Bracketron UFM-100BL Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad Reviews

• Perfect GPS dash mount! Solves the dilemma of California's no-windshield-mount-law...

  
  By A1IG1I6MR3HAWA on 2007-09-27
  I bought this mount for use with my Mio C520 for my trips to California, where it is illegal to use a mount on your windshield. (California Vehicle Code section 26708(a)(1) provides that "No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.")
  
  It is a no brainer to use. Simply place the Nav-Mat on your dash and attach your GPS's windshield suction mount to the flat disk on the Nav-Mat. The Nav-Mat has a non skid surface.
  
  It is very stable and works great. Actually I find it more convenient to attach my GPS to the Nav Mat than the windshield.
  
  I have posted a picture of it in use under customer images.
  
  
  

• Great dash mount!

  
  By A141OPVE376YFI on 2007-11-01
  I've used this mount in a minivan and a MINI Cooper and found it to be absolutely stable. It never moved in the minivan, no matter how hard I cornered or braked (and I tried to get it to move). In the MINI, it only moved once, when I went flying around a corner into a parking lot and hit a hole...the mount moved about half an inch.
  
  If you have a little GPS unit like a Garmin i3 (or i2 or i5) you'll find the unit sits low which makes it a little difficult to use the wheel or button. The Nuvi 350 sits at a nice height in this mount. Another plus is the mount looks much nicer than Garmin's 3-legged mounts. This item is made in China.
  
  

• Very stable, easy to use.

  
  By A2E9CNEVK800ZR on 2007-10-31
  I received my GPS Dash Mount today. It works great with my Tom Tom XL and positions the GPS better and easier than the windshield mount. I have a sports car with a relatively small dash area, but it fits no problem and sits very stable. It is also much easier to pick up the device to program it and to remove it from the dashboard to tuck it out of sight when parked. Also, it does not get in the way of the windshield sunscreen. I am very happy with it and it arrived much quicker than I expected. I think we will be ordering another one for our second car.
  
  

• Great in theory, poor performance at low temperatures

  
  By A25PLD37QTJNVE on 2008-01-20
  If you read the other reviews for this product, many of the positive ones were written by California residents, as California does not allow window mounts. These positive reviews led me to purchase this product, but unfortunately, I haven't had the same results. This product worked wonderfully during the warmer season. (I am a resident of Maryland.) I normally keep the dash mount under the seat of the car and pull it out whenever I need to use my Magellan 3140 GPS. When winter came along, however, the mount from my GPS would not stay attached to the Nav-Mat. The mount works fine on the window all year-round, but often fell off the Nav-Mat when it was cold outside. When driving in unchartered territory, you really don't want your GPS to fall onto the floor of your car. If you live in a region where temperatures drop, consider bringing the Nav-Mat with you so it is warm when you attach the mount, or be prepared to have the GPS unit pop off the Nav-Mat. I'm sure if I lived in California, I would have given the product 5 stars as well, as its performance when ambient temperatures are not freezing is perfect.
  
  

• Nav-MAt and Navigon 7100 GPS

  
  By A2TB3QMMA3IUX9 on 2007-11-07
  GPS = Navigon 7100, Vehicle = Nissan Murano & Lincoln Continental
  
  I purchased this mount because I have a Nissan Murano with the steep rake to the windshield. If I attach the suction mount to the windshield the only position in which I can reach the GPS is on the very left side of the windshield. which makes for a messy reach for the power cord to the right side of the center gauge/radio console. I also had difficulty mounting in our Conti without obstructing the view but with this mount it brings the GPS forward out of view and easier to reach.
  
  Also the attachment of the suction cup is difficult.
  
  This mount is ideal allowing me to position the GPS on the dash at @ the 1:00 position above the steering wheel allowing a semi concealed power cord and traffic antenna.
  
  I was a little anxious when ordering as the diameter of the suction circle was not printed in the spec sheets and I was not sure my Navigon 7100 suction cup would fit. The suction circle is @ 3 5/8" Diameter which is larger than the Navigon mount.
  
  Also the Navigon Suction mount is unique in its curved profile and its long reach.
  
  I am very pleased with the combination.
  
  
• Works great over a dash cover............
  By AINUV6DVXMKEM on 2007-10-28
  I had two problems.......I live in CA and have a dash cover. Can't mount on the window and can't use regular suction type mount over the fabric covering the dash without cutting a hole in the cover. I've tried using a vent mount, but it's always coming loose or moving around. The "Nav-Mat" is totally stable no matter where I put it. Besides putting it on the dash you can also mount it on the center console and it's still visable to the driver. This mount is a must for all California drivers with a GPS.........Period!!
  
  
• Great Product - Versatile for any make/model GPS
  By AJ8SVXL3SJN7T on 2007-12-14
  This GPS mount will work great for ANY system. Here's how: It's a free standing holder with a heavy beanbag rim. It has a very smooth, slick, flat center disk. You simply use the suction mount that came with YOUR particular GPS system, by locking it into the center of the disk - then place the bean bag unit anywhere you want. The bottom of the unit is made of a non-slip material that assures it will sit and stay put - anywhere you choose. Adjusting the viewing angle needed is easily accomplished (again) with "your" suction mount arm. I actually place mine on my console and angle it up toward me. It's a little pricey, when you add shipping, but it's made well, and there's no question as to whether it will work with your make or model - if you have a windshield suction mount that is! It's black, and about 6 inches in diameter. Hope this helps. PS - I have a Magellan Maestro 3100
  
  
• What a great idea and what a great product!
  By A2YG22KYN09MLZ on 2007-12-12
  Problem #1: Slanted windshield makes install of GPS an issue.
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  Problem #2: Once installed, crack heads see the unit, smash your windows and steal it.
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  Problem #3: You take the unit with you when you leave the car, but have to leave the suction cup attached because it's a hassle to remove. Crack heads see the cup and assume you left the unit in the car, see Problem #2
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  Problem #4 If you use the perm install w/adhesive your car's value drops like a stone off a cliff.
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  SOLUTION is the Nav-Mat. What a great idea! Well made, durable, great looking, you can take it right off the dash and hide it (and your GPS) in the car. No one knows you even have a GPS, which negates all the problems outline above. If you own a GPS you need this. Great execution of a great idea.
  
  
  
• Should be standard type mount for GPS systems
  By A1L64KDYO5BOJA on 2007-11-04
  This has so many advantages over a windshield suction cup. I'm glad here in California they made me look at this type of dashboard mount, I love it and its very stable. Gets my high recommendation.
  
  
• Works so-so
  By A15TYEW9AG6SN on 2008-01-27
  This is a stiff dashboard pad making it difficult to seat in the crevices and curves of the modern dash. So it sits and wobbles. Also, the plastic disk in the center does not hold suction well with the Magellan/Garmin/Tom Tom mounts. The dash pad simply releases suction after about 20 minutes. Not recommended.
  
  By the way, the excellent Garmin Portable Friction Mount has none of these issues, if you own a Garmin.
  
  
• Not for the TOM TOM GO 720
  By AXUIP596G4J5K on 2007-12-13
  The product gets a 3 because of the form and function. I can only assume it works as advertised. The unit does not work with the TOM TOM GO 720. The power supply cord on the 720 is under the unit. When you plug it in and mount it to the center of the base, the outer walls of the base impede the power supply cord making the GPS unit sit up at an angle and therefore make it very hard to see the screen. I tried to push the unit down but was afraid over time the "male" end of the supply cord would break.
  Sadly the base is going back today... I really wished it had worked as I am in southern california for another month and am tired of "ducking the po-po" and a ticket for having the 720 in my rental car's windshield...
  
  
• A Must-Have Addition to Any Portable GPS Unit
  By A2UGEDB7UTXSO3 on 2007-12-11
  I am amazed at how simple and effective this mount is.
  
  Our first Garmin GPS stopped sticking securely on the windshield after moving the unit between cars several times - having the unit crash down and slide all over the place is very distracting while driving.
  
  I purchased the Nav-Mat when we replaced our old GPS (1 drop to many) and have been THRILLD with it.
  - Rock solid - no movement at all
  - Better visual placement sitting on dash than hanging on windshield
  - Simply move entire unit (with GPS attached) under dashboard or seat to hide when parking the car
  - Simply move entire unit to another car, toss onto dashboard and go
  
  Look for a price-point of ~$20 + shipping.
  
  PS - The guy who couldn't get his unit to stick needs only to clean the base and the unit pad with windex or rubbing alcohol and it will never come free accidentally.
  
  
• Portable and Steady
  By ATXRV6Z3N08ZX on 2007-12-19
  Before I started using the Nav-Mat Portable GPS mount, I had problems getting my Magellan GPS unit to mount to my vehicle window. I really wanted it to mount to my dash, but it was only a window mount. It was awkward to mount on the window. And when the window is cold, it just won't stick. I also didn't like that I had to remove the mount suction every time that I parked the car, so that it would not be broken into.
  
  With the Nav-Mat mount, I mount my Magellan window mount onto the center of the Nav-Mount, which is a flat disk, surrounded by a life-raft like sandbag with a rubber bottom that does not slide on the dash. I never have to remount it again! I just sit the Nav-Mat/Magellan mount on the dash when I use it, and take it back off when I am not using it. It is so easy! And it does not slide around!
  
  I highly recommend the Nav-Mat mount for dash mounting just about any automotive GPS unit. Also, this is not a brand specific mount, as are some, such as Garmin's.
  
  
• Must-Have for Suction-Cup Mounts
  By A2SWW0UF9OG67N on 2007-11-28
  I mounted my Magellan 3100 to this beanbag dash mount that I bought with it and took the setup into my Honda Pilot (2007). I purposefully took several hard turns and hard braking maneuvers. I couldn't get this thing to budge....and I'm pretty good at making things fly during turns and stops, including 100-lb UPSs :-). This mount is a million times better than mounting the thing to the windshield. The suction cup holds rock-solid, and you can aways adhesive disk to the mount if you want. I paid $12.89 for mine -- the shipping was actually almost as much as the mount, but well worth it.
  
  Just be sure to take the GPS with you when you park and hide the mounts (the GPS mount and this one), which is easily enough done, and of course no rings on the windshield as pointed out by another reviewer.
  
  
• Good product
  By A1FQ5WN6HW4C57 on 2007-12-15
  Works as advertised. Is needed in California, as the window mount is not allowed. Even if it were allowed, I would prefer to mount it on the dash, as it is easier and brings the gps device closer to the driver. Though my gps came with a plactic disc with adhesive backing, I am very sure it would have come soon enough. Nav-mat was the way to go, and so far I am pleased with the results.
  
  
• It WORKS
  By A3QFZJZ22WHX80 on 2008-03-15
  It really is that simple. This thing does it's job and it does so better than any other solution I've yet found. It fits on the dashes of all our vehicles, my parents' and my wife's parents' easily and it just, flatly, under all circumstances (and I'll admit, I haven't rolled any of the vehicles yet) STAYS put.
  
  For the pure mundanity of the product, I'm a bit shocked at my reaction (delighted) to this product.
  
  If you're going to play gps, or any of a variety of other techie toys that require dashboard viewing, I can't recommend a better product.
  geoffbeneze
  geoffb@beast-enterprises.com
  
  
• Great product - poor atachment - any help appreciated
  By AA1NHUPBH12UD on 2007-11-10
  I have twice had my properly attached c340 come "un-suctioned" from the Nav-Mat and fall right off. Thankfully no damage to the c340 itself. I think I would love using the Nav-Mat if I had more confidence that the GPS would stay fixed to the Nav-Mat's disc. Any suggestions would be greatfully appreciated. Wonderful transaction and quick, well packaged, delivery. Now I just need to restore my faith that the attached GPS will stay put. Thank you.
  
  
• Great design, excellent performance
  By A2BT2L9MCZJBLC on 2008-01-12
  I needed an alternative to the standard windshield-only mount setup and I couldn't use the permanent adhesive disc that came with my unit because I couldn't find a flat surface available anywhere on my car's interior that would keep the GPS unit visible while driving. I really like this nav-mat and it works great with my TomTom ONE (3rd ed.). It stays solidly in place on winding mountain roads.
  
  I also like how easy it is to move the unit between my car and truck. Speaking of which, I took my truck off-roading in the desert and belatedly realized I still had the GPS in the cab as I was heading out. I took the nav-mat w/ mounted unit off the dash and placed the whole thing on the center board near the floor where it never moved once despite bouncing my 3/4-ton truck several times over whoop-de-doo's and doing donut's in the wash during a midnight run. With that kind of abuse, the nav-mat kept my GPS unit protected by not leaving it bouncing around loose in the glove-box (or worse) floor...again, the ease of moving the nav-mat while keeping the GPS unit securely attached is a huge plus.
  
  
• OK but not as good as expected
  By A2YM9OX2D5LSE on 2007-12-02
  *** Update on 01/14
  I found that I didn't use it the right way. I need to close/click the mount from the GPS all the way to the dash mount (I didn't move the tag all the way in). Then it became very secure. I want to change my rating to 5 but I didn't know how to do it.
  
  It's a great product!
  
  ***
  
  I don't like mounting the GPS to the windshield because it may create marks to the windshield and the suction cup may fall after extreme weather in Chicago.
  
  I bought this unit for my HK 310 GPS (even if I had a Garmin, I don't think I will get the Garmin one). The base is heavy so it will stay on the dash forever. However, I found it difficult to stick my GPS to this unit. Even when I was able to stick them together, it's not as sticky as I expected. Sure, my GPS will not fall to the ground (I guess it's due to the circular pad on the sah mount) but it would swift a little bit at a time. This unit and I don't think I have any other choices.
  
  
• Sticks Like Super Glue
  By A267SB5TU3PC61 on 2007-12-07
  I am using this mat with my TomTom One 3rd Edition, it holds to the dash great! I'm using it in my tiny Mazda Miata with a small dash. I like the set up better than the suction cup windshied attachment supplied with the unit. Since I live in California, I am now legal with nothing attached to the cars windows.
  
  I highly recommend this unit!
  
  
• Excellent purchase
  By A1WWIQIU3MUUML on 2008-01-07
  Any one who has a GPS would appreciate this item. It enables you to put it any where, in the car, that you want. I have a SUV and preferred not to mount it on the windshield so purchased the NavMat. It works just as advertised. The price, from Amazon, also was a factor for purchasing. The local stores wanted over $40, which I thought was crazy, so when I saw the cost of under $20 with free shipping, I grabbed one. It conforms to the dash so would fit any car or truck. It sits so still that, even when I went over some pot holes, it didn't move. Also, I am able to easily adjust the GPS, to face any direction, while using just one hand. The Nav Mat still doesn't move. Great product!
  
  
• Your GPS Suction Cup will not stick!
  By AJ02SOMF9NRUK on 2008-01-07
  It sometimes works and sometimes does not depending on the relative humidity and working temperature. Its not that expensive so you can give it a shot but don't expect to get consistent results.
  
  
• Good but not great.
  By A13G37TNAN1CF7 on 2008-01-08
  When using the power cord of my Garmin Nuvi 200 it is hard to keep the gps screen centered using this mat.
  
  The Nuvi has it's power cord attached at the rear of it's case and the cord has a 90 degree bend at the connector. The path of the cord is straight down and pushing against the rim of this mat.
  
  This may not be a problem for some of you, but for me, because of the angle I like to view my gps screen, it is a minor issue.
  
  The Nav-Mat does a good job of staying put on my dash even during hard cornering.
  
  
• Not For TomTom GO 720
  By A27SLCXW6UVHCP on 2008-02-23
  I recently purchased this and it seems functional... My problem is that I have a TomTom 720. The mount included with it is too short to lift device over bean bag. I just got it in today so I'll probably glue something to the base of this to elevate my GPS. But if you have a 720 I wouldn't recommend this product as its a hassle to get them to work together.
  
  
• Not Good for Travel
  By A224GRWAJCH6AY on 2008-03-21
  First, let me say that if your need is for a GPS mount for your own personal vehicle that you use on a day-to-day basis, this should work fine. It's very heavy and sturdy and probably will not move from your dash while driving.
  
  However, I purchased this product with the intent of using it during my travels. This would have been very useful in states like CA where you are not allowed to have anything mounted to your windshield. But, this thing is HEAVY. While this is one of the things that makes this product so steady on your dash, it is simply too heavy to travel with. I am trying to shave ounces from my laptop, so adding an additional pound and a half is not an option. Look elsewhere if your intent is to use it during your travels.
  
  
• MUST HAVE MOUNT!
  By A17IUNEQRQ79H2 on 2007-12-02
  Should be standard mount garmin 650. Not to bulky and hasn't moved an inch while hard stopping or turning. I've also had no problems with my Garmin 650 windshield mount sticking to the Navmat, I just wet the suction cup area with a little water and it doesn't budge. Highly Recommended.
  
  
• Average
  By A21EBJLXNV0DCO on 2007-12-24
  This product does well remaining in place on the dashboard. My only complaint is that the windshield mount that came with my gps has a problem staying attached by the suction cup it came with, even in cold weather it has more of a problem. It could be that my windshield mount may be the problem.
  
  
• Best thing ever created!
  By A2FV8228HZVJ9N on 2008-01-15
  My new GPS device is great, now that I have Nav Mat. I simply used the suction cup to attach the GPS mount to the Nav Mat, and away I went. Nav Mat makes it possible to put the GPS on the floor when I leave my vehicle (and thus, makes it less conspicuous to thieves), and to easily transfer it to another vehicle. The Nav Mat has never once moved off of my dash location...is firm no matter where I place it. Plus, it bends a bit, to fit in the dashboard curve of my Honda CR-V. I'd recommend it to anyone.
  
  
• GPS Best Friend
  By A3UC7HXTQF08M4 on 2007-12-22
  I purchased my first GPS on Black Friday. Living in California I can't mount the GPS to my windshield but didn't want to stick the adheasive disc that came with my GPS to my car's dashboard especially since I wanted to use it in different cars. Well Nav Mat came to the rescue! This product is nothing short of amazing. It's really well made, nicely weighted like a heavy bean bag, and has a special gripping material on the bottom creating an exceptionally stable, secure mount for your GPS system. Highly recommended!!!
  
  
• Perfect alternative to windshield mounting
  By A388NK14V6VTI8 on 2007-12-25
  I live in a neighborhood where even a ring-mark left on my windshield could invite a break-in. This product is very stable on the dash--it has never slid in hundreds of miles of driving. I leave the suction mounting attached to the pad and remove my Magellen GPS from the clip stand for easy stowing and quick set-up for each new use. I highly recommend this item.Nav-Mat Portable GPS Dash Mount
  
  

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