RAM Tough-Claw X-grip

[Dogma]

More of a question than a review. This is my first RAM product, so I'm not sure what to expect here. It grips my phone fine, it grips the handlebar fine. But it still wobbles. The attachment of the ball to the claw is not rigid, and allows the X-Grip and phone to move 3-4 mm. There doesn't seem to be a way to tighten it. Is this normal or should I go to the trouble to return it? Isn't the RAM system known for being rigid and secure?

[Steve]

Because of the rubberiness of the ball, there will be a bit of movement.

"3-4mm of movement" ... how far away from the pivot?

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[Dogma]

nononono... The movement is not in the ball joint. That's nice and stiff. The connection between the ball's base and the claw is where it's loose, and should behave like a monolithic unit.

[Steve]

I guess I would have to see it. My RAM mounts all have a bit of movement, but it's due to the elasticity of the rubber on the ball.

I have plenty of your favorite beverage in the "beer fridge", stop on by this weekend.

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[storm 64]

Mine will rotate a bit. The more the jaws open, the more it will rotate. I kind of "preload" it in one direction so if it does move it moves only in one direction. If that makes any sense...

Steve, watch what you're saying. I've been know to ride 400 miles for beer and good company! ��

[cowboyup3371]

Norm you know he means root beer fridge, right?

[Steve]

Mine will rotate a bit. The more the jaws open, the more it will rotate. I kind of "preload" it in one direction so if it does move it moves only in one direction. If that makes any sense...

Steve, watch what you're saying. I've been know to ride 400 miles for beer and good company! ��

Come on back, Norm!

My favorite beer happens to be A&W.



.

[storm 64]

Haha! I gess I fell for that. I took the Hook, Line, and Sinker ! ☺
Here is my Beer Fridge.👍

[Dogma]

I had the opportunity, so I took it back to Cycle Gear to return it. They looked at it and basically said, "that ain't right." I think I'm just the lucky one who had a quality issue with a normally solid product. Their shelves are strangely bare of RAM products right now, so they couldn't exchange it. I'll swing by Iron Pony on the way to the picnic and see what they have. I want to do some hands-on tank bag shopping too. Mine's just about had it.

[Steve]

You went to Cycle Gear and didn't bother to swing by here for a beverage?

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[bwringer]

I tried the X-grip and after barely rescuing my phone twice (and being driven absolutely batty by the way the dumb thing rotates) I ended up with this:

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-PD3U

Mine doesn't have those doofy rubber fingers; they're not needed.

Actually, I now have three of these, one for each bike. Rock-solid, firm grip on and off road, easy fast in and out with one hand, and absolutely no chance of your phone squirting out like the X-Grip.

It doesn't look as cool as the X-Grip, I guess.

[Dogma]

You went to Cycle Gear and didn't bother to swing by here for a beverage?

.

Yep. Too many errands to run.

I tried the X-grip and after barely rescuing my phone twice (and being driven absolutely batty by the way the dumb thing rotates) I ended up with this:

https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-PD3U

Mine doesn't have those doofy rubber fingers; they're not needed.

Actually, I now have three of these, one for each bike. Rock-solid, firm grip on and off road, easy fast in and out with one hand, and absolutely no chance of your phone squirting out like the X-Grip.

It doesn't look as cool as the X-Grip, I guess.

Thanks for the tip. I'll look that up and see what combination of bits I need to mount the thing. Maybe check to see if my phone fits too.

[Dogma]

Well, I ran up to Iron Pony today where they have a counter devoted to RAM equipment. They say they've had about half a dozen of the X-Grip Claws returned with quality issues. I ended up taking Brian's suggestion for the "Quick-Grip" phone holder. with the "Torque" mount and the short socket, I was able to find a contortion of the hardware that keeps the phone close to the bars without using up the space my Bark Busters will need when the weather turns.

I also found a suitable replacement for my worn-out tank bag. Nelson-Rigg makes some nice stuff.