How to choose a motorcycle phone/tablet holder?

Now that's a good question! Let's just say there are two schools of thought: the good old waterproof cover and the latest anti-vibration mounts. Power supply, fixing method, anchoring point, budget - there's a plethora to choose from. However, their mission remains the same: to prevent your phone from flying off at 130km/h on the freeway. So how do you choose? What are the best practices? What are the criteria for choosing a smartphone holder? Here are our tips.

What's the purpose of a motorcycle phone or tablet holder?To use your smartphone as a GPS, to keep it within easy reach or to avoid the inconvenience of carrying it in your pocket. And what shouldn't you use your phone or tablet for? Binging Netflix while driving or doing Sudoku while cruising on the freeway. Well, we're exaggerating... but you get the idea: they're only meant to use a navigation app. And that's all there is to it!

Of course, it wouldn't occur to you to manipulate it while driving, would it? So if you need to reconfigure your route, for example, take the time to pull over to the side of the road. And don't forget that some glove models have tactile fingertips. Isn't that great? All the more so when you have to reconfigure your route in temperatures approaching 0°C, like Michel at the Millevaches winter race, for example.

If you're addicted to social networking, we recommend turning off your notifications for the duration of your ride. That way, the GPS display isn't polluted by 36 pop-ups, and you can keep your attention 100% on the road. Wouldn't it be a shame to get caught in a virolo because of a Team alert? What else? Oh yes, beware of heatstroke! As our modern smartphones are only moderately tolerant of high temperatures, we're going to avoid leaving them in the middle of the heat during the lunch break. And let's not forget protection against the rain. A phone or tablet drowned by a surprise downpour works much less well.

First tip: Don't make any misplaced savings

You'd have to be pretty reckless to trust a €10 piece of plastic china to hold your phone when you're going 130km/h... So opt for quality equipment, even if it means paying the price. This may save you from having to buy a new (and much more expensive) smartphone in the wake of an unexpected price surge.

Tip 2: Target your needs

So, if you only ride occasionally in the summer, there's no need to splash out on waterproof models. A basic universal device like Ram-Mount will do the job just fine. On the other hand, if you're a trail rider, for example, you'd be well advised to select a model with a vibration-reduction system. Isn't that just a gimmick? Hell no, because our precious smartphones are equipped with shock-sensitive optical stabilizers. So investing €16 in this device makes sense when you're protecting a €1,200 device.

What are the solutions for driving in wet weather?

Let's talk about waterproofing. Obviously, the simplest method is to have a waterproof smartphone. That settles it! Then there's the waterproof cover. While it has the advantage of being economical, it can quickly turn into a phone sauna. Heat, humidity, condensation - you get the idea. The ultimate solution? The waterproof case. Whether you choose Quad Lock, SP Connect, Tigra Sport or SW-Motech, you're bound to find a model to suit your bigot. Good news: this second skin is already equipped with the device for securing your precious phone to the bracket of the same brand.

Third tip: Your choice of holder should also be guided by ergonomics.

Which means? Close to the eyes and hands. This means avoiding positions that require you to take your eyes off the road for too long, and cramped positions that make it difficult to touch the screen. In addition, it's important to make sure that the mount doesn't interfere with the phone's operation. For example, clamp-type universal solutions can sometimes press on side keys.

Where to mount your phone holder?

You're spoilt for choice here: handlebars, rear-view mirror, brake jar, suction cup on motorcycle bubble... you name it. However, some choices are better than others. For a sports bike, for example, anchoring to the steering column or fuel filler cap makes sense, as the bracelets prevent the use of a traditional handlebar mount. Also, for trail bikes with fork heads, bar mounts (or cradles) are particularly well-suited, allowing you to have your navigator at eye level.

How can I be sure that the phone won't come loose from the mounting bracket?

By choosing a reliable locking system such as those offered by Tigra Sport, Quad Lock or SP Connect. And don't forget the equally tried-and-tested magnetic hold offered by French company Shapeheart.

The last detail not to be overlooked? The power supply

There are two solutions: bring a cable or opt for induction. The latter method has the advantage of not using your phone's port. Note, however, that not all models are compatible with this charging method.

Despite all our advice, you can't make sense of it all? Here are our favorite models for different budgets and with different technologies.

Ram Mount: universal, robust and affordable (our favorite)

Do you know the history of this brand? They developed their mounts for the U.S. Army. So their gear has been more than tried and tested! What we like about Ram Mount: the super-secure X-grip system, the vibration-absorbing rubber tips and the modularity of the system. So, whether you're on your bike or in the car, you can use the same components.

>>> Phone: RAM MOUNT X-GRIP universal mount - RAM-B-174-UN7

>>> Tablet: RAM MOUNT X-GRIP III mount for 10" tablet (RAM-HOL-UN9U)

Givi: the simple, effective cover

Waterproof, sunshield, vibration-absorbing and with a quick-locking system, the Givi cover protects your smartphone in all conditions. And what's more? its affordable price.

>>> GIVI S958B motorcycle mount for large smartphone

Quad Lock: the quintessential mount

The ultimate all-purpose solution. The killer detail? Its ultra-secure two-level locking system and vibration reducer. You can zoom along the freeway or go off-roading without worrying about your precious smartphone.

Universal adapter

>>> Quad Lock universal adapter

>>> Quad Lock vibration reducer

>>> Quad Lock induction charger

>>> Quad Lock motorcycle mount

Example of I-phone case

>>> Quad Lock iPhone 13 phone case

We hope this article has given you some insight. The thing to remember? This support is the guarantor of your phone's integrity. So if you really want it, don't skimp on quality. On that note, we wish you all the best for the future!