Bracketron NavMat Portable GPS Dash Pad Converts Windshield GPS Mount
Quick take
The Bracketron NavMat is a portable, weighted dash pad designed to turn a windshield suction-mount setup into a dashboard mount. It works by using a contoured beanbag-style body and a non-slip base to grip textured dashboards, and buyers commonly like how “simple” and stable it feels. The main caveat is surface-dependent grip, plus it is not water-resistant.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Converts many windshield suction mounts into a dashboard mounting solution.
- Weighted beanbag-style body and anti-skid underside help prevent sliding on uneven dashboards.
- Portable design makes it easy to move between vehicles and stow away.
- Setup is minimal, wipe-and-place (no tools or extra pieces needed).
Cons
- Grip may vary depending on dashboard material and how aggressively the vehicle is driven.
- Maximum holding capacity is limited (rated up to 1 lb for devices), so heavier setups may not be a fit.
- Not water-resistant, so avoid exposure to moisture.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is limited to a small set of snippets, but the recurring themes are clear: people like the pad’s stability on real-world, non-flat dashboards, the fact that it is easy to install, and its usefulness for keeping a GPS or similar mount positioned. Several buyers describe it as “works great” and note it can hold their equipment in place well, including on textured surfaces. There is also some indication that very hard acceleration or specific dashboard conditions can cause slipping, so performance is not universally identical across all interiors.
What the Bracketron NavMat does (and how it’s meant to be used)
The NavMat is essentially a friction-based dashboard mounting base. Instead of relying on a windshield suction cup, you place the NavMat on your dash, then attach the suction mount (the kind that typically comes with many portable GPS units or compatible mounts) into the center area of the pad. The goal is to keep your device hands-free while using your dashboard surface as the stable platform.
Key features that matter for a dash mount
Weighted beanbag-style body for uneven dashboards
The pad has a weighted, contoured “beanbag body” that conforms to your dashboard shape, including uneven or textured surfaces. This is one reason it can feel more forgiving than rigid bases when your car interior is not perfectly flat.
Anti-skid underside for movement resistance
An anti-skid bottom layer is intended to limit sliding during normal driving. In typical use, this helps keep the mounted device in a consistent position without constant readjustment.
Device weight guidance (and why it matters)
The pad is designed to hold devices up to 1 lb, which is an important limit if you’re mounting a larger or heavier GPS unit, camera setup, or accessory combination. If your device and mounting hardware approach or exceed that weight, it may not be the best match.
Compatibility with common stock windshield mounts
It’s built to work with most “stock” windshield mounts included with many smartphone and GPS units, as long as your mount attaches via suction to the pad’s center area. If your mounting system uses a different connection method, you’ll want to double-check fit before relying on it.
Portable, stow-able design
Because it’s a pad rather than a permanently installed mount, you can remove it when you switch vehicles or when you want your device out of view. That can be useful for commuters who drive different cars or for anyone who prefers a non-permanent setup.
Pros and cons in real-world terms
When it’s a strong choice
- You want a dashboard mounting solution that can handle textured or uneven interiors.
- Your GPS or smartphone uses a compatible suction-style mount you can transfer onto the pad.
- You prefer an easy, tool-free setup you can move between vehicles.
When you should consider another approach
- Your dashboard surface may be prone to slipping with friction pads (for example, certain slick or irregular finishes).
- Your device setup is heavy or exceeds the 1 lb holding guidance.
- You need a mount for outdoor or moisture-exposed conditions, since the pad is not water-resistant.
Installation and setup experience
Setup is intended to be straightforward. You wipe down the dashboard to create a clean surface area, then place the NavMat where you want the device. After that, you mount the suction-based device holder to the pad’s center. The key is starting with a clean contact surface and choosing a location that gives you a comfortable viewing angle without blocking your forward view.
Price and availability
Pricing can vary by retailer and promotions. If you’re comparing options, focus less on the price-per-feature and more on whether you need a friction pad that converts a suction mount, or whether you’d be better served by a dedicated dash mount style with a different attachment method.
Verdict: is the Bracketron NavMat worth it?
The Bracketron NavMat is worth considering if you already have a compatible windshield suction mount and you want the flexibility of a dashboard setup that is portable and stable on uneven dashes. It offers a practical balance of grip and repositioning, with the main limitations being weight capacity (up to 1 lb) and the reality that friction-based mounting can be surface-dependent, especially with aggressive driving or challenging dash materials.
FAQ
What devices can the NavMat hold?
The NavMat is designed to hold devices up to 1 lb, such as many compatible portable GPS units or smartphone mounts that use a suction-style windshield mounting approach.
Will it work on textured or uneven dashboards?
That’s one of the main reasons to choose this style of pad. The weighted beanbag-style body is intended to contour to uneven or textured dashboard surfaces, which can help improve stability.
Does it fully replace a windshield mount?
It replaces the location where the suction-mount style holder attaches. You place the NavMat on the dashboard, then attach your suction-based mount to the pad so your device is dashboard-mounted instead of windshield-mounted.
Is the navmat water-resistant?
No. It is not rated as water-resistant, so you should avoid exposing it to moisture.
Can I move it between different vehicles?
Yes. It’s a portable, stow-able dashboard pad, intended to be easy to remove and reposition when you switch vehicles.
What’s the biggest reason it might not stay put?
Friction mounting performance depends on dashboard surface and conditions. If the dash surface is particularly slick or if you drive very aggressively, it may slide more easily than you’d expect.
Specifications
| Product Title | Bracketron NavMat Portable GPS Dash Pad Converts Windshield GPS Mount into Dashboard Mount Weighted Beanbag Friction Base 8 inch Base 3.5 inch Center |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > GPS, Finders & Accessories > GPS System Accessories > Vehicle Mounts |
| Brand | Bracketron |
| Manufacturer | Bracketron |
| Model Name | NavMat |
| Model Number | UFM-100-BL |
| Color | Black |
| Compatible Devices | smartphones, GPS |
| Compatible Phone Models | Universal/GPS |
| Mounting Type | Dashboard |
| Additional Features | Adjustable, Ergonomic, Hand Free, Non-Slip, Shock Resistant |
| Weight Capacity Maximum | 4 Pounds |
| Water Resistance Level | Not Water Resistant |
| Compatible with Vehicle Type | Automobile |
| Item Dimensions | 13 x 2 x 9.5 inches |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Shape | Round |
| Enclosure Material | Fabric, Silicone |
| UPC | 601000706345 086429172085 013523697978 021112951493 768674022673 079532002301 611101612308 689076852869 646443416659 611104340017 617297052058 854432535117 012304454144 319168792956 628784534209 014445593515 874688001051 809354237212 070321903496 999992244441 755034031987 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00874688001051, 05015025932439 |
| Mfr Part Number | UFM-100-BL |
| Warranty Description | 1 Year |
| Built-In Media | Bracketron UFM-100BL Nav-Mat GPS Friction Dash Pad |
| Item Type Name | Dashboard Mount |
Available variants
Product Packaging
- Standard Packaging
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