Introduction
Riding a motorcycle is all about freedom, but staying connected on the road is just as important. Whether you use your phone for GPS, music, or hands-free calls, a good motorcycle phone holder keeps it secure and within easy reach.
But with so many options, how do you know which mount is best? Two of the most popular choices are the GRxplore GR-MT5 and the RAM X-Grip. Both claim to offer durability, a strong grip, and easy installation. But which one actually delivers the best experience?
This guide compares these two mounts in detail, covering everything from build quality to price. By the end, you’ll know exactly which one is right for you.
Meet the Contenders
GRxplore GR-MT5: Built for Strength and Simplicity
The GRxplore GR-MT5 is designed for riders who want a strong, reliable motorcycle phone holder without the hassle of complicated installation. This mount is made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy and PA66 engineering plastic, making it highly durable and resistant to heat and impact.
One of its standout features is its tool-free handlebar clamp, allowing riders to attach and remove it in seconds. The mount also offers 360-degree rotation, so you can adjust your phone to the perfect viewing angle.
Another key advantage is its ultra-strong N54 dual-magnet system. Unlike spring-loaded mounts, this magnet-based grip provides a secure hold without needing extra straps or tethers.
RAM X-Grip: A Trusted Classic
RAM Mounts is a well-known name in the motorcycle accessories industry, and the X-Grip is one of their best-selling mounts. It features a spring-loaded "X" design with rubber-coated arms to hold your phone in place.
While the X-Grip is highly adjustable and allows for multiple viewing angles, it relies on a flexible grip rather than a mechanical lock. This means that on rough roads or at high speeds, it may require an additional rubber tether to keep the phone secure.
The RAM X-Grip is built with stainless steel and high-strength composite materials. While it is resistant to rust, the rubber components can wear out over time, affecting its grip strength.
Now that we’ve introduced both options, let’s compare them based on the most important factors.
1. Design and Build Quality
A motorcycle phone holder needs to withstand vibration, weather, and daily wear and tear. The materials used in its construction play a major role in its durability.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 is made from CNC-machined aluminum alloy, giving it a solid, rugged feel. The PA66 engineering plastic adds impact resistance, while the matte black finish prevents scratches and fingerprints.
● RAM X-Grip uses stainless steel and rubber-coated arms. While the metal parts are strong, the rubber grips can degrade over time, reducing the overall durability of the mount.
The GRxplore GR-MT5 offers better long-term durability, making it a great choice for riders who frequently face rough conditions.
2. Installation and Ease of Use
Not all riders want to spend time attaching and adjusting their motorcycle phone mount. Some prefer a quick and hassle-free setup.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 uses a tool-free clamp, allowing riders to install or remove it in seconds. The one-hand quick-release lever makes it easy to secure and release the phone with minimal effort.
● RAM X-Grip requires an Allen wrench or screwdriver for installation. Adjusting its position takes extra time, and removing it is not as simple as the GR-MT5.
For convenience and ease of use, the GRxplore GR-MT5 is the better choice.
3. Grip and Security
One of the biggest concerns for riders is whether their phone will stay in place during high-speed rides or on bumpy roads.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 features a mechanical locking system combined with an ultra-strong N54 dual-magnet system. With a pull force of over 500 grams, this mount securely holds your phone, even on rough terrain or at high speeds. No extra straps or tethers are required.
● RAM X-Grip uses a spring-loaded grip with rubber-coated arms. While it provides a decent hold, it can loosen over time, especially on rough roads. For extra security, RAM recommends using a rubber tether, which adds an extra step to mounting and unmounting your phone.
The GRxplore GR-MT5 provides a more secure grip without the need for extra accessories.
4. Compatibility and Adjustability
A good motorcycle phone holder should be able to fit different phone sizes and handlebar widths.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 is designed to hold phones between 5.4 and 6.7 inches, including most phone cases (except silicone cases). It fits handlebars measuring 0.87, 1.0, 1.13, and 1.26 inches in diameter. The mount also offers 360-degree rotation and multi-angle tilt for flexible positioning.
● RAM X-Grip has an adjustable grip that can hold most phone sizes. However, it may require additional adapters to fit certain handlebar sizes. It also uses a ball-and-socket joint for adjustability, but this can be slightly more difficult to reposition compared to the GR-MT5.
Both mounts offer solid compatibility, but the GRxplore GR-MT5 provides a more universal fit without needing extra adapters.
5. Durability and Weather Resistance
Since motorcycle phone holders are exposed to the elements, they must be built to handle heat, rain, and vibration.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 is made with aluminum alloy and PA66 plastic, offering high resistance to heat and impact. The matte black finish prevents scratches and fingerprints, maintaining its appearance over time.
● RAM X-Grip is constructed with stainless steel and rubber. While the steel parts resist rust, the rubber grips can degrade, especially when exposed to extreme weather.
For long-term durability and weather resistance, the GRxplore GR-MT5 is the better option.
6. Price and Value for Money
Price is always a factor when choosing a motorcycle phone holder. While both mounts have solid reputations, one offers better value.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 is competitively priced and includes premium materials without requiring extra accessories.
● RAM X-Grip is slightly more expensive and often requires a separate rubber tether for maximum security.
For riders looking for the best balance between affordability and performance, the GRxplore GR-MT5 offers better value.
How Do These Mounts Perform on the Road?
Choosing a motorcycle phone holder is one thing, but how well does it actually work when you’re out riding? A good mount should stay secure no matter where you go—whether it’s a smooth city road, a rough dirt trail, or a fast highway. Let’s take a look at how the GRxplore GR-MT5 and the RAM X-Grip perform in different riding conditions.
City Riding: Stop-and-Go Traffic and Sharp Turns
In the city, riders often deal with stoplights, quick turns, and sudden stops. A motorcycle phone holder should keep the phone in place without shifting or needing adjustments.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 performs well in city traffic because of its strong magnetic hold and mechanical locking system. Even when making quick turns or stopping suddenly, the phone stays in place without slipping.
● RAM X-Grip does a decent job, but because it uses a spring-loaded grip, the phone may shift slightly if the rubber arms loosen over time. Some users find that they need to adjust their phone occasionally after sharp turns.
Verdict: Both mounts handle city riding well, but the GRxplore GR-MT5 requires less adjusting and stays more secure during frequent stops and turns.
Off-Road Riding: Rough Terrain and Vibrations
For those who ride dirt bikes or take their motorcycles on rocky trails, a strong and stable mount is crucial. Bumpy roads and constant vibrations can cause weak mounts to loosen or drop the phone.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 is built for rough conditions. Its CNC-machined aluminum frame absorbs vibrations better than plastic mounts. The N54 dual-magnet system holds the phone in place, and the mechanical lock ensures it won’t pop off even on rocky trails.
● RAM X-Grip struggles more in off-road conditions. The rubber arms don’t always grip tightly enough, and many users recommend using an extra rubber tether to prevent the phone from falling. Over time, the vibrations can also wear out the rubber grips.
Verdict: The GRxplore GR-MT5 is the better choice for off-road riders because it has a stronger, more reliable grip and better vibration resistance.
High-Speed Highway Riding: Wind and Sudden Acceleration
Riding at high speeds creates strong wind pressure, and the last thing you want is for your phone to shift or fall.
● GRxplore GR-MT5 holds up well at high speeds. The combination of its mechanical lock and magnetic grip prevents any movement, even when accelerating quickly.
● RAM X-Grip can hold the phone in place under normal highway conditions, but at very high speeds, riders have reported the phone shifting slightly. Again, RAM recommends using a tether for added security.
Verdict: Both mounts can handle highway speeds, but the GRxplore GR-MT5 offers more confidence because of its extra-secure grip.
User Reviews and Feedback: What Are Riders Saying?
Sometimes, the best way to judge a motorcycle phone holder is to listen to real riders who have used them. Here’s what customers are saying about the GRxplore GR-MT5 and the RAM X-Grip.
GRxplore GR-MT5: What Riders Love
✅ Strong and secure hold – Many users mention how reliable the magnet system is. One rider said, "I’ve taken my bike on dirt trails and highways, and my phone has never moved an inch!"
✅ Easy installation – A lot of reviews highlight how simple it is to install. A user wrote, "I don’t like messing with tools, so the tool-free clamp was perfect for me. Took me less than a minute to attach."
✅ Durable and weatherproof – Riders appreciate that it holds up in extreme weather. One review mentioned, "I got caught in heavy rain, and the mount didn’t rust or loosen at all."
⛔ Not compatible with silicone cases – Some users noted that phones in soft silicone cases don’t stick as well to the magnetic plate. A rider warned, "If you have a silicone case, you might need to swap it for a hard case."
RAM X-Grip: What Riders Love
✅ Adjustable and flexible – Many riders appreciate the ability to adjust the mount’s position. One review stated, "The ball-and-socket joint lets me adjust my phone exactly how I want it."
✅ Trusted brand – Some users prefer RAM Mounts because of their reputation. A rider wrote, "I’ve used RAM products for years, and they always hold up well."
⛔ Needs extra security for rough rides – A common complaint is that the spring-loaded grip isn’t enough for bumpy roads. One user mentioned, "The X-Grip works fine for city riding, but on rough roads, I had to add the rubber tether to keep my phone from falling."
⛔ Rubber arms wear out over time – Some riders report that after months of use, the rubber arms stretch out, making the grip weaker. A long-time user said, "I love RAM products, but after a year, the rubber grips started slipping more. I had to replace them."
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Both mounts have their strengths, but the GRxplore GR-MT5 stands out in several key areas.
Choose the GRxplore GR-MT5 if you want:
● Tool-free installation for quick setup
● A strong magnetic hold that doesn’t require extra tethers
● Better durability with high-quality aluminum construction
● Universal fit without needing adapters
● Great value for the price
Choose the RAM X-Grip if you prefer:
● A spring-loaded grip with flexible arms
● Ball-and-socket adjustability for custom positioning
● A brand with a long-standing reputation in motorcycle accessories
Overall, the GRxplore GR-MT5 is the better motorcycle phone holder for riders who want a secure, easy-to-use, and long-lasting mount. If you’re looking for a simple, reliable solution without extra hassle, this is the one to get. Contact us for further info.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will the GRxplore GR-MT5 work with my phone case?
The GRxplore GR-MT5 is compatible with most phone cases, except soft silicone cases, which may not stick well to the magnetic mount.
2. Does the RAM X-Grip require extra accessories for security?
While the RAM X-Grip holds phones securely, RAM recommends using an additional rubber tether, especially for rough terrain or high speeds.
3. Can I install the GRxplore GR-MT5 without tools?
Yes, the GRxplore GR-MT5 features a tool-free clamp, allowing for quick and hassle-free installation on your handlebars.
4. How strong is the GRxplore GR-MT5’s magnetic hold?
It uses an N54 dual-magnet system with 500g+ pull force, ensuring your phone stays in place even on bumpy roads or at high speeds.
5. Is the RAM X-Grip waterproof?
The RAM X-Grip itself is weather-resistant, but the rubber components can wear down over time with exposure to rain and extreme temperatures.
6. Can both mounts rotate for better viewing angles?
Yes, both the GRxplore GR-MT5 and RAM X-Grip offer full rotation, allowing you to adjust your phone’s position as needed.
7. Will these mounts fit my motorcycle’s handlebars?
The GRxplore GR-MT5 fits handlebars between 0.87" and 1.26", while the RAM X-Grip may require additional adapters for certain sizes.
8. Which mount is better for off-road riding?
The GRxplore GR-MT5 is better suited for off-road use due to its mechanical lock, strong magnet, and vibration-resistant aluminum build.
9. Is the RAM X-Grip easier to adjust than the GRxplore GR-MT5?
Yes, the RAM X-Grip’s ball-and-socket joint offers more flexibility, but it may require readjustment over time.
10. Which mount offers the best value for money?
The GRxplore GR-MT5 provides better value as it includes premium materials, a secure grip, and tool-free installation without needing extra accessories.
