Haven't been on the site much lately. Summertime work projects and computer issues. Finally got a new computer so time for a question....

Anyone care to give me a review on the RAM X-mount for the ipad mini 5? I was looking at a few diffewrent types of mounts so I can easily move the mini to a different aircraft if needed. There are specific mounts that fit just the mini, but my thinking is that I may use an android occassionally so a more universal type would fit my needs better.

Any pros/cons to my thinking.

Thanks!!

I have two RAM X-mounts, one for my iPad Pro and one for my iPhone XR. I got tired of buying a new RAM Roller-mount every time I changed devices, so I thought I'd give the X-mount a try.

Both mounts hold their respective devices quite securely. The iPhone version has just four touch-points, and you do need to be a bit thoughtful when you put it in the mount... You want to avoid one of the "feet" pressing against any of the buttons. But once it's in the mount, it feels VERY secure.

The iPad version (smaller Pro version) has more "feet" and a nice "squeeze" point that opens the mount for insertion of the iPad. Again, once it's in there, it's rock solid. I "can" fit the iPad in the mount with the case on, but I find it less prone to heat with the case off.

Neither mount "vibrates" or moves around in flight, once the RAM arm clamp is positioned and tightened. Overall, I'm quite pleased with both mounts. I would definitely purchase again.

Thanks JP!! Just what I was hoping to hear.

My airplane came with an X mount and I ditched it, It hit buttons and the devices would come out occasionally in turbulence. I use my iPad daily in 9 different work airplanes, so moving it around is just normal. I've found that the suction cup along with a short arm and this mount (https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-AP20U) work universally in all airplanes I fly from C180 to King air. I have other various attachments for RAM as well so I love the overall system, just not the X mounts.

The x mount might be perfect for you, but didn't work for me.

asa wrote:My airplane came with an X mount and I ditched it, It hit buttons and the devices would come out occasionally in turbulence. I use my iPad daily in 9 different work airplanes, so moving it around is just normal. I've found that the suction cup along with a short arm and this mount (https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-AP20U) work universally in all airplanes I fly from C180 to King air. I have other various attachments for RAM as well so I love the overall system, just not the X mounts.

The x mount might be perfect for you, but didn't work for me.

I cannot imagine a properly-sized X-mount allowing the device to "come out" in turbulence. I flew through some pretty bad turbulence with mine, and had zero issues. You DO need to tighten up the "arm" at the ball mount.

I just ran a quick test. Took my iPad mounted in the X-mount, held it over the bed, and shook the heck out of it. I slammed it as hard as I could. Didn't budge. Repeated the test with the iPhone XR in its X-mount – same result.

The "hitting buttons" comment and the "suction cup" comment have me wondering if ASA's issue has more to do with the flexing of the suction-cup mount than the X-mount itself. I'm using one of their ball mounts bolted to the instrument panel. Nothing moves - at all - in flight.

Also looking for an iPad Mini 5 mount and would prefer the x-grip for versatility.

Maybe the reason for the different experiences with the x-grip is because asa is referring to the iPad mini (X-Grip with 4 arms/rubber knobs) and JP is referring to his iPad Pro (X-Grip with 8 rubber knobs)...?

JP256 wrote:

asa wrote:My airplane came with an X mount and I ditched it, It hit buttons and the devices would come out occasionally in turbulence. I use my iPad daily in 9 different work airplanes, so moving it around is just normal. I've found that the suction cup along with a short arm and this mount (https://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-HOL-AP20U) work universally in all airplanes I fly from C180 to King air. I have other various attachments for RAM as well so I love the overall system, just not the X mounts.

The x mount might be perfect for you, but didn't work for me.

I cannot imagine a properly-sized X-mount allowing the device to "come out" in turbulence. I flew through some pretty bad turbulence with mine, and had zero issues. You DO need to tighten up the "arm" at the ball mount.

I just ran a quick test. Took my iPad mounted in the X-mount, held it over the bed, and shook the heck out of it. I slammed it as hard as I could. Didn't budge. Repeated the test with the iPhone XR in its X-mount – same result.

The "hitting buttons" comment and the "suction cup" comment have me wondering if ASA's issue has more to do with the flexing of the suction-cup mount than the X-mount itself. I'm using one of their ball mounts bolted to the instrument panel. Nothing moves - at all - in flight.

I must be more skilled at bad luck. Maybe my X mount springs are a little worn or something allowing it to come out? It's not the suction cup or other mounting hardware. I LOVE the ram arm/ball/accessories mounting system, just not the biggest fan of the x mount specifically. It may be perfect for other people though, it's definitely the most flexible in terms of various devices.

I have an iPad Mini5 that I move between my Maule and both of my vehicles.
I use a Panavise 13130 mount with the ball replaced with a Panavise 13101. I can pivot in all direction and the second suction cup will hold any device with a flat back. It really works well.
I have had one instance where the iPad came loose, but it was my fault by not verifying I had a clean suction cup before mounting iPad.

I bought a heavy duty iPad case with built-in plastic screen protector. I pried our the plastic screen protector and replaced it with a glass antiglare screen protector. I then screwed a ram mount ball onto the back of the case, … Strong and solid when connected to a ram mount, as a plus the ball fits nicely between your fingers when holding iPad with one hand. ... a lot less money than the ram cradle.

AZ Flyer,
That's what I was thinking of doing originally. I've got one of the Griffin (?) Survivor cases for it and mounting the ball to it would be simple.
I have put the X-mount in my cart at Aircraft Spruce but waiting until I get a bigger order before hitting the 'order' button. Might just delete it and mount one of the many spare ball parts to my case and see how it woks before buying another one.

I've used the Xmount but I'm currently using the same mount as asa provided the link to. I definitely prefer the smaller mount than the xmount.

I have a "RAM Tab-Tite Spring Loaded Holder for 8" Tablets with Cases" that I use with my ipad mini 5 in a case. I was torn between this one and the RAM X since I didn't want to have to take my ipad out of a case to snap it into the EZ Roller mount. It is very secure and like it. It is wider than an ipad mini 5 so I was initially concerned that it might slide left and right in the mount, but the spring holds it tight enough that it doesn't move.

Here is a link to the mount I use:
https://www.amazon.com/Mounts-HOL-TAB29U-Unpkd-Tab-tite-Samsung/dp/B016WQEY66/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=ipad+mini+ram+mount&qid=1597752829&sr=8-4

Here is a link to my case to give you an idea of its size:
https://www.amazon.com/ProCase-Generation-Lightweight-Protective-Translucent/dp/B07PTYCCCB/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=ipad+mini+5+case&qid=1597753110&sr=8-5

I use a Ram "tab-tite" mount to hold my 8" Samsung tablet, with case. Mounted it flat onto the center of the panel. Works great.

Realize this is a thread asking for info on the Ram mount, but just wanted to throw my $.02 in, I've been extremely happy with my Pivot case and ram mount. Rock solid mount and great protection for the ipad.

I use Ram mounts for a ton of stuff and love em. From Satloc to telephones.
I also used an armored Griffin with a ram ball, but when the stock screen protector got scratched up to bad I opted for a x mount.
It holds an iPad m5 in a Thrush during ag ops with just the fingers. It also has a rubber band contraption which I find cumbersome...
For cell phones I have an x in one work plane and a generic one in the other. The rubber on the fingers rotted out in no time on the generic one, so I bought one for a ram x mount and it is now as good as the ram mount.
I will put another in the next work plane.

Take care, Rob