Featured Best Phone Mount - Quadlock V Sp Connect

Hello All,

I am not a fan of the Ram Mount system (particularly the ugly x mount version) and have purchased both the QuadLock and SP Connect mounts recently. I thought it might be useful for some to hear the pros and cons of each.

Both systems are quite similar. You purchase a case specific to your phone, and then fit a mount to your motorcycle that the case clicks into. To my eyes these types of systems look the best, and with the modern phones all being water resistant there is no need to have a water resistant outer case anymore (although both manufacturers offer a rain cover).

QuadLock

I purchased the Quadlock case plus motorcycle mount for my previous bike (Aprilia Dorsoduro 1200). I loved the convenience of just clipping the phone to the bike in seconds, and my OCD also liked being able to switch the blue release arm to red to match my bike.

My mount did suffer a failure of the central plastic section - but in fairness to QuadLock they replaced very quickly under warranty.

I also liked that I could get a car mount (and a bicycle mount) so my phone was always secure and conveniently located no matter how I was getting around.

SP Connect

When my Speed Triple RS arrived I fully intended to move my Quadlock mount over to the new bike. However, I couldn't find a location I was happy with.

There isn't really a straight section of bar near the clamp, so while it fits there the angle is a little awkward. I did find I could mount it near the right grip (in Singapore we have a mandatory [and ugly] road pricing unit which I have near the left bar). This location was ok, but I didn't like that the phone caught the full force of the airflow, and I wasn't a fan aesthetically of the outcome.

A friend recommend SP Connect (I hadn't even heard of them) and I ordered one immediately. The basic system is very similar to Quadlock, but with two main advantages.

1) They offer two additional mounting options that Quadlock do not - a stem mount for sports bikes and a handlebar clamp mount that I purchased.

2) They offer a wireless charging option suitable for motorcycles (Quadlock have a wireless charger, but it isn't for motorcycle use).

Both manufactures offer bar and mirror mounts that should work for most people/motorcycles. They also both offer a car mount which I find really handy.

Both Quadlock and SP Connect offer cases that are functional, if a little uninspiring. Both have a bit of a hump on the back, but that has never really bothered me. Both seem to offer similar levels of drop protection.

Other than the greater choice of options from SP Connect, I would also say that the SP mount and case that I have do feel a little better made than the Quadlock version. The difference isn't night and day, but it is noticeable.

All in all, I am very pleased with my SP Connect set up. My phone is centrally mounted, with some protection from the elements, and the wireless charging function is a great bonus (especially on longer trips when google maps is rinsing through your battery).

I could easily recommend either, but the SP option has worked out best for me.

 

I guess everything is personal, and maybe I would be converted if I used one properly. They just seem really clunky, and I don't like how the X style clamps press the side buttons on my phone (during my brief use when I borrowed a mates bike). I also don't need the double ball adjustment, so the arm (between the balls) seems overkill. I guess I don't need the range of adjustment, and don't like how the hardware looks - pic attached, but maybe RAM offer others I'm not aware of. I do know how popular they are, so maybe I'm the one missing something.

Lastly, all the latest phones are water resistant anyway, so I really like how the slim case (from Quad or SP) is all you really need. To my eyes it looks neat whether I use my phone or not.

 

Hi Stuart. Lockdown in Singapore means I shouldn't be messing with my bike in the communal basement - but I will try to explain.

I have the 'Bar Clamp' mount - pic below. When I first got my Speed Triple, my first thought was to reuse my existing QuadLock mount (that attached to the bar).

However, I quickly realised that there isn't a section of 'flat' bar anywhere. As the bar comes out the clamp is almost immediately bends, and it then only really offers a suitable mounting spot near the grip - not what I wanted.

Consequently I decided to buy the SP Connect Bar Clamp mount - but other manufactures offer similar set ups. I removed the lower right clamp bolt, and attached the mount with one of the longer bolts supplied in the kit.

The reason you can't see the mount is because I have the wireless charger pad fitted - but you could obviously put the phone straight onto the mount without the charger. In my picture, you can just see the edge of the mount below the cable.

If you wanted the exact same setup, you would need the following from SP Connect....

Bar clamp mount (pic below)
Wireless charging pad
Cable
Case for your phone

I ran the cable to the socket under the seat and took switched power from there.

There is now a 'Bar Clamp Pro Mount' with more adjustment, but this wasn't available when I ordered mine, so I have the plane old 'Bar Clamp Mount'

Let me know if this all makes sense. If not I will pull the charger off and take a picture when no one is around!

Cheers.

 

Sorry buddy - only just saw this.

If I was doing it again, I would go for the PRO version with extra adjustment.

As it stands with mine, my phone isn’t perfectly central and I would like it a little further forward.

However, this is a relatively minor improvement, and I would hope you’d be happy with either.

Let us know how you get on!