The Vacuum smartphone mounts from Fidlock have quite a few fans, and not just among cyclists. Perhaps there would have been more of them by now if there hadn’t been the occasional “BUT” in the way. BUT there is no case for my smartphone that matches the holder. Well, good news. Fidlock is now expanding its Vacuum range and launching a universal case.
With a different approach just as reliable
Due to their disastrous environmental record, plastic bags have hardly been socially acceptable for some time now. This does not apply to the newly introduced bag from Fidlock. After all, it’s far more than just a snide disposable product from the supermarket. With the Vacuum Uni Phone Case, you not only hermetically seal your smartphone and protect it from water, dust, dirt and other environmental influences. Thanks to the typical Fidlock docking mechanism inside the sleeve, you can finally attach your smartphone to your bike safely, even if it’s not an Apple iPhone or a device from Samsung’s Galaxy S series.
The principle of the Vacuum Uni Phone Case differs significantly from that of the other cases from Fidlock. Instead, the case, which is precisely tailored to a device, is replaced by a sleeve into which you place your smartphone without any additional protection. It closes by itself without you having to use Velcro, push-buttons or sliders. Fidlock calls its patented system “Just-let-go”. The pouch is made of a plastic that ensures the touch function of the smartphone even when it is locked away. You can therefore use it almost without restriction. Only the charging port cannot be accessed during this time. This means: always keep an eye on the battery and, if necessary, charge it in between, for example using a power bank.
Certain restrictions remain
However, this new freedom has a few limits, at least with regard to the size of the devices you want to pack into the Vacuum Uni Phone Case. Fidlock starts with two different sizes. The M fits smartphones with a maximum screen diagonal of 6.5 inches. In the L size, it can be 6.9 inches. Apart from that, you are completely independent. On the one hand, because the magnets integrated in the mount have no effect on the electronics of the phones. On the other hand, because you can combine the pouch with all the mounts offered by Fidlock for the Vacuum system.
Same transformation, just not quite as spectacular
In the slipstream of the Vacuum Uni Phone Case, Fidlock also introduces a round sticker. At least, this is what one might assume at first glance. In fact, the Vacuum Uni Phone Patch is the simpler counterpart to the full-service-sleeve. In the end, it ensures that previously incompatible smartphones can be attached to a mount of the Vacuum system. Just not protected from the elements by the sleeve.
Everything works in a very simple way. You attach the Vacuum Uni Phone Patch to the back of your smartphone case. Provided it is a case with a smooth surface. According to Fidlock, this does not work for models with profiled, rough surfaces. The same applies to silicone cases. Otherwise, however, the manufacturer promises a “durable hold”. The sticker only protrudes minimally from the cover, as it is barely a millimetre thick.
To ensure that you get the right position when sticking it on, Fidlock includes a stencil with the Vacuum Uni Phone Patch. This way you can be sure that you won’t have a rude awakening when you attach it to the mount later. Just like the pouch, the patch is compatible with all currently available Vacuum Bases.
How the Vacuum system from Fidlock works
Magnetic force and vacuum – these are the two phenomena on which Fidlock’s Vacuum System, introduced in 2020, is based. Both the respective mount – called Base – and the corresponding cover – Case – contain a magnet. This ensures that the phone is noticeably attracted to the correct position of the mount as soon as it is held a few centimetres above it. The part of the mount facing the case resembles a suction cup. A lip limits it towards the outside. It ensures that the vacuum is maintained from the moment the cover is connected to the mount. This holds so reliably that you can use the Fidlock system without hesitation even when riding off-road. To release it, press down on a ring located slightly below the lip. This allows air to get between the cover and the mount. This can be done with one hand.
Matching Fidlock Vacuum mounts
Pictures: Fidlock GmbH
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