REVIEW – As our phones become more and more integrated into how we operate our vehicles it becomes increasingly important to have them securely mounted to the dash within sight and out of hand. Finding the right solution for your particular car can be tricky, but Pitaka has a new entry to help. With both a Tesla specific and a universal version this could be a great option for you. Here are my impressions.
What is it?
Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 is an updated version of their universal car mount with new features like NFC shortcuts as well as a version made specifically for Tesla (Model 3/Y).
What’s included?
- 1 x MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2
- 1 x Car Dash Attachment and lock ring (Non-Tesla version includes a Car Vent attachment
- 1 x USB-C Charging Cable w/ cable wrap
- 1 x User Manual
Pitaka also sent along the universal version and their MagEZ Case 5 to check out.
Tech specs
- USB C Wired Charging (cable included)
- Wireless Charging Output: 15W (iPhone 7.5W)
- Input: 5V/2A / 9V/2A
- Aramid fiber and PC/ABS construction
- 3 position NFC switch
Design and features
The MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2 for Tesla has some really cool design and intention behind it. As you can see above it leverages the top edge of the wooden dash and the front edge of the upper dash so there are no modifications to your car. The ball joint allows for infinite positioning to get your angle just right and the USB-C powered fast charger will keep your phone topped off while you drive.
The backside of the charger has plenty of venting to help keep things cool. The front of the charger has a 3-position switch for designating 3 distinct NFC shortcuts on your phone. This can be used to launch specific apps or other functions. Here’s Pitaka’s guide on how to do that.
Assembly, Installation, Setup
Installation is a little different depending on the version, but here’s how to assemble.
Slide the lock ring over the ball-end of the dash or vent attachment with the threads facing away. Pop the ball into the socket on the back of the charger and then screw the lock ring into place loosely.
The USB-C cable plugs into the bottom of the charger and then to a USB-C port or adapter in your car. The cable is long enough to reach the USB ports in the Model Y console, but not enough to tuck the cable away cleanly.
The Tesla version has a unique, spring-loaded jaw. The upper jaw slides in and out, and then the pivoting post on the left keeps it from moving after installation.
Here’s how to install into a Tesla Model Y or Model 3…
- Pull the round Pitaka logo’ed TPU friction stop forward to free the spring-loaded mechanism.
- Place the top jaw underneath the soft dash (image 1 below).
- Compress the jaws together until you can slide the lower jaw over the wood dash.
- Push the TPU friction stop back into place to lock the position.
- Loosen the lock ring behind the mount surface, adjust for the optimum angle of your phone and retighten.
Sliding the mount to the far left after install provided the best positioning given how crowded the dash is between the steering wheel and center screen. Right handers are out of luck unless you want it obscured by your steering wheel.
The universal version installs differently, and the design has already changed from the sample that I received which had a much larger hook system. It now looks like this…
The metal blade is inserted into your air vent and hooked around the desired vent fin. Rotate the dial clockwise to shorten the distance until the mount base is tight against the vent. It may help to pick a lower vent blade so that the bottom of the mount structure can lean against a non-moveable part of the vent or dash to help minimize or eliminate movement. Here’s a pic of it installed in my son’s VW Tiguan.
The Charger is MagSafe compatible but works even better with Pitaka’s MagEZ cases which have stronger magnets that are strategically placed. The Gadgeteer has reviewed many of Pitaka’s cases over the years and here’s a link to my review of this case for the previous phone.
Performance
The Tiguan was a bit tricky because the vent blades don’t quite allow enough space between them for the install. They have to flex quite a bit in order to the clamp to pass, but once through the clamp secured pretty well. The new thinner blade design should improve this significantly. Keep in mind if your vents also rotate like on the Tiguan, it can result in the mount wanting to turn.
For the Tesla version, you need to know that the upper dash surface is a softer flexible material. As a result the clamp doesn’t have an immovable surface to push against, so it’s impossible to get the clamp fully tight, especially since it’s just relying on spring tension alone. Once your phone is mounted you will see movement from vibration while driving. The heavier your phone, the more you’ll see. It did help to slide the mount as far left as I could where the dash moved less. For me this was a deal breaker. Having my phone constantly in motion due to dash and mount flex was unacceptable.
What I like about Pitaka MagEZ Car Mount Pro 2
- Great magnetic hold to charger
- NFC feature is cool if it’s useful to you
- Charging speed
What needs to be improved?
- Tesla version mounting has a lot of motion when driving
- Not for right handers (Tesla version)
- Cable needs to be longer
Final thoughts
The universal version works pretty darn well for the right vents, but the Tesla specific mount needs a lot of work. There’s just too much motion when driving. I’m a big fan of their products and really hope they can redesign the mount with a more secure and stable interface as the charger itself works great.
Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Pitaka
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by Pitaka. Pitaka did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
