Let’s Dive into Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit promises a simple and elegant solution for hands-free phone use in your vehicle. Manufactured by Nite Ize, this kit utilizes a magnetic system to securely hold your phone, offering versatile viewing angles. Its compact design and ease of installation make it an appealing option for drivers seeking a clutter-free dashboard.
For years, I’ve struggled with finding a reliable and non-obstructive car mount for my phone. Suction cups failed in extreme temperatures, and vent mounts blocked airflow, pushing me to find a better solution. The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit caught my eye due to its minimalist approach and strong magnetic hold, promising a secure and adaptable mounting solution.
Unboxing the kit revealed a well-machined aluminum ball mount, a magnetic phone socket with a flexible silicon center, an alcohol prep pad, and a primer. The components felt solid and well-made, instilling confidence in the product’s build quality. The weight felt appropriate, suggesting a robust magnet and durable construction.
Compared to other car mounts I’ve used, like the iOttie Easy One Touch and the Scosche MagicMount, the Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit stood out for its simplicity and small footprint. While the iOttie offered a more elaborate cradle system and the Scosche used a similar magnetic approach, the Steelie’s elegant design and reputation for a strong, reliable hold were deciding factors. I liked that the other options were bulky, and I wanted a less obtrusive system.
My initial reaction was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. The concept was brilliant, but I wondered if the adhesive would truly hold up and if the magnet would be strong enough to keep my phone secure on bumpy roads. It all seemed well engineered, but I was still a little hesitant at the moment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit on my daily commute, a mix of smooth highway driving and bumpy city streets. Installation was straightforward: cleaning the dashboard with the included alcohol prep pad, applying the primer, and then adhering the ball mount. The magnetic phone socket attached easily to the back of my phone.
The mount performed admirably in both smooth and moderately rough conditions. The phone stayed securely attached to the ball mount, even when navigating potholes and speed bumps. Adjusting the viewing angle was smooth and easy, allowing me to quickly position the phone for optimal visibility.
The only issue I encountered initially was ensuring proper alignment of the phone on the socket to maximize the magnetic connection. It took a few tries to find the sweet spot.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of daily use, the Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit has held up exceptionally well. The adhesive on both the ball mount and the magnetic phone socket remains strong, showing no signs of peeling or weakening. There is no slipping or sliding.
The aluminum components have proven durable, resisting scratches and maintaining their sleek appearance. Cleaning the mount is simple, requiring just a quick wipe with a damp cloth. No fading or other concerns have come up.
Compared to previous mounts, the Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit has significantly outperformed them in terms of reliability and unobtrusiveness. My previous suction cup mounts would often detach in hot weather, while vent mounts would block airflow and occasionally fall off. The Steelie has remained steadfast and reliable, providing a superior hands-free experience.
Breaking Down the Features of Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit
Specifications
- Dimensions: The ball mount stands at 1 1/8″ (28.5mm) tall and has a diameter of 1 1/16″ (27.1mm). This compact size ensures minimal obstruction on the dashboard.
- Weight: The entire kit weighs 71g (2.50oz.), making it lightweight and easy to handle during installation. The low weight is not indicative of low quality.
- Materials: The ball mount is crafted from high-quality 6061 machined aluminum, providing both durability and an elegant look. The magnetic phone socket features a powerful neodymium magnet encased in a flexible silicon center.
- Adhesive: Both the ball mount and the magnetic phone socket utilize 3M® VHB™ foam adhesive tape for secure attachment. The included 3M® primer enhances the bond, especially on vinyl dashboards.
- Magnetic Strength: The neodymium magnet is strong enough to securely hold most phones and tablets. This strong bond is one of the best features of the design.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the mount’s performance and usability. The compact size and lightweight design ensure the mount doesn’t obstruct the driver’s view. The high-quality materials ensure durability and longevity.
Performance & Functionality
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit excels at its primary function: securely holding a phone in a vehicle for hands-free use. The magnetic connection is strong and reliable, keeping the phone firmly in place, even on rough roads. Adjusting the viewing angle is smooth and easy, allowing for optimal positioning.
One of the Steelie’s strengths is its simplicity. Installation is quick and easy, and using the mount is intuitive. The main weakness is the magnetic socket needing to be properly aligned with the ball for optimal hold, but that is easily overcome with just a little bit of familiarization.
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit meets and even exceeds expectations. I was looking for a reliable and unobtrusive car mount, and this product delivers on both fronts.
Design & Ergonomics
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit boasts a sleek and minimalist design. The machined aluminum ball mount and the smooth magnetic phone socket create an elegant look that complements any car interior. The quality materials are sturdy and look great in my truck.
The mount is user-friendly, requiring no complicated adjustments or cumbersome cradles. The flexible silicon center of the magnetic phone socket provides a smooth gliding surface, making it easy to rotate the phone to the desired viewing angle. There is almost no learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit is built to last. The high-quality materials and strong adhesive ensure the mount can withstand daily use and varying temperatures. I expect this mount to last for many years.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth. The aluminum components resist scratches and corrosion, maintaining their appearance over time. No special tools or products are needed to keep it maintained.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit comes with an alcohol prep pad and 3M® primer to aid in installation. The beauty of the Steelie system is its modularity; additional Steelie components can be purchased to expand its functionality. It is compatible with other Steelie system components.
While there are no specific customization options for the mount itself, users can choose to use different phone cases or add additional Steelie sockets to multiple devices. This makes it easy to transfer the mount between phones or tablets.
Pros and Cons of Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit
Pros
- Strong and Reliable Magnetic Hold: The neodymium magnet ensures a secure grip on the phone, even on bumpy roads. This has been tested time and time again.
- Sleek and Minimalist Design: The machined aluminum components provide an elegant and unobtrusive look. It blends seamlessly into the car’s dashboard.
- Easy Installation: The 3M® VHB™ adhesive tape and included primer make installation quick and straightforward. No tools or special skills are required.
- Versatile Viewing Angles: The ball mount allows for smooth and easy adjustment of the phone’s viewing angle. This helps greatly in different sunlight conditions.
- Durable Construction: The high-quality materials ensure the mount can withstand daily use and varying temperatures. This kit is extremely robust.
Cons
- Adhesive Limitations: The adhesive may not adhere well to all dashboard surfaces. Prep work is extremely important.
- Magnetic Socket Placement: Optimal magnetic hold requires proper alignment of the phone on the socket. It may be hard to align perfectly the first time.
Who Should Buy Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit?
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit is perfect for anyone seeking a reliable, unobtrusive, and easy-to-use hands-free phone mount for their vehicle. It’s especially well-suited for:
- Commuters who need to use their phones for navigation or hands-free calling.
- Ride-sharing drivers who require a secure and adjustable phone mount.
- Anyone who values a clean and minimalist car interior.
This product may not be ideal for individuals who frequently switch between multiple vehicles or those with heavily textured dashboards where the adhesive may not adhere properly. A hard, clean surface is required.
A must-have accessory is a compatible phone case that allows for easy attachment of the magnetic phone socket. This allows me to remove my phone from the mount with one hand.
Conclusion on Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit
The Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit is an excellent solution for anyone seeking a reliable and elegant hands-free phone mount. Its strong magnetic hold, sleek design, and ease of use make it a standout product in a crowded market. The price of $33.99 is justified by the quality of materials, durable construction, and overall performance.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Nite Ize Steelie Car Mount Kit to anyone looking to upgrade their in-car phone mounting experience. It’s a simple yet effective solution that will keep your phone secure and accessible while on the road. Ditch the bulky cradles and unreliable suction cups – embrace the Steelie and enjoy a safer and more convenient driving experience!