RAM Mount X-Grip Review for 2023
- Updated March 12, 2023
Pros
- Easy to install and remove
- Built using high-quality materials
- Compatible with most devices
- Lots of adjustability
- Shock and vibration dampening
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not the cheapest option on the market
- May interfere with buttons on the side of some devices
Overview
You’ve no doubt heard of the RAM Mount X-Grip, but what sets it apart from every other motorcycle phone mount? Is it really worth your hard-earned cash?
The X-Grip is easy-to-use, manufactured from high-quality materials, and offers extensive compatibility due to the numerous mounting options available. The spring-loaded arms provide a reassuringly secure fit, and the extra safety tether ensures complete peace of mind.
As with most things, you get what you pay for, and phone mounts are no exception. Save yourself the hassle of losing or, worse yet, destroying your device, and invest in a quality mount like the RAM X-Grip!
Here’s What You’ll Love:
- Device Compatibility: Due to its spring-loaded arms, the X-Grip is compatible with an enormous range of handheld devices, including mobiles and GPS units.
- Durability: Marine-grade aluminium, stainless steel, and high-strength composite construction mean reliability isn’t a concern.
- Situational Adaptability: Fancy using your phone mount in more than one scenario? Perhaps you have multiple vehicles, a mountain bike, or even a scooter? The near-infinite adjustability of the X-Grip’s mounting system makes switching between them quick and effortless.
Here’s What You Probably Won’t Like:
- Premium Price Tag: The RAM mount is more expensive than the average phone holder. With that said, it significantly outperformed its competitors in our tests, so we firmly believe it’s worth the additional investment.
- Button Pressing: As the claw-like arms provide a tight fit, they can interact with buttons on the side of your device. Adjusting the placement of your device within the mount does solve this issue.
Functionality
Mounting your phone (or GPS) is as simple as prying the arms apart and placing your device between them. The optional elastomeric safety tether then stretches over the corners of your device to ensure it doesn’t slide around.
We tested the X-Grip up to speeds of 70 mph without using the tether and noticed minimal device movement. The be on the safe side, though, we absolutely recommend using the tether!
Editor’s Note: The motorcycle used in our test was fully-faired, so the wind was directed up and over the phone mount. We strongly advise riders with half-faired or naked machines to use the tether at all times due to the lack of wind protection.
The top section of the mount (above the ball joint) can also be removed independently from the bottom section. This is an excellent feature for those who street park their motorcycle as there’s no chance of theft.
Device Compatibility
The RAM X-Grip comes in various forms, meaning there is an option suitable for whichever size hand-held device you want to fix to your motorcycle.
The unit we tested was suitable for devices between 1.75 and 4.5 inches wide, covering even the largest smartphones on the market.
As previously mentioned, while perfectly secure, larger devices are, unfortunately, prone to having the side buttons pushed by the X-Grip. The solution is as simple as adjusting the position of your device within the arms, but this does become tedious over time.
Mounting Options
RAM offers several different mounting components for the X-Grip. These include:
Tough-Claw Clamp
Ideal for people who are always on the go, the Tough-Claw allows for easy tool-less installation and removal within seconds.
Operating the clamp is as easy as turning the tightener clockwise to tighten the grip and anti-clockwise to release. The claw is also lined with rubber pads to increase grip and reduce vibration.
Flex Adhesive Base
Suitable for nearly any type of flat surface you can think of, this option might be one to consider. The flex adhesive base allows the X-Grip to be attached to surfaces where a clamp simply wouldn’t work (think dashboards, windscreens, etc.).
Remember that the adhesive disc isn’t reusable, so you may also want to consider investing in another option if you’re going to use the X-Grip in different scenarios.
Suction Cup Base
The suction cup provides many of the same benefits as the flex adhesive base without the need for glue.
This suction base is perfect for those who regularly find themselves behind the wheel of different vehicles. If you intend on using the RAM X-Grip solely on your motorcycle, you’re better off looking at the Tough-Claw or the Stem Mount, though.
Fork Stem Mount
As the name implies, this option is designed to fix to your motorcycle’s fork stem directly, allowing your device to sit centrally, which many riders (including ourselves) prefer.
Keep in mind that this part is not compatible with any of the following machines:
- Honda VFR
- BMW S1000RR
- Honda CBR
- Suzuki GSXR 125
- Triumph Daytona 675
- Kawasaki ZZR 1400
- Ducati Panigale
- Triumph Street Triple
Instead, you’ll need to use RAM’s Stem-Mount HD alternative.
U-Bolt Kit
The U-Bolt kit works by placing the U-shaped bolt around the handlebars and tightening two nuts on either end of the bolt until secure.
The kit also comes with a black spacer and two black rubber nut caps to ensure a secure and sleek-looking final product.
Construction
It’s all well and good using marine-grade materials, but how does the X-Grip hold up in the real world?
While we can’t comment on the ultra long-term performance, we can tell you about our experience across our 6-week test here at Moto Geek. The test included a 45-minute daily commute each way and the odd leisurely Sunday ride.
We’re pleased to report that the X Grip held up remarkably despite some pretty adverse weather—no noticeable signs of wear or deterioration to speak of, as you would expect for the price.
The mount looks and feels robust, and we’ve got every reason to believe that it will continue to perform time and again.
We have heard some riders mention that the rubber tips on the arms eventually wear away and slide off, but we experienced nothing of the sort. Supposing this does happen, in which case you’ve seriously put the mount through its paces, replacements are available directly from RAM.
Design
The RAM X-grip is designed so that your device can be tilted in any direction once secure, thanks to the ball joint. Unlike other, cheaper mounts on the market, this allows you to adjust the angle based on your height, riding position, and so on.
From an aesthetic point of view, the black satin finish is simple, understated, and will continue to look great for years to come.
FAQs
How Do You Mount a RAM Mount X-Grip?
There are several ways to mount a RAM X-Grip, including the Tough-Claw clamp, a Flex Adhesive base, a Suction Cup base, a Fork Stem base, and a U-Bolt Kit.
Installation depends on your choice of mounting solution, but all of them require few or no tools and typically take no more than a few minutes.
Are RAM Mounts Reliable?
RAM mounts are widely regarded as reliable and have been adopted as the product of choice by motorcyclists worldwide.
Are RAM Mounts Universal?
RAM provides a wide variety of machine-specific and universal mounts to suit any motorcycle type, shape or size.
What Is the Rubber Piece That Comes With RAM Mount?
The rubber piece that comes with the RAM mount is an elastomeric safety tether designed to secure your device to the lower ball joint. The tether stretches around the corners of your device and is recommended for rugged or open cockpit applications.
Final Thoughts
To say we were impressed by the X-Grip is an understatement! After just a few weeks of testing, it’s quickly become an indispensable piece of our regular riding equipment.
Whether you’re new to the world of motorcycling or a veteran with thousands of miles under your belt, we’re convinced this will be an excellent addition to your motorcycling arsenal.
So, did we miss anything worth mentioning? Perhaps you decided to pick one up for yourself based on our review? Either way, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch and let us know.