best hiking painting box?