Summit FasTrack Phone Holder Review

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder Made a Bold First Impression

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder promises to be the ultimate treestand accessory, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. As an avid hunter who spends countless hours in the woods, juggling gear and trying to keep my phone accessible has always been a challenge. The promise of a secure, convenient phone holder that integrates seamlessly with my Summit treestand was definitely appealing.

What led me to this product was simple: frustration. I was tired of fumbling for my phone to check weather updates, GPS maps, or simply capture a photo of that magnificent buck. My phone has nearly fallen out of my pocket on multiple occasions. I wanted a reliable solution that would keep my phone safe and readily available.

Unboxing the Summit FasTrack Phone Holder, my first impression was that it was surprisingly lightweight. The materials felt durable enough, a hard plastic composition seemed appropriate, although not especially premium. The design was straightforward, clearly intended for functional use rather than aesthetic appeal.

Compared to other phone mounting solutions I’ve seen, such as universal clip-on mounts or magnetic holders, the Summit FasTrack Phone Holder stood out due to its intended integration with the Summit FasTrack system. This promised a secure and dedicated mounting point, unlike the more generic options. I chose this hoping for that seamless integration and a more secure hold.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The price point of $14.49 suggested a basic, functional product, but I was hoping it would deliver on its core promise of secure phone access in the treestand. The fact that I could hang other gear from it was an added bonus.

Real-World Testing: Putting Summit FasTrack Phone Holder to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Summit FasTrack Phone Holder took place during a deer hunt on a chilly November morning. The treestand was set up along a heavily wooded creek bottom. The air was damp, and a light drizzle persisted throughout the early hours of the hunt.

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder proved easy to install on my Summit Viper SD treestand’s FasTrack rail. My phone felt relatively secure and I could easily access the screen.

Initially, I was pleased with its convenience.

After a few hours in the stand, I did notice that the phone holder itself felt somewhat wobbly on the FasTrack rail. The phone felt like it might slide around. Also, the “ultimate hook” proved too small to hold my binoculars.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a full hunting season of using the Summit FasTrack Phone Holder, I have a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. The holder itself has not broken, but the initial wobble has only increased with time.

The plastic construction has proven durable enough to withstand the elements, with no significant signs of wear or cracking. However, the connection point to the FasTrack rail seems to loosen over time, requiring occasional tightening. It also gets a bit of play when hanging anything substantial from the “ultimate hook”.

Cleaning the Summit FasTrack Phone Holder is a breeze – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove mud or dirt. Compared to previous methods of keeping my phone accessible (pockets, lanyards), this is certainly more convenient in terms of accessibility, but less reliable in terms of a perfectly secure, rock-solid mount. I find myself still checking the phone holder to make sure my phone is stable.

Breaking Down the Features of Summit FasTrack Phone Holder

Specifications

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder is designed specifically for Summit treestands equipped with the FasTrack rail system. It is made of durable plastic and features a phone cradle designed to accommodate most smartphones. It also includes a small hook, marketed as an “ultimate hook”, intended for hanging light gear.

• Material: Durable plastic
• Mounting System: Summit FasTrack Rail or Gear Tie
• Additional Feature: “Ultimate Hook” for light gear
• Price: $14.49

These specifications are essential because they dictate the product’s compatibility and functionality. The plastic construction impacts durability, while the FasTrack compatibility limits its use to specific treestands. The small hook adds a bit of versatility, but its limited weight capacity needs to be considered.

Performance & Functionality

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder performs its primary function – holding a phone – adequately. It keeps the phone within easy reach, which is beneficial for checking maps, weather, or capturing quick photos. The wobble of the holder is certainly a detriment to its functionality.

The main strength is its convenience – having the phone readily accessible without having to dig through pockets is a definite plus. The weakness lies in its stability; the mounting system could be more secure, and the “ultimate hook” is too small for anything beyond lightweight items. It meets basic expectations, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and functional, prioritizing utility over aesthetics. The plastic construction feels adequate for the price point, and the weight is negligible. It does not add any noticeable bulk to the treestand setup.

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder is generally user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. It attaches easily to the FasTrack rail and provides a reasonable level of phone security.

Durability & Maintenance

The plastic construction suggests reasonable durability, but long-term exposure to harsh weather conditions might eventually lead to degradation.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning. Repairing the Summit FasTrack Phone Holder would likely be difficult, as the plastic components are not designed to be disassembled or replaced.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the basic phone cradle and “ultimate hook.” Customization options are limited, as the product is specifically designed for Summit treestands.

It may be possible to use aftermarket phone grips or cases to improve phone security within the cradle, but no official accessories are available from Summit.

Pros and Cons of Summit FasTrack Phone Holder

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Summit FasTrack Phone Holder?

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder is perfect for budget-conscious hunters who already own a Summit treestand with the FasTrack system and want a basic, convenient phone mounting solution. It is also suitable for those who prioritize accessibility over ultimate security and don’t mind the slight wobble.

Those who demand a rock-solid, premium phone mount or need to carry heavier gear on the “ultimate hook” should skip this product. Individuals without a Summit treestand will find this product useless, as it is specifically designed for the FasTrack system.

A must-have modification would be to find a way to secure the product to the FasTrack rail more firmly. Adding some rubber shims or a more robust tightening mechanism could significantly improve its stability.

Conclusion on Summit FasTrack Phone Holder

The Summit FasTrack Phone Holder is a budget-friendly accessory that provides a reasonable level of convenience for Summit treestand users. It fulfills its core function of holding a phone within easy reach, but its wobbly connection and limited hook capacity prevent it from being a truly outstanding product.

The price of $14.49 is certainly justified for what it offers. I believe the quality and materials are appropriate for that price point.

I would cautiously recommend it to hunters who understand its limitations and are willing to accept the slight wobble. For those seeking a premium, rock-solid phone mount, it may be worth investing in a more expensive alternative.

Overall, the Summit FasTrack Phone Holder is a decent, entry-level accessory that can enhance the treestand experience, but it’s important to be aware of its limitations before making a purchase.

Check Best Price HERE