RAM Mounts RAM-B-201U Double Socket Arm (Medium) Compatible with RAM B Size 1" Ball Components

I've been using RAM products for about 10 years. I am thoroughly impressed with the quality of their components. I am currently using three of these standard length arms on my bicycle to hold a RAM universal cradle for a Samsung Galaxy Player WiFi 5.0, a Garmin Oregon 450 GPS, and a Fenix flashlight (using UNPK RAM BASE FOR 3/4" TO 1" DIA. RAILS ). I like using RAM mounts for two reasons. First, they are solid, heavy duty, and stay put once you tighten them--even when bouncing around on a mountain bike. Second, the rubber balls provide a touch of flex in the mount to absorb shock while riding. I used the long RAM arm ( RAM Mount Long Double Socket Arm f/1" Ball Bases ) on my Kawasaki Concours motorcycle for a few years. While it raised the GPS to a point where I could see it easier, I felt that the long arm allowed just a little bit too much flex and made it more difficult to read the screen while riding. The long arm is now in use in my car to hold the SGP5 where it isn't subject to as much vibration. Arm length is a balance between stiffness and shock absorption. The shorter RAM arms will be very stiff and not provide as much shock absorption (which, admittedly, is just a beneficial by-product of the design). The longer arm can move more and absorb more shock, but that also means your device will move around more in rough environments. The paint is thick and resilient. Of the many RAM arms I own (probably about 6), I've only experienced paint chipping on one over the past 10 years. A 1/4" fleck of paint chipped off of the inside of the arm where the ball would touch: It did not affect performance. I've also used this arm on my motorcycle since 2002 and it is unaffected by the weather. The hardware is also sturdy. It is quite possible to tighten the mechanism down so tightly that the arm will leave temporary impressions in the rubber mounting balls. No stripping, no backing out. The standard length arm allows me to extend my electronics forward of the handlebars just a bit so that it's easier for me to look down and see them. Two of my favorite places online to check for good prices on RAM products are GSPCheap and GPSCity.

Just what I needed, works as designed

I purchased this along with the RAM Square 2-inch x 1.7-inch base with 1-inch ball, and the Universal X-Grip Holder. As I am using this as a part of a system, I will comment on the overall package as the parts are all of the same high quality and would be useless alone. Although I've only had it installed for a day, I could not be any more pleased. For reference, this is mounted on the dash of my 2003 Jeep Wrangler. After going through countless cheap (under $5) car holders, mounts, etc., I finally had enough after purchasing an iOttie mount for around $15 only to have it break after 6 months of usage. Sure, it is plastic, and $15 isn't a lot of money in the big picture, but I need more than 6 months from a product. I looked into several different mounting options including custom mounts, and fortunately came across RAM products. I read the reviews, looked into the company itself, and quickly ordered a solution that seemed to be exactly what I was looking for. I am happy to say so far, I made the right decision. I mounted the base to the center area of my Wrangler's dash, in a place that is covered by a removable rubber mat, and the screw holes can easily be covered up if someone decided to remove the mount for some reason (likely me, in order to keep it for my next vehicle!). This lets me angle the rest of the mount above the radio and vent, which I find to be the best location for navigation and music control. The X-Grip connects to the socket arm and can be adjusted to almost any position. The X-Grip, if centered, does hit the volume/power buttons of my Nexus 4 if centered, but I find that positioning it to either side still provides an extremely secure grip and avoids hitting the buttons. I obviously cannot speak to durability, but all 3 of the parts that I ordered appear to use high quality metals and plastics. The points that would be prone to failure due to sun/heat are sturdy enough that I will be amazed if it breaks, and considering RAM Mount's reputation I have a feeling I shouldn't worry. I will certainly come back and edit my review should that happen, but I trust RAM would take care of me even in the event All said, I spent around $40 for the 3 pieces. I have probably spent that much in cheap plastic mounts in the past 3 years. I have no doubt that I could easily be using this 15 years down the road. Past the 15 year point, we will probably have all of our gadgets implanted in our brains, but I bet the plastic in this mount will still be solid!

I had recently gotten the RAM phone charging mount to use with my Samsung S22 Ultra. It is the heaviest QI charging system / phone holder I've ever seen. Add the weight of my phone sitting out on the end of a 3'' extension arm, even as awesome as it is, it was asking a little much of my suction cup mount. The longer arm was fine with the lighter weight X Mount but the updated hardware required a change. Going to the stubby double socket did the trick for my current situation. Both phone and charger sit in a much more sturdy fashion and the fit is better in the small car I currently drive. My phone stays exactly where I put it which is nice when putting in the miles on the road. I routinely use Ways and Spotify and this rig keeps the brains of the outfit oriented well and maybe most importantly off the floor. For any thinking of making a RAM MOUNT investment, and an investment it is, I cant tell you that they are perfect and will never fail but of the pieces I have used I've never had a mechanical failure from one of their components. The high heat in the car did play a part in ruining the X-Grip Rubber Caps but I expect there was warning about not leaving them in direct sun. The pieces I've used have been rock solid. My usage may not be as rough as some peoples but my RAM MOUNTS have worked and continue to work where many other Walmart & Amazon "budget brands" have failed in sadly short periods of time. The RAM MOUNT products are built like Tanks , Sturdy, heavy duty and I believe really built to last where others have let me down. If there were a downside I would say beware of the weight and size of some pieces. I believe its the nature of the beast for building this type of quality. a bit of bulk and weight are the trade off. I think its a fair trade, others may feel differently.

Works great and a solid mount but if you loosen it a little too much it flys apart

I purchased this to give my RAM mount a little bit more reach. It was definitely well made, and installed very easily. It holds the phone very securely and fit perfectly on my bike.

Very high quality material and design. Very sturdy and reliable. Use these for all my mounting supports in my vehicles. Hands free. Suction cups don’t work and are flimsy

What can I say? It's an arm. it works great. Quality seems good after a few weeks. No movement. I only wish I had discovered this device mounting system sooner, after wasting time on inferior products.