Hello my friends, As I promised this episode is about u.Go Plein air easel. This is part #one - first impression. The second part will be probably at the end of the Plein air season when I will have enough data with this easel. Please let me know if you have any questions. Please do not forget to support Ukraine! Thank you and enjoy!
Thank you for your review! We have the same like-mindedness for attention to detail and scrutinizing new products. I have always been an artist but new to plein air painting, and this is a big investment for me.
Hi Vlad - This is Kyle, one of the two brothers who started New Wave. We appreciate your open and honest review of the u.go Plein Air Pochade Box. There are a number of items you referenced in your review that we would like to clarify for your audience. We hope that this is okay. My brother and I designed this product about 4 years ago. I wear many hats being that we are a small shop here in Pennsylvania, but design is one of my favorite hats, as I'm sure you can understand. In regard to packaging, we chose a direction that was simple and clean, as we believe all the cost should go into the product and not necessarily the packaging. Our goal was to create a Pochade Box that was well made, but did not break the bank... packaging can really drive up cost. You had mentioned that the wood had a "bubble" on the underside. We would ask that if any customer receives a box with this type of defect, to immediately contact us, as this is unacceptable and not the norm. We take customer service and product quality very seriously... this is a business that has taken 10 years to build and this is everything to us. In regard to the Panel Holders, please know that these holders/teeth, are best for holding 1/8" panels. We recently introduced a Canvas Holder which is exactly what you were referencing you would like for thicker material (it holds up to 7/8" material). Regarding the depth of the palette, this is the deepest we could design the palette, and still have room for the tripod mount (while still designing an ultra thin/compact light box). The routes in the lid are meant to accept higher paint dabs when the lid is shut... the notch outs on the lid "spines" are also meant to accept higher paint dabs. We have not received negative feedback regarding this clearance when in use. The slight palette jiggle you referenced is due to a tiny tolerance... if the palette is too large (even by a hair), then the removable side wall will not fit. It is nearly impossible to perfectly size the palette so that there is 0% jiggle. We opted to make the palette slightly smaller so that it fits. It is important to note that we have never received any complaints regarding this. Regarding the craftsmanship, please know that every square inch of the u.go Pochade is sanded and finished by hand. This is a very time consuming/intricate product, which requires an enormous amount of attention to detail. While machines are used for routing, a machine can only do so much. I would also like to let your viewers know that the finish we use on the u.go Pochades is the same finish we use for all of our New Wave Artist Palettes. The boxes are fully sealed, then top coated with a proprietary finish that is resistant to standard artist solvents and mediums. It is extremely durable. You could actually use every square inch of the u.go Pochade as a palette and wipe your paint clean with artist solvents... this would not affect the finish. While some may see this as over kill, it provides a superior finished product. We produce 90% of our products in-house, and Quality Control and attention to detail is of utmost priority. While we are a small shop, and while we do sweat the details, we are not perfect. If you feel as though anything is out of the ordinary with a product, we ask that you please contact us and we will make it right. I hope all of this helps. Thanks Vlad! -Kyle
I love my U.go Plein air pochard box. It is so neat! I too have found the metal arms a little awkward to pack… but have solved that by putting them in a light zipped “ pencil” case, and pack a rag or two in as well… that now slides in without catching on anything. For me, Sorted !
Hi Kyle I find the palette very neat and easy to use. I have absolutely no problem with the slight jiggle of the palette as I already knew that any tighter would cause problems with dried paint etc. My palette came with the panel clamps powder coated grey to prevent "glare from shiny metal" . This is nice, but really unnecessary since it's covered by the panel when in use anyway. Great product !
Just got the smallest one for Christmas. I learned from your comment about the recessed areas could handle bigger paint daubs. I always put mine across the top but now they will go along the sides. Thanks! I use small pochade boxes in my snow country painting. I paint faster, smaller and with less colors so this will be perfect. I use a small tray that attaches to lawn chairs on the tripod area underneath that has cup holder for my turps and a place to hold other supplies. A brush holder clamps to the handle that controls part of the tripod head. I can set up in seconds. So necessary when it’s cold.
I have gotten one of those very small bungees that I stretched across the back of the box and steadied the panel with the hooks. With the smaller box I have to make a knot or 2 in the cord. Works a treat!
For the rail they offer a larger width for bigger sizes of canvases and panels. I have the bigger one, I think those side trays are flimsily held to the main palette , they should have used 2 notches on those metal piece instead of just one, that way it would have more support from getting wobbly
Guys, I’m at the next competition right now using u.go easel… and I can tell you that this pop became my number one easel! I guess I know why they call it u.Go easel, because it is most definitely my “go” easel right now. Very stable, easy to use. I even retire my old trusty daytriper… only using upright holder for the large canvases with u.Go as my main mixing pallet. Any way… I will do my final episode for this easel, and definitely will recommend it as go easel for Plein air artists. If you decided to purchase it, please do it from their site, this way you will get the latest updated model with the changes they recently made to this easel. As I mentioned, I’m at the competition right now recording it for you… so stay tuned!
I love everything about it except, as you point out, the bottom panel holder on mine does not accommodate a 1/8" but the top one does. The panel "rides" on the teeth with mine. It seems to me that if one channel was wider, it would be the bottom one but I'm not an engineer. There's probably a reasonable explanation. I also have found that with mdf or wood panels, my 8" x 10" or larger will slowly slide down so I'm using a cinch or spring clip(s) to remedy that. It seems that if, as you say, the bottom one contacted 2 more magnets that would hold it tight but, again, I'm not an engineer and it may not have been possible. I saw one guy who added a couple more magnets and I'll look into that. Thanks for your review (which I watched before buying mine). I'd still do it again - the tradeoffs are worth it.
Ok cool. But the maximum vertical size canvas of 14 inches is for the large one (according to the website). The maximum size vertical for the medium is only 10 inches. That is what confused me in the review. So the dimensions of your medium one are 11"x14.5"x1.25? I am only checking because your review is really good and thorough 🙂@@openstudiod
Have you done a review on the day tripper? I’d be interested in seeing that. I haven’t found the perfect easel yet. I have a strada. It’s pretty heavy. And I hate the way it wobbles on the top of my tripod. If you move it even a fraction you loosen up the entire thing and have to take it off and tighten it up again. And I have the tripod they recommended. I think it’s the same one you have that new wave on. I have some half French easels and four French easels. Sienna easels etc, I have easels that I have made myself. I just don’t seem to be able to find the perfect easel. I would like them shorter. I don’t like being pushed so far away from my work. But I like the flat surface. So I would like a longer narrower easel. Anyway be interested in seeing how are you review the day tripper. Which I have not tried.
I don't know if you've checked out the Daytripper designer's Facebook page in the past year, but it's pretty alarming. I liked my Daytripper, but I'm looking for something else to use instead, rather than supporting them.
@@drewbaker4175 I was considering trying the Anderson easel or the Beaumont which is I guess the new version. But my gosh it’s so big. But it would be nice to be able to put down a heavy box in front with the painting it if I wanted to. I have a beautiful Richeson French maid that it’s really too big for my other tripods and French easels. But might fit on nicely on the Anderson. Anyway I guess I have to have several set ups for several different scenarios. Something quick and late for a water color or a small oil or acrylic and something bigger and heavier for a different type of set up. That’s why I have so many options.
@@drewbaker4175 I don't do facebook, but seems to have been a tough year with a divorce, and for small businesses that actually have to work for a living.
The Paintbook's palette is level with the bottom section so all the space has to come from the lid. The palette is recessed in the U.Go, which gives it space even where the top isn't cutout. I was surprised that I didn't see headroom issues immediately with mine --but I may not put out as much paint as other folks do.
Hi Elisabeth - Edge Pro Gear produces a nice product. In regards to u.go, the palette is recessed below the surface of the base. There is plenty of clearance for paint dabs, especially when combined with lid cutouts (to accept taller paint dabs and to reduce weight). In regards to weight: Large u.go: 3.15 lbs, Medium u.go: 2.1 lbs, Small u.go: 1.35 lbs. Thx! -Kyle
@@NewWaveArtVideo You're welcome, Kyle! I confess, as a Paintbook owner I was skeptical of the U.Go -- there's even a good chance you saw it on my face that first year you had them at the portrait conference. I picked one up a while later just to test it out, mostly so I'd know whether to recommend it as a budget option. After using it a while I found there are aspects to it I genuinely prefer to the Paintbook, and missed when I went back. I'm sure a lot of people see the U.Go boxes as something you settle for because you can't afford a Paintbook, but having had a lot of time with both product lines I know that really they're products it makes sense to buy and use instead of a Paintbook for their own merits.
Hi Elisabeth - We can appreciate your concern here. Due to production limitations with tolerance, there is typically a very very small gap. This is to insure that the palette always fits within the Pochade Box, and so that the removable side wall fully fits within position. If solvent is a concern, slide the palette the approx. 1/32" to the right to eliminate the very small gap... the left side of the palette will still be fully under the dado route track that the palette fits into. Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions regarding this. Thanks! -Kyle
That's how I felt about it too, but in use I haven't run into problems with it. I think the palette being recessed makes a bigger difference than I expected it to.
Hi Elisabeth - We appreciate your comment. It is important to mention that the recessed palette in combination with the recessed lid cut outs, eliminate the concerns you are having. When we designed this product, we focused on functionality in combination with the thinnest/lightest/most compact Pochade Box. Functionality is key. In the 4+ years of selling u.go Pochade Boxes, we have not received one complaint about the depth of the palette. If you have any product questions, please always feel free to contact through our website and we will walk through any concerns you are having. Thx! -Kyle
@@NewWaveArtVideo. It even fits a waist bag I can use to carry everything I need to paint on the go if I don’t need a tripod. (I have the smallest box).
Hi Katrin - Thanks for your feedback. The majority of our customers are very happy with the design, craftsmanship, and quality of our u.go plein air Pochade Boxes. We truly put our heart and sole into all the products we have designed and introduced over the past 10 years (New Wave Artist Palettes & u.go Plein Air). I would suggest that you also look at many of the other reviews provided through our retail partners and youtube. There is a lot of positivity out there.
By now a year later, we know clearer what’s actually going on over there, don’t we. Again the actual people suffer. Now we will enter the oligarchs enrichment system with the “rebuild better” system coming soon.
Hello my friends, As I promised this episode is about u.Go Plein air easel. This is part #one - first impression. The second part will be probably at the end of the Plein air season when I will have enough data with this easel. Please let me know if you have any questions. Please do not forget to support Ukraine! Thank you and enjoy!
Thank you for your review! We have the same like-mindedness for attention to detail and scrutinizing new products. I have always been an artist but new to plein air painting, and this is a big investment for me.
It is an investment. You can also consider this easel as well… I can give you a code for 15% discount
www.artproeasel.com
Hi Vlad - This is Kyle, one of the two brothers who started New Wave. We appreciate your open and honest review of the u.go Plein Air Pochade Box. There are a number of items you referenced in your review that we would like to clarify for your audience. We hope that this is okay. My brother and I designed this product about 4 years ago. I wear many hats being that we are a small shop here in Pennsylvania, but design is one of my favorite hats, as I'm sure you can understand. In regard to packaging, we chose a direction that was simple and clean, as we believe all the cost should go into the product and not necessarily the packaging. Our goal was to create a Pochade Box that was well made, but did not break the bank... packaging can really drive up cost. You had mentioned that the wood had a "bubble" on the underside. We would ask that if any customer receives a box with this type of defect, to immediately contact us, as this is unacceptable and not the norm. We take customer service and product quality very seriously... this is a business that has taken 10 years to build and this is everything to us. In regard to the Panel Holders, please know that these holders/teeth, are best for holding 1/8" panels. We recently introduced a Canvas Holder which is exactly what you were referencing you would like for thicker material (it holds up to 7/8" material). Regarding the depth of the palette, this is the deepest we could design the palette, and still have room for the tripod mount (while still designing an ultra thin/compact light box). The routes in the lid are meant to accept higher paint dabs when the lid is shut... the notch outs on the lid "spines" are also meant to accept higher paint dabs. We have not received negative feedback regarding this clearance when in use. The slight palette jiggle you referenced is due to a tiny tolerance... if the palette is too large (even by a hair), then the removable side wall will not fit. It is nearly impossible to perfectly size the palette so that there is 0% jiggle. We opted to make the palette slightly smaller so that it fits. It is important to note that we have never received any complaints regarding this. Regarding the craftsmanship, please know that every square inch of the u.go Pochade is sanded and finished by hand. This is a very time consuming/intricate product, which requires an enormous amount of attention to detail. While machines are used for routing, a machine can only do so much. I would also like to let your viewers know that the finish we use on the u.go Pochades is the same finish we use for all of our New Wave Artist Palettes. The boxes are fully sealed, then top coated with a proprietary finish that is resistant to standard artist solvents and mediums. It is extremely durable. You could actually use every square inch of the u.go Pochade as a palette and wipe your paint clean with artist solvents... this would not affect the finish. While some may see this as over kill, it provides a superior finished product. We produce 90% of our products in-house, and Quality Control and attention to detail is of utmost priority. While we are a small shop, and while we do sweat the details, we are not perfect. If you feel as though anything is out of the ordinary with a product, we ask that you please contact us and we will make it right. I hope all of this helps. Thanks Vlad! -Kyle
I love my U.go Plein air pochard box. It is so neat! I too have found the metal arms a little awkward to pack… but have solved that by putting them in a light zipped “ pencil” case, and pack a rag or two in as well… that now slides in without catching on anything. For me, Sorted !
Hi Kyle
I find the palette very neat and easy to use. I have absolutely no problem with the slight jiggle of the palette as I already knew that any tighter would cause problems with dried paint etc. My palette came with the panel clamps powder coated grey to prevent "glare from shiny metal" . This is nice, but really unnecessary since it's covered by the panel when in use anyway.
Great product !
Just got the smallest one for Christmas. I learned from your comment about the recessed areas could handle bigger paint daubs. I always put mine across the top but now they will go along the sides. Thanks! I use small pochade boxes in my snow country painting. I paint faster, smaller and with less colors so this will be perfect. I use a small tray that attaches to lawn chairs on the tripod area underneath that has cup holder for my turps and a place to hold other supplies. A brush holder clamps to the handle that controls part of the tripod head. I can set up in seconds. So necessary when it’s cold.
Paying attention to packaging and product quality shows respect and care for your clients. That pays off always for everybody.
I have gotten one of those very small bungees that I stretched across the back of the box and steadied the panel with the hooks. With the smaller box I have to make a knot or 2 in the cord. Works a treat!
Hard to believe that it wobbles so much on such a sturdy tripod. One wonders about your floor…:))) Ihave the u.go medium and it is phantastic.
For the rail they offer a larger width for bigger sizes of canvases and panels. I have the bigger one, I think those side trays are flimsily held to the main palette , they should have used 2 notches on those metal piece instead of just one, that way it would have more support from getting wobbly
Guys, I’m at the next competition right now using u.go easel… and I can tell you that this pop became my number one easel! I guess I know why they call it u.Go easel, because it is most definitely my “go” easel right now. Very stable, easy to use. I even retire my old trusty daytriper… only using upright holder for the large canvases with u.Go as my main mixing pallet. Any way… I will do my final episode for this easel, and definitely will recommend it as go easel for Plein air artists. If you decided to purchase it, please do it from their site, this way you will get the latest updated model with the changes they recently made to this easel.
As I mentioned, I’m at the competition right now recording it for you… so stay tuned!
I love everything about it except, as you point out, the bottom panel holder on mine does not accommodate a 1/8" but the top one does. The panel "rides" on the teeth with mine. It seems to me that if one channel was wider, it would be the bottom one but I'm not an engineer. There's probably a reasonable explanation. I also have found that with mdf or wood panels, my 8" x 10" or larger will slowly slide down so I'm using a cinch or spring clip(s) to remedy that. It seems that if, as you say, the bottom one contacted 2 more magnets that would hold it tight but, again, I'm not an engineer and it may not have been possible. I saw one guy who added a couple more magnets and I'll look into that. Thanks for your review (which I watched before buying mine). I'd still do it again - the tradeoffs are worth it.
Hi there. Nice review. I seemed to miss the bit where you say which size it is you have, is it the mdium or large? Thank you. Matty
I have a medium one
Ok cool. But the maximum vertical size canvas of 14 inches is for the large one (according to the website). The maximum size vertical for the medium is only 10 inches. That is what confused me in the review.
So the dimensions of your medium one are 11"x14.5"x1.25?
I am only checking because your review is really good and thorough 🙂@@openstudiod
@@mattylamb658 thank you. I use extended holders for larger canvases
I love the box....not nuts about how you do reviews tho.
Have you done a review on the day tripper? I’d be interested in seeing that. I haven’t found the perfect easel yet. I have a strada. It’s pretty heavy. And I hate the way it wobbles on the top of my tripod. If you move it even a fraction you loosen up the entire thing and have to take it off and tighten it up again. And I have the tripod they recommended. I think it’s the same one you have that new wave on. I have some half French easels and four French easels. Sienna easels etc, I have easels that I have made myself. I just don’t seem to be able to find the perfect easel. I would like them shorter. I don’t like being pushed so far away from my work. But I like the flat surface. So I would like a longer narrower easel. Anyway be interested in seeing how are you review the day tripper. Which I have not tried.
Yes, I have a review of the daytripper. It is one of my go easel - love it
I don't know if you've checked out the Daytripper designer's Facebook page in the past year, but it's pretty alarming. I liked my Daytripper, but I'm looking for something else to use instead, rather than supporting them.
@@drewbaker4175 I was considering trying the Anderson easel or the Beaumont which is I guess the new version. But my gosh it’s so big. But it would be nice to be able to put down a heavy box in front with the painting it if I wanted to. I have a beautiful Richeson French maid that it’s really too big for my other tripods and French easels. But might fit on nicely on the Anderson. Anyway I guess I have to have several set ups for several different scenarios. Something quick and late for a water color or a small oil or acrylic and something bigger and heavier for a different type of set up. That’s why I have so many options.
@@openstudiod ok just watched it. Thanks so much.
@@drewbaker4175 I don't do facebook, but seems to have been a tough year with a divorce, and for small businesses that actually have to work for a living.
So, after 6 months of use, what do you think of it now?
I can’t hear you well. Awesome.
Why have such a shallow tray?? Lot of issues. I have an Edge - love it but it’s heavy. I use it inside and out anyway.
I’m not sure… I will test it
The Paintbook's palette is level with the bottom section so all the space has to come from the lid. The palette is recessed in the U.Go, which gives it space even where the top isn't cutout. I was surprised that I didn't see headroom issues immediately with mine --but I may not put out as much paint as other folks do.
@@drewbaker4175 Hi Drew - Thanks for your feedback on this, coming from experience after use. -Kyle
Hi Elisabeth - Edge Pro Gear produces a nice product. In regards to u.go, the palette is recessed below the surface of the base. There is plenty of clearance for paint dabs, especially when combined with lid cutouts (to accept taller paint dabs and to reduce weight). In regards to weight: Large u.go: 3.15 lbs, Medium u.go: 2.1 lbs, Small u.go: 1.35 lbs. Thx! -Kyle
@@NewWaveArtVideo You're welcome, Kyle! I confess, as a Paintbook owner I was skeptical of the U.Go -- there's even a good chance you saw it on my face that first year you had them at the portrait conference. I picked one up a while later just to test it out, mostly so I'd know whether to recommend it as a budget option. After using it a while I found there are aspects to it I genuinely prefer to the Paintbook, and missed when I went back.
I'm sure a lot of people see the U.Go boxes as something you settle for because you can't afford a Paintbook, but having had a lot of time with both product lines I know that really they're products it makes sense to buy and use instead of a Paintbook for their own merits.
Which size is this one? I must’ve missed it.
Great review…
It was the large one
Good review
Yeah - you could have solvent and paint go under the palette
Hi Elisabeth - We can appreciate your concern here. Due to production limitations with tolerance, there is typically a very very small gap. This is to insure that the palette always fits within the Pochade Box, and so that the removable side wall fully fits within position. If solvent is a concern, slide the palette the approx. 1/32" to the right to eliminate the very small gap... the left side of the palette will still be fully under the dado route track that the palette fits into. Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions regarding this. Thanks! -Kyle
Paying that kind of money for plywood is shameful. Shame on them.
I would not like how shallow everything is.
That's how I felt about it too, but in use I haven't run into problems with it. I think the palette being recessed makes a bigger difference than I expected it to.
Shallow means less air volume to dry out paints, though you can get paints that have a long open time if that is important.
Hi Elisabeth - We appreciate your comment. It is important to mention that the recessed palette in combination with the recessed lid cut outs, eliminate the concerns you are having. When we designed this product, we focused on functionality in combination with the thinnest/lightest/most compact Pochade Box. Functionality is key. In the 4+ years of selling u.go Pochade Boxes, we have not received one complaint about the depth of the palette. If you have any product questions, please always feel free to contact through our website and we will walk through any concerns you are having. Thx! -Kyle
@@NewWaveArtVideo. It even fits a waist bag I can use to carry everything I need to paint on the go if I don’t need a tripod. (I have the smallest box).
They honestly they could have done a better job with it
Hi Katrin - Thanks for your feedback. The majority of our customers are very happy with the design, craftsmanship, and quality of our u.go plein air Pochade Boxes. We truly put our heart and sole into all the products we have designed and introduced over the past 10 years (New Wave Artist Palettes & u.go Plein Air). I would suggest that you also look at many of the other reviews provided through our retail partners and youtube. There is a lot of positivity out there.
Why are you supporting Ukraine? Russia is a democracy, Ukraine isn't. I thought USA was pro democracy
No, Russia is a dictatorship, with Putin as Tsar.
By now a year later, we know clearer what’s actually going on over there, don’t we. Again the actual people suffer. Now we will enter the oligarchs enrichment system with the “rebuild better” system coming soon.