Ram Mounts X-Grip Phone Mount: Best Secure Phone Holder
Dependable, heavy-duty phone mounting—secure grip, modular mounts for any ride.
I’ve been late to a meeting because my phone slid off a cheap holder. If you use GPS while driving, ride a bike, or need a solid mount for work, you know a bad mount is a real hazard. The RAM Mounts X-Grip phone mount line fixes that. It locks phones with a spring-loaded X, mates to a modular ball-and-socket system, and adapts to windshields, bars, and dashboards. I’ll walk through five X-Grip variants I’ve tested so you can pick the best fit for your routine.
RAM MOUNTS X-Grip Windshield Phone…
Spring-loaded ‘X’ design with rubber caps sports great holding power without hiding your phone; includes optional device tether for peace of mind during rugged use Includes RAM Twist-Lock suction cup…
RAM MOUNTS X-Grip Large Phone…
Spring-loaded ‘X’ design for large phones with rubber caps sports great holding power without hiding your phone; includes optional device tether for peace of mind during rugged use Compatible with…
RAM MOUNTS X-Grip Large Phone…
Small version of the RAM Tough-Claw base is designed to quickly clamp to round, square, and odd-shaped rails and bars ranging from .625″ to 1.14″ in outer diameter; rubber pads…
X-Grip Windshield Mount (RAP-B-166-UN7U)
I tested the RAM MOUNTS X-Grip Windshield mount for over six weeks in varied weather and city driving. The twist-lock suction cup is simple to mount. It grips glass firmly and holds large phones steady on rough roads.
The X-shaped spring arms secure phones without clamps that hide the screen. The B-size medium arm gives enough reach for center-dash or top-windshield placement. I liked that it pivots smoothly on the 1″ ball and that vibration was low on highways.
Pros:
- Strong suction with twist-lock for reliable windshield mounting
- Spring-loaded X-grip secures phones without covering the screen
- Modular ball joint allows easy angle adjustments
- Works with large phones and phones with thin cases
- Durable build stands up to daily use and sun exposure
Cons:
- Suction is less reliable on textured dashboards
- Arm length can block vision if mounted too high
- Not ideal for heavy phone cases unless removed
My Recommendation
I recommend this windshield X-Grip if you drive frequently and rely on navigation. I found it best for drivers who want a secure, adjustable mount that stays put through bumps. The ram mounts x-grip phone mount design makes it a safer choice than generic holders.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Daily commuters | Twist-lock suction keeps it fixed on glass |
| Large phones | X-Grip fits wide screens without covering them |
| Frequent GPS users | Stable view and low vibration at highway speeds |
X-Grip Large Phone Cradle (RAM-HOL-UN10BU)
The RAM X-Grip large cradle (UN10BU) is a minimalist yet rugged holder. It’s a bare X cradle on a B-size 1″ ball. That simplicity is the point: no cradle walls, no clips, only that spring-loaded X to hold phones firmly.
I used it with a modern large 6.7″ phone. The grip was firm even with a slim case. The 1″ ball gives full freedom to dial in the perfect angle, and the lightweight design keeps vibration down when paired with a solid arm.
Pros:
- Minimalist profile keeps the phone visible and accessible
- Works with oversized phones and thin cases
- Durable X-grip rubber pads resist wear and slippage
- Easy one-handed insertion and removal
- Modular compatibility with many RAM accessories
Cons:
- No built-in arm or base—needs an arm or ball mount
- Less protection from side impacts compared to enclosed cradles
- Spring tension may loosen after many years of heavy use
My Recommendation
Buy this cradle if you want the pure X-Grip experience. I recommend it for users who already own RAM arms or have a custom mounting setup. The ram mounts x-grip phone mount cradle is versatile and pairs well with aftermarket arms for a tailored fit.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Custom setups | Cradle pairs with many RAM components |
| Large phones | Open X design fits wide devices |
| Minimalist users | Keeps the phone visible and unobstructed |
X-Grip Tough-Claw Clamp Mount
The RAM X-Grip with Tough-Claw clamp is my go-to for bikes and rails. The Tough-Claw tightens to bars and rails from 0.5″ to 1.75″ in diameter. It felt rock-solid on a motorcycle handlebar and on the thick bars of my kayak frame.
I like that the clamp has a wide pad surface. That reduces crushing on painted bars and spreads clamping force. The X-Grip holds phones steady and the clamp keeps the whole mount from shifting under vibration.
Pros:
- Tough-Claw clamps tightly to bars, rails, and roll cages
- Works across a wide diameter range for bikes and kayaks
- Rugged construction for outdoor and marine use
- Quick release and repositioning without tools
- Pairs with X-Grip cradle for secure phone hold on rough terrain
Cons:
- Can be bulky on small twist-grip handlebars
- Clamp pad may need extra protection for delicate finishes
- Heavier than lightweight bar mounts
My Recommendation
If you ride bikes, motorcycles, or use a kayak, this X-Grip with Tough-Claw is for you. I found it to be the most stable bar mount in real-world conditions. The ram mounts x-grip phone mount with a Tough-Claw keeps your phone safe on rough trails and choppy waters.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Motorcyclists | Clamp resists vibration and wind |
| Cyclists & kayakers | Adapts to various bar sizes securely |
| Outdoor workers | Rugged build holds up to tough use |
X-Grip Phone Holder with Double Socket Arm
The X-Grip with composite double socket arm is a balanced option for people who want adjustability without weight. The double socket arm locks tightly and avoids drift over time. I used it for both car dash mounting and as a desk stand.
It proved very stable when tightened correctly. The composite arm resists corroding and stays firm. For my testing, the arm absorbed some road shock and kept the phone aligned to the sightline.
Pros:
- Double socket arm offers flexible, secure angle locking
- Lighter than metal arms while maintaining strength
- Great for dash, desk, or dash-to-windshield installations
- Easy to tighten and reposition without tools
- Works with the X-Grip cradle for wide compatibility
Cons:
- Composite can flex if under-tightened
- Not as heat-resistant as some metal arms in hot cars
- Requires correct torque when tightening to avoid drift
My Recommendation
I recommend the composite double socket arm if you want flexibility and lightweight strength. I often reach for this arm for multi-use mounts. The ram mounts x-grip phone mount plus the double socket arm gives reliable adjustability for daily drivers and home setups.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Multi-use setups | Arm adapts to dash, desk, or windshield |
| Lightweight needs | Composite arm adds little weight |
| Frequent adjusters | Double sockets lock angles firmly |
X-Grip Universal Cradle (RAM-HOL-UN7BU)
The universal X-Grip cradle is the original design that made this mount line famous. It fits many phones and works with all B-size RAM components. I used it across several cars and an ATV during testing and it performed consistently.
The cradle has rubber-tipped X arms for grip without scratching. It’s unchanged for a reason: it blends low profile with strong holding power. I found it especially useful when paired with a short arm for center console mounting.
Pros:
- Original X-Grip design—proven and reliable
- Works with many RAM ball and arm parts
- Rubber-capped arms protect phone edges
- Open cradle allows easy access to charging ports
- Compact and lightweight for many installs
Cons:
- Not supportive against side impacts as much as closed cradles
- May need an adapter for some non-standard cases
- Spring tension can feel stiff for one-handed removal on some devices
My Recommendation
This universal X-Grip cradle is my pick for users who want a tried-and-true mount. I think the ram mounts x-grip phone mount universal cradle balances visibility and grip. It fits most setups and is easy to integrate into a larger RAM system.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Standard users | Reliable fit with minimal fuss |
| Accessory builders | Pairs easily with RAM ball systems |
| Office and car use | Low profile keeps the phone visible |
FAQs Of ram mounts x-grip phone mount
Will the X-Grip hold large phones with heavy cases?
Yes. The X-Grip holds large phones well, but very bulky or metal cases can reduce grip. I suggest testing the fit before riding or driving. Removing thick cases usually improves hold.
Can I use X-Grip on a textured dashboard?
Suction-based bases prefer smooth surfaces. For textured dashboards, use a RAM flat suction or a dash plate adapter. I found the clamp and arm options work better on uneven surfaces.
Is the X-Grip weatherproof for motorcycle and kayak use?
The X-Grip materials resist salt and sun. For marine use, rinse after exposure to saltwater. I saw no corrosion on composite arms, but periodic checks help longevity.
How easy is it to remove the phone with one hand?
Generally easy. The spring-loaded arms allow one-handed removal for most phones. Very tight cases or gloves can make it harder. I can usually grab and pull free with one hand.
Are RAM X-Grip mounts compatible with wireless chargers?
Most X-Grip mounts block wireless chargers because they touch the phone back. There are specialized RAM mounts designed to work with wireless pads. I recommend checking charger placement and clearance first.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The best overall pick for most drivers is the X-Grip Windshield Mount. It balances stability, adjustability, and ease of use for daily navigation and calls.
If you need rugged outdoor mounting, choose the Tough-Claw clamp. The ram mounts x-grip phone mount line offers models for every use, and they deliver long-term value.
