ProClip

Sep 19, 2014,00:00 AM
 

Although I have a navigation system in the car, I find it handy to use my cellphone when I need a map or directions to get somewhere.  Apps like Google Maps and Waze has been fantastic in getting me around the busy streets of L.A.  In my convertible P-car I had great success with a device mount from a company called Proclip.  Another option would be the popular RAM mounting systems.  They make a X-Grip mount that is easy to manipulate especially if you want to use a 7"/8" tab or mini.  The ball mount design, socket arms, and composite and steel construction allows you to create a solid way to hold your device.  For this particular car I stuck with Proclip.


Proclip mobile mounting solutions:




It's a 2 part system.  First you pick a mount (the Proclip Vehicle Mounting base) that's designed for your particular car.  They usually offer 2 types, each with a different location on the dash or console.  The second part of the Proclip system is the Device Holder.

For the P-car I chose a lower center console mounted on the front passenger side.  This one doesn't interfere with the glove compartment or block the airbag deployment space.  The device holder is the adjustable style and can rotate and fit my phone nice and securely.

The Proclip is designed to be installed easily without any modification to your vehicle.  They provide a wedge-like tool to help assist in installing the mount:




Installing the vehicle mount is pretty simple and doesn't require you to take any car parts off.  With the wedge tool you jam it into the center console and clip the vehicle mount into it.  The other side has 3M sticky tape that adheres to the center console.  remove the wedge and it snaps into place.  Easy peasy!  smile

With the vehicle mount installed, attach the device holder mount with the provided screws.




I ordered the adjustable mount so it swivels around the base and it can be adjusted to allow use of my Galaxy phone with a TPU case on.  The bottom of the holder is designed with enough clearance for your charging port.  




The Proclip mount is slightly angled towards the driver, it makes quickly glancing at the phone easy.  



A small Proclip USA logo is found on the bottom side:




When adjusted correctly it's snug to hold it in place but you can pull it out without any problems.  Phone cases vary in dimension, some being thicker or thinner than others, so IMO adjustable is the way to go.  As with my other Proclip mounted P-car, the phone stays put and hasn't slipped or fallen out.

Note that the device holder is low enough to hold the phone but doesn't protrude too high so it's convenient to grip the phone.  You can also rotate to landscape mode, perfect for positioning for the map apps!




IMO the mount is solid and works great.  It's much better than placing the phone into the cupholder.  Of course it beats putting it into the glove compartment.  The adjustable device holder feature allows you to move it when there is too much glare and positions it to the way you want it to.  With the variety of device holders you can also mount your tablet, MP3 type player, or if you don't have the factory/OEM navigation system you can mount a GPS. 



-MW

  login to reply

Comments: view entire thread

 

Nice find, factory NAV will never be as good as your phone.

 
 By: JerryW : September 19th, 2014-21:33
Google maps with traffic is amazing. JerryW

re: nice find

 
 By: DRMW : September 20th, 2014-00:33
Back in January at CES all the automotive brands were showing off Apps based information centers in their vehicles. It'll probably happen in 2-3 years or sooner! -MW

re: neat

 
 By: DRMW : September 20th, 2014-00:34
Appreciate you looking Tony. After a a couple of long trips it has been working well. HAGWE! -MW

IMO it works well! [nt]

 
 By: DRMW : September 20th, 2014-13:01

Totally agree!

 
 By: patrick_y : September 20th, 2014-12:53
First of all, I totally agree about using the phone's navigation apps rather than using the car's navigation. Nice install. Clean, removable, effective, and non-invasive.

Which phone apps do you use?

 
 By: DRMW : September 20th, 2014-12:58
Which phone app do you use most? I like Google Maps but starting to use Waze more often. -MW

Google Maps and Waze

 
 By: patrick_y : September 20th, 2014-13:02
For local non-highway driving, I usually use Google Maps. It says the name of the streets. Waze doesn't state the name of the streets, just "turn right in 0.1 miles." But for highway driving, I use Waze. It alerts me to debris on the road if another perso...