Hot
- Universal magnetic system is extremely secure and simple to use
- Slim case adds zero bulk
- Wireless charging compatible
- Full-surround drop protection
- A variety of durable, well-made accessories and mounts designed for any lifestyle
- Guaranteed for life
Not
- Case only available in one color
- Case available for iPhone 11, 12 and Samsung Galaxy S20 (Universal adapter attaches directly to any phone and most 3rd-party cases)
Prices:
- Everyday case: $44.95 MSRP (Kickstarter preorder $32)
- Out-Front Bike Mount: $59.95 MSRP (Kickstarter preorder $50)
- Universal Bike Mount: $49.95 (Kickstarter preorder $40)
- Mobile Tripod: $54.95 MSRP (Kickstarter preorder $45)
- Universal Adapter: $19.95 MSRP (Kickstarter preorder $16)
- Wireless Charging Stand: $79.95 MSRP (Kickstarter preorder $72)
- Wall Mount (2-pack): $29.95 (Kickstarter preorder $24)
- Kickstand Wallet: $49.95 MSRP (Kickstarter preorder $40)
- Car Mount: $39.95 MSRP (Kickstarter preorder $32)
How obtained: Company samples
Where sold: Kickstarter Campaign
RBR advertiser: No
Mobile by Peak Design: An innovative phone case with accessories and mounts for an active lifestyle
The last time I tested/reviewed a Kickstarter product was back in October 2016 OORR’s Café Pro Women’s jersey and bibs. Normally I don’t review Kickstarter products, because they may never come to fruition. But when Peak Design’s PR firm approached RBR to take a look at their new Mobile product, I have to say I was more than a little intrigued by the concept.
A quick perusal of their web site and come to learn all previous products sold by the company, primarily camera gear and bags, were 100% crowdfunded. After watching their corporate video, there was something about the company that captivated me. The mission, the vibe, the philanthropy.
Their mission:
- make the best things
- succeed at the expense of nobody
- treat our customer as peers
- offset our environmental impact
- use our voice to inspire positive change
- prioritize happiness overgrowth
The vibe is young, fun, and innovative. As for philanthropy, Peak Design gives 1% of its revenue to environmental non-profits.
The company promised a really cool phone case with a variety of accessories that did just about everything. The concept is unique, the execution is top-notch and well, it’s damn cool!!! If you are a Breaking Bad fan, you’ll understand the Jesse Pinkman reference “Magnets!” The design of the Mobile product line revolves around magnets.
First, you have the Mobile phone case with its sleek design and what I call a dark grey fabric look. The case has a slight textured feel to it that prevents the phone from slipping out of your hands. If it does happen to drop, the polycarbonate chassis is surrounded by a molded bumper of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) designed to protect your phone.
On the back of the case is a small square Zirconia ceramic insert with a magnet array. This area is where all the cool accessories and mounts attach. My pre-production media sample was the basic case and earlier this month Peak Design added a loop case. The loop closes flush, you guessed it, using magnets making it easy to slip in and out of your pocket.
Initially, I thought the Mobile case was heavier than the protective one I originally bought for my iPhone 11s. But when I put them on the scale the Mobile was 3.2g and my original case was 3.1g. Not a huge difference especially since it enables you to add awesome accessories/mounts.
Peak Design currently is offering the Mobile case for iPhone 11, 12, and Samsung Galaxy S20. But you still can use all the other accessories and mounts by purchasing their universal adapter which attaches directly to any phone and most 3rd-party cases.
The Out-Front Bike Mount
I was skeptical that any magnetic mount would hold a phone securely while cycling given the vibrations and jarring. But the Mobile Out-Front Bike Mount is amazing, attaching my phone solidly to the mount.
I didn’t use the mount out-front since I already have a universal Garmin and light mount installed. Instead, I flipped it so it mounted the phone over my stem making it easy to remove (see picture at top of article). For added security, there is a hard lock and by pressing either of the two buttons, it disengages the lock and the phone is removed. The magnets still keep the phone secured to the mount so when the lock is disengaged the phone won’t fall off. I was able to disengage the lock while riding, even with full finger gloves.
I love taking pictures while riding. Many times, I’ll drop back and take a pic of the group from behind, or pull out in front to shoot a video. (Don’t try this at home) Having the phone within easy reach, but also incredibly secure allowed me to take more spontaneous pics to share with friends and on Strava. For those riders that use their phone as a GPS or to listen to music, this mount is a great option.
I tested the mount on my gravel bike to see how secure my phone was as I went over a variety of terrain including tree roots, gnarly gravel, and down curbs. The phone never came loose.
The out-front mount is made of anodized aluminum, lets you position your phone landscape or portrait, and includes a GoPro mount on the bottom for action shots or to mount a light.
Mobile Tripod
My media kit also included the Mobile Tripod which I was excited to test out on rides. Taking selfies and group pictures can be difficult, but using a tripod opens up all sorts of possibilities. Just attach the tripod using the magnets on the back of the case in either portrait or landscape mode. Then spread the three legs while composing the picture using the fully articulating ball head.
The tripod is also great for hands-free video phone calls or webinars. To use as a selfie stick or for taking video, push the feet together and hold it like a grip.
Mobile Car Mount
Another accessory compatible with the Mobile case is a car mount which comes in charging and non-charging models. I was sent the non-charging version. It installs easily after cleaning the desired dashboard or window area with the company supplied alcohol wipe. Then peel off the protective label to expose the adhesive and secure it. The instructions suggest waiting 24 hours before attaching your phone to allow for the adhesive to set. I chose to mount it to my dashboard and primarily use it for Google maps.
The mount lets you attach the phone either landscape or portrait and swivels on a ball mount for precise viewing. If you need to remove the mount, the company’s video suggests sawing a piece of dental floss back and forth behind the adhesive backing.
A Plethora of Accessory Choices
Peak Design’s media kit also included a wall mount. Honestly, I didn’t have a need to mount my phone on the wall but can see using it in the kitchen to follow a recipe or watch a video.
Other accessories and mounts that are offered but were not part of my media kit or mentioned above include:
- Motorcycle stem mount
- Motorcycle bar mount
- Charging stand
- Kickstand wallet
- Mobile Creator Kit
Bottom Line
I’m extremely impressed with Peak Design’s well thought out line of Mobile products. The case and mounts are durable, very well made, highly functional, and easy to use. If you are interested in buying the case along with any of the mounts or accessories, the preorder Kickstarter discount ends Thursday, December 17, 2020, at 11:00 PM CST. Don’t miss out on the savings.
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