Customer Reviews

Arkon Multi-Angle Ratcheting Cellular Mount Kit

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My problem: I needed a place to mount my 80gb Zune in my truck. It had to be small, non-obtrusive, and most importantly, be able to hold my Zune in place as I drove.

My Solution: The Arkon CM-131.

I was hesitant at first. There's no mention of this product on Arkon's website, and there are no dimensions listed in the product description. Would it work? The answer is "yes."

My 80gb Zune fits perfectly into the CM-131. My estimation is that the arms of the cradle open to about 2.5 inches. The Zune (and the iPod Classic for those of you who prefer that device) is about 2.4 inches wide. After inserting the device into the cradle, you just squeeze the sides firmly to lock it into place.

Mounting is a pretty simple process as well. The par that mounts to your dashboard is about a 1.25 inch triangle with an industrial strength adhesive backing. Simply peel and stick (be warned though, once you stick...it STICKS). There are also screws included, assuming that you may want a "safer" mount. Personally, I opted for the adhesive because I didn't want to permanently damage my dash.

The mount is fully adjustable as well. It ratchets into place at three different spots on the mount: right above the triangle base (360 degrees), at the hinge (90), and on the cradle itself (360). For Zune owners, this means that, if you wanted to, you could twist the cradle to the left and watch videos while driving. I don't recommend it, or endorse it, but the option is there for you.

Complaints? Not many. The Zune fits snuggly in the cradle, and it won't come out any time soon, but the hinge on the cradle itself has a little bit of give to it. So every time I push a button on my Zune, it moves back slightly. Not by much, but enough for you to maybe hit Up instead of Down. It is a slight annoyance that will go away once I get used to it, I'm sure. The other complaint is that it sound like I'm going to break the thing every time I ratchet. It means that it's unlikely that the mount will ever lose it's position, but it is shockingly loud.

I tried mounting my Samsung Blackjack too. Fits "like a glove" as they say. Overall it's a great, well designed, fair-priced product. If you were looking for a mounting solution for any of the devices mentioned in this review, I highly recommend the Arkon CM-131.

When I went searching for a car mount for my Blackberry 8830 World Edition, the Arkon Multi-Racheting Cellular Mount Kit was one of the car mounts I came across. I chose it over the others for the following reasons:
1. Price. The price is reasonable.
2. Style of mount. I didn't want anything that screwed in (although you can screw this mount in), and I was weary of getting a suction cup mount because of the marks it leaves on the glass and the poor performance of some suction cups.
3. Style of arm. This is key. I didn't want a flimsy bendable arm and I didn't want an angular arm that was flimsy. This arm isn't flimsy but is still adjustable.
4. It isn't specific to a certain cell phone or BlackBerry. I use it for both my LG Scoop and BlackBerry. The holder even opens wide enough to accommodate the rubber sleeve on my BlackBerry.

The only minor issue I've had is that sometimes the holder won't snap open while it is holding one of my phones for no apparent reason. Then I have to pull the phone out, press the button to open the holder a few times, and it works again without issue.

I've tried alot of cell phone holders sold in stores and this one is by far the best you can buy. I bought one about 4 years or so ago at Radio Shack. I loved it and went back to buy another one and they were out. I've been searching for another one ever since and finally found one on Amazon. I was so excited I bought two. This holder not only mounts with tape but it also can mount with screws. I love it. It fits any style phone or Ipod. I think I'm gonna buy another on just to give out for Christmas.

I mounted it on a cool day in the shade, allowed 24 hours for it to set. The next day it was 100 degrees outside. The mount fell right off. I didn't even put anything in it. I mounted on a flat area too. So be prepared to use the screws and mess up your dashboard if you buy this and live in a hot area.

Bought this mount kit for my golf cart,to house my iGolf GPS and it works great.The only modification I made was to place a rubber band around the ears(holding mechanism)because the unit is much thicker than a cell phone,and I wasn't too sure it would hold it in place, when hitting bumps.

Works very well ... I use it to hold my 5th gen iPod Video when I'm on my boat and it holds it very firmly while allowing accessories to be plugged into the docking port on the underside of the iPod.

The fits my wing very well, plus I like the fact it rachets sidways fairly easily. So far it's holding up well. Only odd thing is that it tightens with screws that requires a driver, so if you want to change the position or tighten it up a bit it's a little labourous.

just be darn sure its where you want it when you stick it because you will have to live with it for a long time. good ol 3m foam tape

I still have this item and it is very handy for holding my MP3 player in the car. I listen to books on CD with my MP3 player and have to put it on pause and I do not have to fumble around doing it. I would buy another if this one ever breaks.

I bought this product based solely on the 1st review of this product, (Cale from Texas) because I have a 120GB Zune and was looking for a mounting holder for it, as I will be getting a new truck soon.

To be honest I have only looked at the product and placed my Zune player in it to test for size, I have yet to mount it and see how it fares in any real world application.
EDIT: Update 16 Oct 2009:

Very very good , it is now installed in my truck, to avoid drilling or glueing anything to the new truck interior what I did was cut a circular piece of cedar (looks like a hockey Puck)and Press fitted into the cup holder, I then screwed the bracket to this piece of wood