This is a review of a newly released Arkon Slim-Grip Ultra (Slim-Grip
I might give this a try, when I get the Note 8.0.
twister, would you mind trying the sticky mount on the vertical portion of the front dash (to the side of the main console) or an open area of the matte plastic (bezel around the radio)?
I'm just trying to get an idea of where this mount will still work and not have to worry about it falling down, while I'm driving.
If you are not using your windshield or top of dashboard, finding a spot is the most difficult task If you can see from my very first top pictures of Arkon Mega-grip mount (btw, I went back to using it because it's grip fits every extended case), I'm using a dash mounted arm which attaches to vertical dashboard with 3M sticky tape. That particular product SoundGate M2 was discontinued 3 years ago. I had to take out the mounting head and replaced it with universal ball joint head (dremeled out of another mount).
Regarding sticky mounting on vertical textured surface, it has to be a continues surface, not from different pieces, or at least a uniform area of the size of sticky gel pad. I don't have that anywhere on my dashboard where it's going to be mounted easily (for the reference, in pictures is GS350 dashboard). Also, out of 3 car mounts I tested (Arkon, Exogear, iOttie) I found only iOttie to have super strong sticky gel pad to hold to the vertical surface in the car where I had it mounted to the area above my glove box. The problem with iOttie, it doesn't offer universal ball joint connection so you can't mix'n'match mounts.
You know, in the worst case, you can get one of those adhesive metal disk for GSP mount (a few bucks on ebay) and sticky somewhere on the dashboard where you can attach suction cup of the mount?
No worries. I don't really need alternative mounting solutions. I've tried almost every car setup imaginable. Windshield mount is not an option (in California, only place a windshield mount can be legally mounted is the bottom right of the driver-side window). By far, my favorite mounting solution is ProClip...however, for tablet mounting, the areas that the proclip mounts are set (for my car) would prove to be to obstructive for any tablet I get.
I know which areas I'm considering this for, it's more-so to get an idea if it really does stick on different surfaces that are flat. From the sounds of it, it seems as though it doesn't stick very well vertically, which rules out one location on my dash. I have one other area that I'm going to be trying (my mount should be in by today or tomorrow) and should it work and stay mounted through hot weather, I'll post up pics to add to your review of the Arkon. Thanks again for the info!
Got my slim grip sticky mount in...it definitely doesn't stick on every surface...And definitely didn't stick on vertical portion of the dash.
I wonder if that was a problem in my car and the reason why I don't have picture of it mounted vertically. iOtties for sure was stuck like a cement glue. I just wish it would have universal ball joint mount to combine these together
Only problem with the iOttie is that it won't fit in the area that I wanted to mount. Hard to explain until I get some pics. The Arkon does have the garmin ball joint mount, so worse case scenario, I can use this with one of my proclip mounts. Only thing is, having the Note 8 up that high will be very distracting, so I'm trying to figure out a way to get it lower.
how does the slim SM678 do on not so flat dash board?
Curved dashboard, check it and see:
Once this thing is locked on, it pretty solid.
As a quick update, I just learned that Slim-Grip Ultra will be updated with a new refresh model containing integrated NFC chip. Whenever I'm going to receive a sample, I will put together an updated review with more details about it.
This is a review of Arkon Slim-Grip Ultra IntelliGrip edition which available with a car charger IntelliGrip? NFC Car Dock for Android? or without it IntelliGrip? NFC Car Mount for Android?
For those familiar with Slim-Grip Ultra, which I've reviewed in my original post, you can consider this as v2.0. You will find the same high quality built with a spring loaded mechanism and two sets of adjustable leg supports to accommodate any smartphone or tablet with screen size of up to 8". It also comes with a sticky mount base which I have demonstrated before to work great on any flat surface and a number of different textured surfaces. There is even a classic mounting disk with 3M sticky side in case you really having a hard time locating that mounting surface. In addition, review package I received had car charger adapter with a built-in protection chip, although charger itself is rather bulky/old fashioned and supports only 1A of charging current. But the great thing is that you have an option which IntelliGrip package you choose, and once it's available on Amazon and other discount retailers, you always guaranteed to find the best deal! If you don't want to wait, you can order it directly from Arkon using links I provided above.
I'm not going into the same details about basics of this mount since I have already done that in my original review you can find at Post#1 of this thread. I have been using my Arkon car mount for years, and can voucher for its quality that never let me down no matter if it's single or triple digit weather outside. The build and the material of this Slim Grip Ultra is top notch. I also wanted to add since I have been asked this question a lot, the mount does fit Note 2 with Zerolemon battery and it's tpu case. I have demonstrated that in pictures below. N2 w/ZL stays very sturdy and secure. But I still have to point out - using a large phone such as Note 2 will require two hands because you will be dealing with extension of spring loaded end where the spring itself will be at max stretch. Just think of it as a bonus workout
So what is IntelliGrip and how does it benefit this car mount? With a widespread popularity of NFC technology, you will find it available in most of today's new phones. It's very simple, you get NFC tag, program it, and place your phone next to this tag to execute pre-programmed tasks. You can let your imagination go wild where and how you can use these, but one place where it could be almost as "must have" is in your car. You get into your car, typically want your wifi to turn off and switch to 4G before the road, have GPS on, perhaps Bluetooth on as well to pair up with your car audio system, and start your navigation program. This is a series of commands you can realistically go through every time you get into the car, especially if you are trying to preserve your battery life and have some of these turned off. In this situation having NFC tag right where your car mount is extremely practical. I know what you going to ask, why do I need another car mount when I can get a sticky tag and just attach it on the car mount. Absolutely, you can, but after awhile it will probably peel off after constant placement of the phone. Therefore Arkon guys came up with a clever idea to make a cavity inside of their spring loaded arm to host this NFC tag. As you can see from the pictures, one was already included, and another one was provided as a spare. As simple as that, place your phone into the car mount, and any task you programmed using, for example, a free NFC Task Launcher will get executed on a spot. Very simple and clean solution that takes Slim-Grip Ultra to a new IntelliGrip level
Here are the pictures.
What mount is the one with the extendable arm?
In the original post? It's all Arkon slim grip ultra w/o NFC version. The very first picture in the original post has Arkon mega grip. Both work great with ZL or any larger case like defender.
There seems to be a number of different mounts for the car. I'm not sure which one to get. What is the item number of the one you reviewed?
Please refer to the manufacturing links, they have part numbers. This InitelliGrip model is brand new and not available on Amazon yet, only from their website. You might want to wait a week or so when its available since Amazon usually has a better deal
I will wait until Amazon has the IntelliGrip model.
Arkon just officially updated their warranty to 2 years: Arkon Resources, Inc. ? ARKON 2-YEAR LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY
That is actually a big deal since I always think its a great gesture for a company to show they really stand behind their products and believe in their quality.
Question for those of you with the SlimGrip dash mounts. Are you leaving it mounted on your dashboards in your cars? Or do you try to take it down everytime you leave your car?
Of course, always leave it in the car. Why would you take it down? The gel base sticky suction cup is reusable, but constant on'n'off (with any car mount vendor) will put wear'n'tear on your dashboard surface. Some people who don't want a permanent attachment get one of these beany-bag mounts where you attach suction cut to and can just take it off your dashboard when not in use.
I was wondering if having something like this mounted on the car dash would attract thieves or not. I haven't really used a car mount before.
7-8 years ago before smartphones, people were using portable NAV units which stayed in the car or in glove compartment. Not to mention those car stereos with removable faceplates lol!! Maybe then it would have send a message to thieves, temping them to break in? This is 2013, well almost 2014, so I'm not sure what kind of tempting message you can send with a $20 smartphone dashboard mount in the car
Haha, I hope you're right.
In the last month I got a few PMs from people asking me which model of Arkon car mount I would recommend. As you probably seen, I usually refer to Slim Grip Ultra as my favorite one, and I have tested all of them Can't go wrong since it works with every smartphone from old iPhone to Note 3 as well as small 7"/8" tablets like Nexus 7 and Note 8 or iPad Mini, therefore you are future proofed for whatever comes next, S5, Note 4, etc. But when you start looking at all the Slim Grip Ultra models, it could get a bit confusing will all the different models corresponding to mounting options, different bases, suction cups, etc.
So instead of replying to separate PMs, I figured just to post the link to their latest model where they have a new improved sticky suction base, which to be honest is the best I have ever seen with any mount (max bond to any surface). This one is their latest model SM679, its $16 plus change with free amazon shipping option here: Amazon.com: ARKON Sticky Suction Deluxe Windshield Dashboard Car Mount for Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S4, Note 3, iPhone 5/5c/5S and Smartphones - Retail Packaging - Black: Cell Phones & Accessories
I use a universal holder that is vent-mount, works like a charm.
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