MO Tested: Rokform Rugged Case and Universal Mount Review
Twist n' lock
Now that we can use our phones for so many things, they rarely leave our side – or hands in many cases. You can use your phone to pay at the grocery store, to hook up with randos via dating apps, and, of course, for GPS. Other bits of info you might want access to while you ride may include your music or seeing who’s calling/messaging or perhaps some cool new app from your motorcycle manufacturer. Other motorcyclists don’t want to have anything to do with their phone while riding, but even those Luddites need directions from time to time. With Rokform’s rugged case and universal mount, you get a solid mounting option that will connect to any Ram Mount-style ball receiver, and a stout phone case that attaches to it.
Rugged Case
Rokform makes all manners of smartphone cases that work with its mounting systems and they’re stout. The case is made out of a hard plastic with a rubberized outer edge that lets the user keep a secure grip on the case. The inside is lined with a soft material which is said to protect your phone and provide impact absorption. The Rugged Case exceeds military drop standards (MIL-STD 801G-516.6). Take what you will from those sorts of claims, but the Rugged Case does feel just that, rugged. In comparison to other cases I have lying around – which includes a Pelican case – the Rokform case is one of the stiffest.
The case is on the larger side, but not annoyingly so and it still easily fits in the front or back pocket of my jeans. The rubberized edges however do make ingress/egress of said pockets a bit difficult. In the hand, the buttons on the side of my phone still convey very positive feedback, unlike other cases that I’ve used where the rubber covers for the buttons offer a vague feeling.
On the back of the case, we have the cutout for the Roklock twist lock to connect to. A plug is also included if you don’t have any plans to use the case with the proprietary twist lock. Under the cutout is a large rubberized textured square that houses a strong Neodymium magnet. This rare earth magnet will not have a negative effect on your phone or credit cards. Just keep it away from older spinning hard drives and hotel keys.
Rokform says some of its cases (iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro Max, Galaxy Note 10+) still allow for wireless charging, but most do not. The Rugged Case on my Samsung S20+ did not allow for wireless charging in my truck or with the stand on my desk.
RockLock
What makes the case and mounting system unique though, is how it attaches. Rokform’s twist lock feels secure and positive in its connection. The Universal Ball Adapter phone mount lets you use the mount with any 1-inch Ram ball mount compatible receiver. Other motorcycle mounting systems from Rokform include stem, perch, and handlebar-mounted RokLocks.
The CNC machined aluminum body, lock, and lever all look and feel to be of excellent quality. The spring on the lever is strong and the black finish on the mount hasn’t shown any scratches despite my fumbling to lock the case to the mount – which brings to me my only real complaint with the system. It can be difficult to determine the correct angle of approach before getting to the twisting and locking. Maybe it’s my own ineptitude – square peg round hole. Maybe over time it gets easier. It might also help if the mount is always in the same position, but for my use, it gets switched around quite a bit from bike to bike which always has me craning to look behind my phone to ensure it’s lined up properly.
Once you’re on there though, a simple ⅛ turn to the right easily locks the phone to the mount. The phone still has some freeplay to help with jolts, but feels quite secure. Rokform also includes a lanyard with its Rugged Case that you can use as an extra layer of security by wrapping it around your mount before locking in. The lever is also easily accessible when it’s time to demount.
Down the road
I really dig the Rokform set up. It’s convenient to use on a motorcycle and both the case and the mount are well-designed and look great. If it weren’t for the rubberized edges making the case difficult to pull out of my pocket and the inability to wirelessly charge the phone in my truck, I’d leave it on my phone all the time. As it stands, I use it when I know I’ll be on the bike most of the day or on multi-day trips. Most of the cases retail for $50 and the universal ball mount carries the same MSRP. I’d definitely recommend the Rokform Rugged Case and the Universal Ball Adapter (if you already have the necessary Ram Mount hardware) for those looking. If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Shop for the Rokform Rugged Case here
Shop for the Rokform Universal Ball Adapter Phone Mount here
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Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.
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