X-Grip Large Phone Mount for Windshield – Twist-Lock Suction Cup, Medium Arm (RAM-B-166-UN10U)

My criteria to buy: cost; will it hold a Nexus 5 phone or Nexus 7 tablet (not at the same time); fit well in Acura TL; multi-use ability for car or bike (still need to buy the component for bike). Other than the cost, its a Winner! If cost are not an issue - hands down this is the tops of all the mounts. Easy use; fast no-fuss setup, rugged construction. Smooth operation when needing any adjustment or when changing out phone or tablet. There were other mount models that are unique design, compact, lower priced (not necessarily cheap material/made) but after long review on the web, the RAM website, and other reviewers, I believe the RAM products are superior in material and construction and effectively functional design. This item was listed in Amazon's Automotive section and didnt have a product picture - almost missed it in the long list of other mounts. Once I found the RAM products, they get high marks and I agree. The RAM products are component based. I specific item was a one item purchase but it has the following components: the 3.3in (larger) suction base with twist lock (RAP-224-1U), 1in ball diamond base adapter (RAM-B-238), 3.69in Double Socket Arm (RAM-B-201), and the RAM Universal X-Grip IV Holder (Large Phone/Phablet) with 1" Ball(RAM-HOL-UN10BU). Didnt want 2 devices for my phone and my tablet and another device for my bike, so I took a chance on this one. There are currently 4 models of the X-Grip, this is model IV for Large Phone/Phablets. I can hold an HTC EVO 4G, Nexus 4, Nexus 5 (with or without cases) and a Nexus 7 (2012 or 2013; with or without cases) (I use the MoKo Nexus 7 Slim-Fit Case). Only hesitation was the price - but considering it meets my tall order. Great deal. I used the Arkon for a long time but it was a beating to use. To insert or remove a phone or to adjust , tab holder would fall off, hard to align, felt like it would break - not this mount. Place suction where you want, turn lock lever, turn knob on arm, align and tighten - base is done. Now grab x-grip rubber post caps with one hand and position your phone or tablet - done.

I decided to buy a RAM mount for my iPhone 6 plus, after being disappointed but other, less expensive (but also lower quality) mounts. I wish I had bought this one the first time around. First of all, this thing is sturdy. No cheap parts anywhere. Second, it is modular. You can use it as is, or you can buy additional arms or extensions to make it longer or to make sure it's even more adaptable. Which is what I did; I bought and additional 1 inch arm, to get the cradle exactly where I needed it to be in my car. The X arms on the cradle are strong. Relatively easy to pull apart, but will hold the phone without a problem. I use an iPhone 6 plus with a fairly large waterproof case, and the cradle hold it very well. Some people have complained that the arms can push the volume buttons on the side of the phone, and I can certainly see their point, however my phone case is, as I said, waterproof, and the gaskets that cover the volume buttons are sturdy enough that this has never been a problem for me. All in all, I am extremely happy with this mount. It is strong, durable, modular, expandable, and very high quality. It is true what they say: cheap is expensive. I wish I had bought this mount the first time I read about it; but having to pay over $80 between this mount plus the additional 1 inch extension understandably held me back. Now I wish I hadn't wasted my money on the other ones I bought prior to this one. I know that this one will prove to be the last cradle I purchase in a very long time, and that will serve me well no matter what vehicle or phone I use it with.

I had been away from RAM Mounts since I stopped buying dedicated GPS and phones took over this functionality. I should not have stayed away. Wasted so much on cheap mounts, most recently on wireless charging ones that broke after a few months. RAM Mount has always made solid well-made products. The X mount series is no different. If you have exotic needs or simply want to see all the kinds they make you might want to look over their website and browse. They come in kits for common needs (in this case a windshield mount, large x mount, 3 inches articulating ARM. Mind you the combined length with all the pieces ends up being around 6 inches (X mount, arm, suction cup assembly). There is also a long arm version (6 inch arm) where the total length will end up being around 9 inches. The X mount comes in 2 sizes for phones (regular and large). You have to account for your phone case too. if its thin case not going to make a difference, but thicker cases do make your phone larger. I choose the large for 8 Plus in a modest case. An 8 in a beefier case works well too. The Large according to RAM covers a phone 3 to 4.5 inches in width. The regular up to 3.25 inches in width. The X describes the arms that grab your phone at 4 corners, super securely. To put your phone in you really do need both your hands (as you do with most mounts even if they say otherwise). You grab top and bottom on one side and place your phone in with the other hand and release. You can easily choose a nice position with articulating arm as the mount contains a ball at both the suction cup and phone holder end. A knob lets you lock the position.

So far so good. I have had the mount now for 1 week. The grip is good and really hold the phone secure. My intent was to get this mount to hold my phone during track days and AutoX. I have yet to use it for this purpose but expect it to perform well. I consulted with RAM MOUNT prior to purchase to make sure I got the correct grip size for my phone. I have the Samsung Note 5 and was informed that my phone would need this size. The mount is actually just on the large size. It would be nice to have tried the size just smaller. The location of the volume buttons are right where one of the grips want to be. If I had a large case on my phone I can see this not being a problem. I don't put a case on my phone so positioning the phone requires a second or two more to make sure I am not not a volume button. Suction cup hold well so far over cold temperatures. I would not trust the suction cup outside my vehicle like the Go-Pro mount. I have no idea what kind of rating or pull force this mount can support. The arms that come out provide unobstructed view of the camera. Very happy with this and would buy for my other vehicle as well. Only thing I wish was that they made more phone specific cases for phones other than the iPhone for easier snap in operation.

Very, very sturdy build construction. Absolutely the toughest and most rigid phone mount out there. That said, the suction cup is a weak point. The suction mechanism is strong, but the cup doesn't seal well, and falls off the window every couple weeks like clockwork. Hope they update the design to use a softer rubber cup like other phone mounts that stay put longer.

This is a great product, meets or exceeds my expectations. This vacuum base is powerful and holds very well. the X-Grip holds my smart phone firmly without vibration, noise, or sagging.

Amazing product, easy to use.

Works great as advertise does not fall off the windshield and it doesn’t bounce and vibrate around like all the other ones