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An industrial-quality, double-knuckle model that has versatile compatibility.
An industrial-quality, double-knuckle model that has versatile compatibility.
Equipped with a compatible mount for GoPro gear and a 1/4-20” tripod mount. Suction grip is strong enough to withstand travel on gravel roads and high freeway speeds. Features 2 adjusting points for additional versatility.
It doesn’t work on most dashboards because of their textured surfaces. You’ll need an adapter for that.
Affordable for a quality product that ships with 5 different adapters for versatility.
Affordable for a quality product that ships with 5 different adapters for versatility.
With 5 different mounting hardware clamps, you can use this unit with several models of dash cams. Allows for a 360-degree rotation of the attached camera. Should give you a sturdy attachment in all temperatures. Very low price point.
Made primarily to work with dash cams.
If you love your GoPro gear, consider the company's official attachment, which works well.
If you love your GoPro gear, consider the company's official attachment, which works well.
Made to fit numerous GoPro models. Very trustworthy equipment that will attach to vehicles running at extremely high speeds. Includes a quick-release base unit that'll make it easy to move the setup to a new location.
Doesn't work with as many other models as we'd like to see. Pricey.
When you need to be able to adjust the angle and height of your setup, this hardware makes it easy.
When you need to be able to adjust the angle and height of your setup, this hardware makes it easy.
Will be compatible with most models, as it uses a common 1/4-20" tripod. Contains numerous adjustable features, including a 360-degree tilt, a rotating arm, and an extendable height. Supports equipment up to 4 lbs.
Perhaps too many features for some people's needs. Needs a perfectly flat surface.
Affordable for a product that works nicely with most GoPro models.
Affordable for a product that works nicely with most GoPro models.
Has a low profile so it will reduce problems with vibrations that some taller models have. Mounting arm extends to give you some versatility in the types of shots you can create. Offers a 270-degree rotation capability. Large diameter in the suction cup.
Build quality doesn't quite stand up to the same standards as official GoPro gear.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
When you need to film on-the-go footage with an action camera or DSLR camera, mounting the camera to your car, boat, or helmet can be a challenge. Suction mounts can be used for a firm hold on just about any smooth surface and are designed for a variety of cameras.
Unlike other mounting options, camera suction mounts are simple to install and leave no residue behind. They require no hardware or tools, and they can easily be moved from one surface to another. Many suction mounts are compatible with a variety of cameras, but some are designed for specific models or brands. In addition, suction mounts vary in their materials and their intended purpose — some mounts are designed to attach to a variety of surfaces, while others are less versatile.
Your expensive camera will depend on the strength of your camera suction mount, so finding the right model for the job is crucial.
The first thing you need to consider is where you want to mount your camera. This will have a tremendous impact on the type — and cost — of the mounting equipment your purchase.
If you’re mounting your camera inside the front windshield of your car for some dash cam recording, most any suction mount will do. But if you’re going to be attaching it to the hood or bumper of your car for some exciting near-the-ground footage as you race along a winding mountain road, you’ll probably want something a little more robust.
So, where will you be mounting your camera? Here are a few possibilities.
If you’re mounting your camera on the outside of a vehicle, how fast will that vehicle be going? Wind resistance isn’t a problem at 30 miles per hour. When you start hitting 70, 80, or 90 miles per hour, it gets to be a real issue. The faster you’re going, the stronger the suction cup needs to be. You might even need multiple suction cups.
Finally, what type of footage are you going to be recording? A high-speed race? Pastoral footage for a travelogue? Skydiving? Video for a bass fishing tournament? The type of footage you’re planning to capture will subject your camera mount to varying stresses and centrifugal forces. Plan accordingly and make sure the suction mount is appropriate to the activity.
Most cameras use a 1/4-20 mounting screw, but GoPro cameras need a different mounting system. Manufacturers often make adapters for both types, but adapters are not always included. Others provide a whole list of cameras their products are compatible with. Double-check to ensure your camera will attach to the mount.
In addition to the mount, this is the part of the device that keeps your camera firmly attached to a surface.
Many manufacturers do not specify the material of the suction cup, but in general, silicone cups are the strongest and most durable. In addition, silicone is highly heat resistant, so your suction cup won’t become soft and lose its grip if placed on the hot hood of your car.
Suction cups also vary in their size, with the largest measuring around 3 inches. A larger suction cup produces a more reliable hold.
Once a good seal is made on a suction cup, the weather isn’t as much of an issue as the change in the weather, particularly the temperature.
For outside use, always check the temperature range the manufacturer claims the mount will function in. If you’re planning on filming in Death Valley, the Alps, or some other location with extreme temperatures, you will need to know the temperature range.
Properly used, suction cups are quite strong. However, everything has a breaking point. Make sure the weight of your camera falls within the weight limit of the suction mount that you purchase.
Some more expensive models may feature two or three suction cups for added strength. This is a great feature to have if you plan to mount your camera to a high-speed vehicle — or if you just want a bit of extra security.
Camera suction mounts have to be fairly lightweight. Not only do they have to support the weight of your camera, but they also have to support their own weight added to it. For this reason, they’re usually made from lightweight materials that are as strong as possible. It’s a delicate balancing act and each manufacturer comes at it from their own perspective. Some of the possible materials include:
The best camera mounts allow you to rotate the camera a full 360º, plus up and down movement. This allows you to mount the suction cup on a sloped or slanted surface and still have your camera level to the ground. Although 360º is a common amount of rotation, there are some mounts that top out at 270º or less.
For under $15 are inexpensive camera suction mounts that generally have a limited rotation range and may be meant for inside use only. They generally have strict weight limits as well.
From $15 to $30 is where you’ll find most suction mounts. You can expect 360º of rotation from most of these mounts. Many of these models feature multiple joints as well, allowing you to angle your camera as needed. These will have better suction strength than lower-cost models.
Over $30 and up to $60 or above is where you’ll find high-end camera suction mounts. These models may feature multiple suction cups to hold your camera secure during extreme action events or weather conditions. In addition, you can count on these models to use highly durable and impact-resistant materials that will hold up well over time.
Q. Can I use water to moisten the suction cup?
A. No. If the temperature changes too much, water will loosen the seal instead of tightening it.
Q. What is the average weight a camera suction mount can hold?
A. The normal range is between 4 to 11 pounds for most suction mounts. Some, however, can support over 30 pounds or more if they have multiple suction cups.
Q. Can suction mounts be used on motorcycle helmets?
A. Suction cups are designed to adhere to fairly flat surfaces. Nonetheless, some people have managed to get them to stick to a helmet. Small-diameter suction cups will adhere better than large-diameter ones since they don’t have to deal with as much helmet curvature.
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