Mysterious RAM X-Mount Failure

[Motorcycle Mayor]

For the second time in a year my iPhone popped out of its RAM X-Mount...without me having done anything unusual (e.g., hitting a pothole, swerving, rapid acceleration or deceleration). Both times the Lightening connector kept the phone from dropping to the freeway (you can read more about the specifics at https://pursuit.olbert.com/2020/04/uh-oh/).

Is there some kind of adjustment I need to make to the X-Mount to tighten its grip? Do the rubber grippers just lose their grip as they age (which would hardly be surprising since they're exposed to a lot of wind, grit & UV)?

Or should I get a different mount? If so, what do people recommend for an iPhone 10X?

 

[dravnx]

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-UN7TU

No way, no how would I trust my phone to an X Grip without a secondary tether.

 

[stevec677]

Are you using the rubber tether?  No way for it to fall out if using the tether listed above.  Only about $5.00 at Cycle Gear.

 

[lonerider]

Replaced my X-Grip with this. Comes with a tether, but I've never needed it.  After a year of use, my phone never came loose. I'm not familiar with iphones, so you might want to check for correct fit.

 

[graler]

I am impressed that the lightning connector held that securely. I use a Quad-Lock now. You have to put your phone in a special case that won't allow it to lie flat. They are expensive but performance is excellent. 

 

[rbentnail]

Never have trusted the X-Grip.  I use this https://www.rammount.com/shop-all/motorcycle/phone-mounts?facets[product_line][]=Quick-Grip XL

 

[Motorcycle Mayor]

Thanx, everyone for the quick replies (and apologies for not responding sooner -- for some reason I'm not getting notified when people comment on my posts).

@graler: I was pretty impressed, too, that the lightning connector held that tight. I've had some of them slip out really easily.

 

[MrM0t0]

I’ had exactly the same thing happen pre-rubber tether with the x-grip TWICE, because I’m an id10t.  The rubber tether is an incredible PITA.

The Quick Grip is the only way to go. Used by Long Haul Paul https://www.longhaulpaul.com/ among others. It doesn’t require 2 hands either.

 

[PJ4863]

I've been using the slip grip. In fact, I just ordered another one for my wife's phone e.

 

[Bill Lumberg]

For the second time in a year my iPhone popped out of its RAM X-Mount...without me having done anything unusual (e.g., hitting a pothole, swerving, rapid acceleration or deceleration). Both times the Lightening connector kept the phone from dropping to the freeway (you can read more about the specifics at https://pursuit.olbert.com/2020/04/uh-oh/).

Is there some kind of adjustment I need to make to the X-Mount to tighten its grip? Do the rubber grippers just lose their grip as they age (which would hardly be surprising since they're exposed to a lot of wind, grit & UV)?

Or should I get a different mount? If so, what do people recommend for an iPhone 10X?

You just need a decent mount. X-grip is the shittiest mount I’ve ever seen. It’s not if, it’s when, when you’re taking about an x-grip dumping a phone. Even with the rubber band thing that’s supposed to compensate for how bad the mount itself is. 
 

I prefer the slipgrip. But ram has an actually decent mount out there for less than $20 now  Paul Pelland/ Longhaulpaul posted about it somewhere, as noted above  

 

[ktidrick]

Replaced my X-Grip with this. Comes with a tether, but I've never needed it.  After a year of use, my phone never came loose. I'm not familiar with iphones, so you might want to check for correct fit.

Thanks for the link / commentary lonerider. I did some quick research and just ordered one of these...

 

[ice_station_zebra]

For the second time in a year my iPhone popped out of its RAM X-Mount...without me having done anything unusual (e.g., hitting a pothole, swerving, rapid acceleration or deceleration). Both times the Lightening connector kept the phone from dropping to the freeway (you can read more about the specifics at https://pursuit.olbert.com/2020/04/uh-oh/).

Is there some kind of adjustment I need to make to the X-Mount to tighten its grip? Do the rubber grippers just lose their grip as they age (which would hardly be surprising since they're exposed to a lot of wind, grit & UV)?

Or should I get a different mount? If so, what do people recommend for an iPhone 10X?

I use this mount. Very solid, adjustable with built in charging. Once the phone is in there it is clamped good and tight. About $30 on amazon. You can access all the buttons when its in the cradle.

 

[SERider]

This exact same thing happened to me as well, but I did not have a tether on it.  Before I turn around and pick it up, a car ran over it.  I learned an expensive lesson.  I only keep my phone in my pocket now and use via Bluetooth.  I get my map/directions from my hardwired Garmin Zumo.   

 

[GPRIDER]

Replaced my X-Grip with this. Comes with a tether, but I've never needed it.  After a year of use, my phone never came loose. I'm not familiar with iphones, so you might want to check for correct fit.

I bought one of these lately and love it. It holds the phone very secure.

                      GP

 

[Knifemaker]

Oddly when I try to paste a link, nothing happens.

But here’s a photo off amazon. Similar to the one lonerider posted, but no springs holding the phone, it’s a screw operated vice. So odds are there’s no way for the phone to fall off unless the phones case breaks. You just need a Ram camera mount ball to mount it to.

 

[huron52]

I have a Ram X mount. I have a iPhone Xs with an otter box. It is tough to open up the X large enough to get the phone in it. I believe the rubber contain of the otter box helps hold the phone in place.  Not sure I would trust the phone to stay in the X if it didn't have a Otter Box on it

 

[Bill Lumberg]

For the second time in a year my iPhone popped out of its RAM X-Mount...without me having done anything unusual (e.g., hitting a pothole, swerving, rapid acceleration or deceleration). Both times the Lightening connector kept the phone from dropping to the freeway (you can read more about the specifics at https://pursuit.olbert.com/2020/04/uh-oh/).

Is there some kind of adjustment I need to make to the X-Mount to tighten its grip? Do the rubber grippers just lose their grip as they age (which would hardly be surprising since they're exposed to a lot of wind, grit & UV)?

Or should I get a different mount? If so, what do people recommend for an iPhone 10X?

I stumbled across the old xgrip I tried in the garage yesterday. Tossed it. 

 

[FJReady]

I ditched my Xgrip a long time ago for the Quad-Lock.  Simple and very secure.    

 

[Bill Lumberg]

After having used one for a while, I can say that  ram quick grip works great.