High-Tech Motion Phoneshield Review
High-Tech Motion’s weatherproof Phoneshield ups the usability and accessibility of your smartphone by bringing it out of your jacket pocket and mounting it front and center on your bike’s handlebars.
Up until now I’ve been satisfied syncing my smartphone with my helmet’s Bluetooth communication system and listening to auditory commands from my map app. As you may know, the repetitive nature of these voice commands can become annoying. The ability to glance at the map and read the text commands is oftentimes preferable and High-Tech Motion’s Phoneshield provides just that convenience.
The $69.99 Phoneshield package for the iPhone 5 (also available for the same price for the Galaxy S4 and soon for the Galaxy S3) comes with a shock-absorbing silicone case and mounting apparatus for handlebars ranging in diameter from 0.77 inches to 1.78 inches. The case attaches to the handlebar mount via a ball-and-socket joint allowing for 360-degree movement and easy repositioning.
A clever design aspect enables the quick removal of the ball end of this joint from the back of the case, allowing you to take your phone with you while remaining in the case. For motorcycles without tubular handlebars, High-Tech Motion offers a stem mount for $16.99. If you already own a Ram Mount or Techmount, High-Tech Motion says the included adaptors will work with either device.
The case features a soft rubber interior and dual double-hinged latches to ensure security and withstand water ingress. Outlets for earphones and a power cord can be closed off when not in use with attached rubber inserts. Forward facing speaker portals are covered with a sealed membrane as are the flash and camera portals. While no rain fell while in our possession, the Phoneshield kept its interior dry during an ocean kayaking trip and when held underneath a faucet as well as being completely submerged in the kitchen sink.
The only complaint we have with water-tight sealing is that the thin plastic screen protector installed on the face of the iPhone kept lifting while inside the Phoneshield case, creating air bubbles.
A rider can operate the home and sleep/wake buttons with a gloved finger while in motion, but touchscreen operation only functions with a bare finger, with “90% sensitivity” through the Phoneshield’s screen protector. No exterior buttons exist for volume control.
The Phoneshield will keep your iPhone or Galaxy protected and conveniently accessible. With the proliferation of motorcycle-specific smartphone apps as well as being the interface for communicating with your fellow bikers as well with your motorcycle (see Zero’s iPhone interface) your smartphone is only going to become more intrinsic with the sport of motorcycling.
An added benefit is you’ll be able to see who’s calling before you answer (or don’t answer). With Christmas coming up soon the Phoneshield makes a great gift for the motorcyclist in your life, especially if that motorcyclist is you!
For more information or to order go to: phoneshieldmounts.com.
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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Methinks making this case a charger sleeve that can keep the phone waterproof, along with an aluminum or copper-lined backplate to absorb heat would be a good way to go.
Product itself seems good enough. The screw in the back keeps
coming out of it's plastic head so it's unconvenient to screw it in. But
that's something a drop of Super glue can fix.
But the customer support was just awful, worst I've ever experienced. Lack of
interest to communicate with client was impressive.
First I was sent a version with no charging option, phonebox had 2 wires in
it and just some tape thrown on it. So no option for charging for the
quick release and faulty one on the box.
It took 42 days till I got the correct product. And they only replied to
my problem 2 times during that period, last time was when I started to
ask for my money back.
I always try to be polite and I managed to stay like that with them also, but it was really hard.
If you want a handlebar mount for your phone, there are plenty of other
companies - RamMount, SWMotech and so on. You may succed with
Phoneshield but I really WOULD NOT RECOMMEND to try!!!