I have this easel. I wish it was wider and shorter and that the aluminum was lighter. It’s very heavy. I do like being able to close the nesting trays with my paint inside when I’m finished painting. Very convenient. I have the additional mast to paint larger canvases and one for stretched canvas.
For a machine made aluminum palette this is so expensive. I have a custom Alla Prima Blackfoot pochade made with wood and side trays draw etc, and it was a under $400, (currently would be about $450) with the piggyback extender but having a box with a la crate accessories puts you up to $600 by the time you’re done. Crazy. And these parts must be mass produced. It’s too bad. If it were more affordable then these would be flying off the shelves. It always floors me how expensive these boxes are when artists don’t make huge $$$$. It is a nice design. Seems simple and light. I would say a con would be not having a drawer for paint and brushes or supplies. Putting a side opening drawer in and keeping the top shallower would be a great design.
I have this easel. I am going to get something bigger, (need more mixing space) but it has served me well. I will sell the used one as it is still in great shape and will last many years.
Mel, If you need something bigger I would recommend a Daytripper by Prolificpainter.. here is the link: www.prolificpainter.com/shop/easel/ I'm using this easel for several years (I normally change it after a year of use) and it is still my number one easel for small canvases.
@@openstudiod Thank you so much! Yes I agree that the Strada is a bit heavy especially if I go bigger. It was a great starter easel for me though. I am seriously looking at the Daytripper. My only fear is that they are extremely slow to respond to any support. Maybe you can answer my question as to which upright to order - I am considering the 18" and the 24"- what is the tallest height panel that each will support?
I’m using 18” and the biggest canvas I have used was 12x16. I would not recommend anything bigger than that due to instability of your tripod. Anything bigger than 16x20 will work like a sail. unless you are going to use it inside only. For the bigger canvas size than 16x20 I would recommend French easel (up to 24x36) or Beaufort easel which is a beast for large format but also has a big for print.
@@openstudiod Thank you so much. That's what I was thinking. I am small too and short. I am nervous my tripod will not work with it and there will be a problem and I will have to repurchase tripod. I have the Sirui T-1005-X tripod with quick release plate.
Great review. I still would'nt recommend dropping it. I have some metal watercolour palettes and I find they fare off worse than the plastic ones due to the weight when they hit anything. The plastic ones are indestructible due to the weight / strength ratio. I have the Ugo pochade and it has a similar canvas holder but has really nice shallow edged glass palette ( glass palette is an extra ). It's a fantastic palette.
I’ve really been enjoying your reviews! Great channel and wonderful art too. I know this is a few years old (and you’re now a U.Go person!) but would you still recommend the Strada? It seems like both the U.Go and Strada have their niches (I imagine the Strada would be ideal for travel overseas or in overly wet conditions due to the simple fact it’s aluminum) but both seem quite nice.
@@centradragon thank you for your kind words. Each easel has its own niche and it is all depends what you are looking for. As of today I would definitely recommend three on the market: Strada U.go ArtProEasel (this one because I designed it :)
I know this is an old video but this is my main complaint with Strada and with all easels that attach to the top of the tripod. If you move them even a fraction of an inch you loosen the connection and you have to take it off and tighten it back up again. You must move them by using the knobs on the tripod not by pulling pushing or twisting the actual easel. Sometimes you forget that and you move the easel just a little bit. Then you have to start all over again tightening up the screws and replacing the easel on top of the tripod to get it tight again. Otherwise it wobbles all over the place. You have given me an idea however. I think I will put a small frame underneath my pallet to raise it up so that I do not have to dip down so low with my paintbrush. Some light weight frame to hold the pallet so that it is more level with the top of the easel.
You can use any tripod that will support the weight of stead’s. Also, please checkout easel www.ArtProEasel.com A lot of pro plein air artist are already using it.
Suggestions? I have the micro. It is too small. I love the design, functionality, and that you can put the paint inside. It is HEAVY. I wish they would make one on a 3D printer. I am trying to decide between the mini and mid. I paint portraits and only carry it to workshops.
Do you have the Micro package or did you purchase separate tripod etc.? They don't list the overall weight of the micro so curious how it compares in weight to the mini
Very nice comprehensive review. You have a nice conversational presentation style. For the "wings" are the white/light colored palette inserts removable, is putting them in and holding them with silicone the standard/recommended way that Strada says to add them? I've been wondering how they would stay put and figure they were just tight fits. Thanks again. sw
Thank you! The boards are canvas boards by Centurion. You can get it at any art supply stores online. Or you can make it yourself… I think I have a video how to make your own boards with gaterboard
Since you don't like the depth, can you put something underneath the pallette to raise it and effectively make the box more shallow? Maybe a couple of small strips of plywood or something?
@@openstudiod You're welcome. I hope that minor modification works out for you. Thinking outside...or, inside the box. Haha. Thanks for all of your tips and videos, they're very helpful!
Great video, answered a lot of my questions. To get around the 1’ depth of the palette, what about a piece of lightweight foam core to lift it up? Also, I really like that it requires a bit of exercise to open and close. I have an Easy L and cannot paint using palette knife because the top keeps slamming down so this is a big plus.
To be honest... I think Bryan just ripped off daytripper. I’m planning on buying it for review purpose and just try it out. Will do the review as soon as I try it on the next Plein air event... one of the best way to see the performance of the easel.
Hello, I have Strada mini and it's a great easel but I too looked for ways I could improve things for myself, as you say accessories are expensive more so with postage to the UK so here a simple little solution for hanging my brush washer pot. In the corner of the add on tray is a small hole I made a loop of thin but strong cord with a knot at the end and pushed it through the hole and you have a loop to hang things from, I'm going to try and post a picture to show you. I can't post a picture unfortunately but perhaps you can understand my description😊
At close to three hundred dollars, with shipping possibly between fifty and seventy, VAT at an extra 25% on both easel and shipping, plus a customs fee of about twenty dollars... Nice, but blows my budget, I'm afraid.
Great review Vlad, thank you!
Thank you Andy. Please check your email. I just replied to you regarding the clouds :)
I have this easel. I wish it was wider and shorter and that the aluminum was lighter. It’s very heavy. I do like being able to close the nesting trays with my paint inside when I’m finished painting. Very convenient. I have the additional mast to paint larger canvases and one for stretched canvas.
For a machine made aluminum palette this is so expensive. I have a custom Alla Prima Blackfoot pochade made with wood and side trays draw etc, and it was a under $400, (currently would be about $450) with the piggyback extender but having a box with a la crate accessories puts you up to $600 by the time you’re done. Crazy. And these parts must be mass produced. It’s too bad. If it were more affordable then these would be flying off the shelves. It always floors me how expensive these boxes are when artists don’t make huge $$$$. It is a nice design. Seems simple and light. I would say a con would be not having a drawer for paint and brushes or supplies. Putting a side opening drawer in and keeping the top shallower would be a great design.
Loved your review and loved that you kept it entertaining with your humor. This is my favorite easel. Thank you for spreading the word!
I have this easel. I am going to get something bigger, (need more mixing space) but it has served me well. I will sell the used one as it is still in great shape and will last many years.
Mel,
If you need something bigger I would recommend a Daytripper by Prolificpainter.. here is the link: www.prolificpainter.com/shop/easel/
I'm using this easel for several years (I normally change it after a year of use) and it is still my number one easel for small canvases.
@@openstudiod Thank you so much! Yes I agree that the Strada is a bit heavy especially if I go bigger. It was a great starter easel for me though. I am seriously looking at the Daytripper. My only fear is that they are extremely slow to respond to any support. Maybe you can answer my question as to which upright to order - I am considering the 18" and the 24"- what is the tallest height panel that each will support?
I’m using 18” and the biggest canvas I have used was 12x16. I would not recommend anything bigger than that due to instability of your tripod. Anything bigger than 16x20 will work like a sail. unless you are going to use it inside only. For the bigger canvas size than 16x20 I would recommend French easel (up to 24x36) or Beaufort easel which is a beast for large format but also has a big for print.
@@openstudiod Thank you so much. That's what I was thinking. I am small too and short. I am nervous my tripod will not work with it and there will be a problem and I will have to repurchase tripod. I have the Sirui T-1005-X tripod with quick release plate.
Great review! Thank you!
Great review. I still would'nt recommend dropping it. I have some metal watercolour palettes and I find they fare off worse than the plastic ones due to the weight when they hit anything. The plastic ones are indestructible due to the weight / strength ratio.
I have the Ugo pochade and it has a similar canvas holder but has really nice shallow edged glass palette ( glass palette is an extra ). It's a fantastic palette.
I’ve really been enjoying your reviews! Great channel and wonderful art too.
I know this is a few years old (and you’re now a U.Go person!) but would you still recommend the Strada?
It seems like both the U.Go and Strada have their niches (I imagine the Strada would be ideal for travel overseas or in overly wet conditions due to the simple fact it’s aluminum) but both seem quite nice.
@@centradragon thank you for your kind words. Each easel has its own niche and it is all depends what you are looking for. As of today I would definitely recommend three on the market:
Strada
U.go
ArtProEasel (this one because I designed it :)
Very helpful review. Thanks!
Excellent presentation. Convinced to buy
You mention that this is your second favorite easel. What is your favorite? Thanks. Great video.
Thank you! My day-to-day easel (and it is my favorite) is a Daytripper by prolific painters. It is my primary and secondary easel as of right now.
I know this is an old video but this is my main complaint with Strada and with all easels that attach to the top of the tripod. If you move them even a fraction of an inch you loosen the connection and you have to take it off and tighten it back up again. You must move them by using the knobs on the tripod not by pulling pushing or twisting the actual easel. Sometimes you forget that and you move the easel just a little bit. Then you have to start all over again tightening up the screws and replacing the easel on top of the tripod to get it tight again. Otherwise it wobbles all over the place. You have given me an idea however. I think I will put a small frame underneath my pallet to raise it up so that I do not have to dip down so low with my paintbrush. Some light weight frame to hold the pallet so that it is more level with the top of the easel.
..can't say I ever experienced these problems. Probably your set - up. That being said - a proper French easel can't be beat.
I miss the original Strada that could fit a Pike Watercolor Palette. That was the perfect size.
Excellent video. Thank you. I have a question. Do you have to use the tripod that Strada sells, or can you use your own tripod?
You can use any tripod that will support the weight of stead’s. Also, please checkout easel www.ArtProEasel.com
A lot of pro plein air artist are already using it.
@@openstudiod Thank you so much for your prompt response. I appreciate it.
Thanks for another great review. Love, love your humor. Can I give you 100 points, no, 200 points for the ‘dinosaur’ comment?
Suggestions? I have the micro. It is too small. I love the design, functionality, and that you can put the paint inside. It is HEAVY. I wish they would make one on a 3D printer. I am trying to decide between the mini and mid. I paint portraits and only carry it to workshops.
Do you have the Micro package or did you purchase separate tripod etc.? They don't list the overall weight of the micro so curious how it compares in weight to the mini
Very nice comprehensive review. You have a nice conversational presentation style. For the "wings" are the white/light colored palette inserts removable, is putting them in and holding them with silicone the standard/recommended way that Strada says to add them? I've been wondering how they would stay put and figure they were just tight fits. Thanks again. sw
The white inserts are not really tide. You have to use some silicone to hold it inside
Artists are the best thing ever. Now I know I must defend my easel against dinosaur attack.😂
You could add a pallette on top of the existing one that was thicker then it would be higher?
Great review...thanks a lot....what paint cardboards are this if i can ask?
Thank you! The boards are canvas boards by Centurion. You can get it at any art supply stores online. Or you can make it yourself… I think I have a video how to make your own boards with gaterboard
@@openstudiod thanks a lot they looks like a great quality 😊
You need the 2 side trays.
New to all this / what do you recommend for tri pod without purchasing a Cadillac / what consideration?
Hi, I would recommend any fiber tripod with at least 3 sections and 20 and up lb support
Also it will depend on the easel you would use
Since you don't like the depth, can you put something underneath the pallette to raise it and effectively make the box more shallow?
Maybe a couple of small strips of plywood or something?
Ha… good idea! I definitely will try it! Thank you!
@@openstudiod You're welcome. I hope that minor modification works out for you. Thinking outside...or, inside the box. Haha.
Thanks for all of your tips and videos, they're very helpful!
Home depot sells a scraper from plastic made for this type of palette
Great video, answered a lot of my questions. To get around the 1’ depth of the palette, what about a piece of lightweight foam core to lift it up? Also, I really like that it requires a bit of exercise to open and close. I have an Easy L and cannot paint using palette knife because the top keeps slamming down so this is a big plus.
6:30 - finally starts talking about easel.
Dana, please let me know if you have any questions regarding Strada easel
Can you easily replace the plastic palette with a thin glass plate?
Yes, you can
Great in depth review, will you be doing one on the Strada Mark II? How does it compare with the DayTripper Easel? Thank you.
To be honest... I think Bryan just ripped off daytripper. I’m planning on buying it for review purpose and just try it out. Will do the review as soon as I try it on the next Plein air event... one of the best way to see the performance of the easel.
@@openstudiod Ok, I'll keep an eye, thanks for the reply!
Hello, I have Strada mini and it's a great easel but I too looked for ways I could improve things for myself, as you say accessories are expensive more so with postage to the UK so here a simple little solution for hanging my brush washer pot. In the corner of the add on tray is a small hole I made a loop of thin but strong cord with a knot at the end and pushed it through the hole and you have a loop to hang things from, I'm going to try and post a picture to show you. I can't post a picture unfortunately but perhaps you can understand my description😊
The tripod connection is very difficult. And it constantly moves around.
Joan, could you please send me a picture of your connection
@@openstudiod Here is photo:
I don’t like the sharp edges of the box
At close to three hundred dollars, with shipping possibly between fifty and seventy, VAT at an extra 25% on both easel and shipping, plus a customs fee of about twenty dollars... Nice, but blows my budget, I'm afraid.