Seeking Friction Mount User Experience w/ Newer Style Pliable Base

do you self a favor the best mounts are sold in truck stops pilot or loves truck stops they sell the heavy duty mounts, from wind shield mounts to dash bord mounts and a complete accesory deparment for gps. good luck.

Odd that the list pricing on the original is $39.99 but the new one is $24.99.

I have the original and I still prefer it when I need a temporary installation. Normally I use a vent mount.

I always used a Vent mount till it did what everybody said it would do. Break the Vent..

Good idea to check what's available at truck stops, but thanks to breaking my OEM suction mount, I had to settle for what was available where I was at the time.

It was the lack of information to distinguish pros and cons of the 2 different friction mount types that prompted me to start this thread. Perhaps the feedback here will help others choose which option works best for them if a similar need arises.

This post initially surprised me because I had seen both listed for the same MSRP on Garmin's site as recently as while composing the OP for this thread. Other resellers had the newer, pliable version listed for considerably less than the beanbag version, so it looks like Garmin only recently adjusted their product page to reflect the latest info.

Just the mention of vent mounts make me flinch. I drive my vehicles a good 10 - 12 years--plenty of time to see the effects of heat and sunshine on the plastics and fabrics so prevalent throughout today's vehicles.

I looked at several vent-type mounts referenced here and--for my vehicle--even those that insert without clipping to the vent louvers or block the vent output would still be inferior options to a dash-top friction or windshield suction mount. The ones I saw were more costly, less adjustable, and harder to conceal.

They're fine for those who prefer them--just not an option that would do well for me.

(While referring back to the OP) to help others facing a decision which one to choose, I'd like to focus on specifics re: the pliable base friction mount--what makes it different from the beanbag type, and the validity of criticism about the streaking/staining some users have attributed to it, as well as ways to mitigate any downsides.

Sorry to hijack this thread, but the new base seems to be a lot thinner than the old bean bag version. Will the new one be strong enough to hold a GPS? Is the base a very heavy piece of metal?

The old type does the job for me.

Thanks for that tip, I didn't know heavy duty versions were sold there.

I have both the Garmin "beanbag" and the "HandStands Sticky Pad Dash Mount". My preference is to use the sticky pad. The beanbag is TOO heavy to drag around.

Have seen recently where someone has developed a GPS mount that utilizes the CD player slot to mount the GPS out of the windshield area/view.

I have the Portable Friction Mount with sticky bottom for a while now.It stays in place and it is easy to store with all the cords and gps unit in the carry case I have.The adjustable arm makes it really compact.

I have the flat mount and the unit is much more compact than my Garmin Beanbag. The pliable base of the mount conforms well to the dash surface. The unit is as stable as the beanbag with at least as much adjustment for the height and angle of the GPS.

I've noted that it does leave a shiny residue on the dash. Only noticeable if you take the mount off the dash. Wiping the dash with a damp cloth (primarily to remove dust) removes whatever the residue is from the mount too. Haven't tried it with a dry cloth.

That's helpful to know and on topic.

I'm off the fence now & I'm going to try the newer style.

Another reason to consider the newer style mount is if your considering one of the new Nuvi 37xx models. With the older bean bag mount it is very hard to turn the GPS from it's horizontal position to vertical if you want to use it that way. The "bean bag" corners of the older mount are so thick it's difficult to turn the device around past them.

Wouldn't the mount be stuck on the dashboard? i.e. less flexible than a bean bag mount? And if you remove the mount with sticky bottom, will it leave a mark on the dashboard?

Thanks, I never even thought of that!

No it doesn't stay stuck to the dash.Also the mount is flexible so you can shape it to the dash.Never had problem with leaving a impression .This problem was reported when they first came out.I purchased it much later on.My vehicle is a Ford Freestyle with the hard plastic dash that may also help in not leaving a mark.

As stated on my earlier post the mount is small and compact for easy storage.When the gps is attached to it is low in profile making it very steady when using the touch keys.I had the friction mount before and it done a great job but when touching the keys it was not very steady in the mount.

Lots of people buy the sticky mats at most stores that sale auto supplies.They use them to hold various items on the dash so the idea is not new.

I bought one when they first came out. When I first had it, it seemed to dry out the dash area where it was placed due to it being so sticky. But a little Lexol vinyl protector quickly made the dash look normal again. Now that my friction mount is dirtier, it probably is somewhat less sticky; so it doesn't seem to leave that same impression anymore. Also, I don't place it much on the dash anymore; but, place it lower on the center console.

I bought the new model, I just need some time on the road to actually test it. I'll be in Corsica come September, there'll be plenty of sun, twisting roads and mountain driving at that time. I'll let you know once I return.

The roads were plenty narrow and twisty in Corsica, as expected. And my 205T never moved from where I'd put it. I also have a sun visor, and the combo was a winner !

Ah - and the price was right, too - I believe I paid 17 Euro for it, after seeing a few highly overpriced on an Auction website I won't mention...

Spera is a Happy Camper now !

I've only been using the flat for about two weeks and I prfer it to the bean bag. Residue is minimal and wipes off easily. Flat mount stays in place much better than my bean bag. One caveat; I've had my bean bag since 2004 so I'm not sure if it's been upgraded in the meantime.

Went on cross country trip and the newer style mount done the job.No slipping on the dash.Well satisfied with it.

Got 2 of thew old bag mounts, newer mount is on the way and this thread helped a lot in my decision to get the new one
Thanks for the reports!!
Virgo53

I have two of the old style and they work great. I will stick with them for now.

I really like the new one, it's thin and folds, so really easy to slide into my briefcase or notebook bag, etc. IT DOES leave an oily residue type spot on some surfaces (I've noticed it on the black plastic dash with a smooth surface in one of my vehicles), but I don't notice it on the dash with a more textured (not super smooth) surface. What I like about it is that the 'stickiness' of the bottom holds it in place a little better than the older style mount if you have to do a hard stop or something. I also like how you can mold it to the shape of the dash - in one of my SUV's I like to put the GPS in a spot between two vents where the dash has a 'dip' in the contour of the top surface of the dash and I can shape the bottom of the mount to fit the exact spot on my dash and the mount holds the GPS in that spot PERFECTLY. Only problem is that the base retains the shape you put it in, so when I take it out to put into another car, I have to re-bend the base to how I want it in that car, and vice-versa when I take it back to the original car. But I pretty much just use it in one car and use another base in another car, so once I get the shape perfect, I leave it alone.

Don't get me wrong, I like the old style mount also, I still use it in my other car with more of a flat dash surface and it works great. However it doesn't work as well on the spot I like the GPS located on my SUV.

Just my input, hope it helps.

I use a vent mount. No problems.

Until the vent broke......

I just saw the flatter mount on amazon.com today and came here immediately to see if anybody had input on the model.

The beanbag works well in my car but my truck (1199 F-150) has a big hump in the dash where I want to put the GPS and the bean bag has never fit well in that spot. The newer model looks like it might be just the ticket since it sounds like I can make it conform to the shape of the dash.

I have 2 bean bag mounts and one of them is pretty worn out on the bottom. I have to moisten it a bit before I set it on the dash of the car and, when I take it off, it leaves bits of black stuff on the dash. I can wash the black stuff off but, if I don't moisten the bottom of the mount, it slides around. I guess it's just old and the heat of the summers has had an effect on the material used on the bottom of the mount.

Thanks to the folks who have given input here I just may go ahead and buy one of the newer ones and try it out in my truck. I'm just surprised I haven't heard of this model before now.

I don't think they worried about GPS's back then.

When I owned a Tom Tom gps the lever would get cought on the beanbag and unlock so I cut about a 1/4 of the bag away and also removed some of the packets of little stones that were inside it ,which made it lighter ,it still works ok ,but the materiel it is made from is almost impossible to sew back up ,or glue ,so from time to time I have to restick the ends ,I took it on a plane once and held my breath waiting to see if the security were going to ask me what was in the little white bags that were sticking out from the ends of the bean bag ,anyway the bag is now doing service with my new garmin nuvi ,but I would never cut one up again,I have to get a new one soon as this one is pretty beat up now

I'd not seen this new mount until I bumped into this thread.

What is this new mount? I *assume* that it's a flexable piece of rubber kinda like a mouse pad would be made from with the mounting doo-hicky attached to it permanantly.

It doesn't seem like it'd be heavy enough... maybe heavy isn't the word... "firm" enough to hold a decent sized unit upright over bumps and such.

Does the beanbag (not to focus on that unit) have a tendency to slide? I can see where this mount might provide that advantage.

Thanks for the discussion.

I have been using this mount since it first came out. I work for a car dealer. I pick up cars all over New England. I have used this mount in a different car on a daily basis. It has never fallen off the dash. It has never stained a dash. When it does collect to much dust I simply wash it off and it's like new again. This mount works great!

I have had mine for about a year and it is still doing the job.Very happy with the purchase.

using the new pliable mount for about 4 months now. I love it. I have noticed any streakingon my dash at all. It's also very portable, easy to hide. I recommend it!

Test run was on the winding roads of Corsica, it's been on many a trip by now, and I love it !

Just to confirm, I'm talking about the new Garmin model - the other one that was presented in this thread, seems a bit light...

D'Oh! Make that a 1999 F-150 -- NOT an 1199 F-150. Good catch.

I just switched from the bean bag mount in my 2006 Jetta. It has been very stable and looks much better. I keep it on the left side of the dash. I don't think it would work anywhere else on the dash. Only downside is that the new mount does not offer as many positioning options as the bean bag, but it works how I need it for my 3790 in portrait mode.

The vent mount offers the simplest security (other than the friction mount) - no telltale suction cup ring to get rid of or disk to be seen. I love mine and have had no problems with it at all. Advantage over the friction mount -> it's a lot smaller and easier to store.

Your profile says you live in Chicago. Don't you worry about having the unit on the vent when you run the heater in the winter - or to you never have the heat coming out of the vent?

It doesn't get nearly as cold here as it does in Chicago but I sometimes have the heat coming out of the dash vents as well as the floor or defrost vents. I dont' want the vent blocked nor do I want to direct a stream of hot air onto my nüvi. It does get hot here - generally no hotter than around 110 degrees but that's fairly hot - and I don't want anything blocking my air conditioner vents!

I've often wondered about this when people say they use a vent mount.

Just bought a new garmin and I am looking forward to trying out the new design! Thanks to all the reviewers here. The old style worked okay but was just too "clunky" for me with my old gps.

Same here, and it's compact enough for the glove compartment of my vehicle (SUV).

Yes. I also just took my GPS with me on a flight to use once I reached my destination - it packed in my carry on luggage well and compact. I like it.

I am pleased with the mount so far. I did cut only one end of the plastic package and save it so I can slip the mount in when I hide it under the seat. This keeps the tacky bottom from getting debris stuck to it.

I wish I'd thought about that. But, oh silly me, I let my son-in-law open the package and test it in his car first. It's therefore officially HIS fault !!!

I have a friction mount a couple of years old. It works pretty well. But, when the weather gets cold it slides arround a bit.

........ move to a warmer place ?

Would you care to quantify by what you mean a "warmer place?"

In a previous life, I was living in a forsaken country called Belgium, spent thirty-some years up there. Then met my beloved, got sick of the rain / sleet / fog / cold / whatever, so we moved to a nice place up above Cannes - on the French Riviera.

And today would be a perfect example: it's snowing in Belgium, there's a few inches on the roads in Paris - and I'm on my terrace, washing my car in a small spot of shade on my otherwise-totally sunny backyard.

Ah - before anyone deciodes to hate me ? I'm selling this place (to move a bit closer to the coast, this place is too large for just the two of us and our dog), so here's YOUR chance to get in a warmer place as well