Bracketron UFM-100-BX Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad
by Bracketron
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: BracketronBrand: Bracketron
Edition: Electronics
Model: UFM-100-BX
Publisher: Bracketron
Studio: Bracketron
Music Label: Bracketron
Product features:
- Ships in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging
- Easy to Install and Remove
- Advanced Weight Distribution Technology Prevents Sliding and Promotes Stability
- Non-Skid Base
- Keeps a Low Profile
- AmazonBasics Universal Travel Case for Small Electronics and Accessories (Black)
- AmazonBasics Carrying Case for 4.3-Inch Portable GPS (Black)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Bracketron UFM-100-BX Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad
Customer Review: Will buy another for a second GPS unit.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this unit for over three years and have been very satisfied. It's been in over a dozen rental cars in addition to what I own, and fits well even on the dash boards with steep slopes (such as in products from an auto manufacturer rhyming with Knees-On). No, it does not defy gravity, but with a bit of prudence in placement, I've never had a problem of the unit slipping off or moving sideways.
My habit is to remove the mount from the dash as I approach a parking lot, and place it as close to under the seat as possible. It has not lost traction as a result. No, its not That Small, but someone has to be looking through the window pretty closely to find it -- I'm assuming a thief would rather snatch and grab as quickly as possible, and will go for the easy target rather than be caught snooping through windows of every car in the lot.
However, note that the mounting surface is limited to a diameter of 4.5 inches. It's designed for placing the suction device from your GPS onto it. For best mounting, if the suction cup is larger than 3.5 inches, beware -- remember best suction comes from compressing the cup while you are locking it, thus somewhat increasing the nominal diameter.
Another caution -- inspect your dashboard carefully. Some car manufacturer's have made the entire surface the "door" to hidden air bags. If the "door" is triggered, where do you suppose the GPS will go? In other words, be satisfied in your mind that wherever you mount it, that an emergency will not cause the GPS to come flying in your direction. My hope is comments from owners of such cars, who have had reason to research this more carefully than I, will be able to confirm or allay these concerns. For me it was a concern on only one of the cars I rented this year -- my workaround: place the mount below the dash, seat level -- listening to the turn-by-turn instructions. Caveat: doing so reduced the GPS's sensitivity.)
As noted by another reviewer, customer service is excellent. I talked to them today about what I thought was a downside -- after 3 years, the bottom, a flexible, rubber-like substance, has begun to disintegrate -- about 6 weeks ago, it has begun to scab off: today the scab exposes the next layer under the mat by about 10-15% -- yet the mount is as secure as ever. I was told to send it back for a replacement ... no hassle. Obviously they can't keep this up forever if the problem is widespread, but just as obvious they are pro-active in making a better product.
Another reviewer from Maryland (my state) noted the GPS not sticking to the mount during cold weather. I occasionally had issues, but did not link it up to cold weather, but that in fact could be the source. Since I normally do not store the unit in my car, I've not found it to be a huge problem, but I recommend looking for reviewers from states in the the far north of the US for their experiences. Remember, the manufacturer is located in Minnesota (one of two states disallowing windshield mounts), so they have a vested interest in making this thing work. For the normally mild weather we have here, I'm willing to experiment a bit and and taking a leap of faith, now that I have a second GPS, to get a companion Nav-MatI. (I've judged the newer II model with a completely redesigned mounting surface as likely to pick up debris from the floor during "off" times.)
== (Sep. 20)
The recent purchase of a second NavMatI for a second GPS reveals a different mounting surface and a few extra touches that should increase the useful life of the pad. More time will tell if the new surface provides equal grip without the deterioration found in the first (please see entire write-up).
== (Nov. 20)
My experience with the new pad: not nearly as good. Hard acceleration will have the GPS sliding to the floor. The packaging says you can mold the mount to the dashboard, but I've had no success. I've not given customer service a chance to respond to this, so at the moment I'm leaving my rating alone.
Description of Bracketron UFM-100-BX Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad
Bracketron and Amazon.com have teamed up to offer this item in Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging, a recyclable, easy-to-open alternative to traditional packaging. Products in Frustration-Free Packaging are exactly the same--we've just streamlined the packaging. A Frustration-Free Package comes without excess packaging materials such as wire ties, hard plastic "clamshell" casings, and plastic bindings. It's designed to be opened without the use of a box cutter or knife and will protect your product just as well as traditional packaging. This item ships in its own box, without the need for an additional shipping box.
The Nav-Mat is an extremely convenient mounting accessory for your portable GPS. Using the physics of weight distribution along with high tech anti-skid materials, it creates a solid mounting base to turn your windshield-mounted GPS into a dash-mounted GPS.
The Nav-Mat conforms to the contours of your dashboard, allowing it to work on uneven or textured surfaces while the anti-skid underside keeps the device from sliding. Designed to work with devices up to several pounds using the stock windshield suction mount sold with most popular GPS units, the Nav-Mat requires no tools for installation and can easily be moved from vehicle to vehicle or put out of sight when leaving the vehicle.
Also works well with other Bracketron Windshield Mounts for mounting devices such as Satellite Radio, Cell Phones and MP3 Players.
What's in the Box
Bracketron UFM-100BL Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad, User's Manual
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