Review: Cobra Universal Cigarette Lighter Mount

Cobra Electronics, known predominantly for their radar detectors and other such mobile electronics, also offers up a selection of device accessories. One such accessory in particular will attempt to compete for your attention as an option for cell phone car docks. In the crowded market of cell phone add-ons, what makes this one stand out from the rest?

The Cobra Universal Cigarette Lighter Mount presents itself as being an ‘all-you-need’ option, able to hold any phone you throw at it. Its patented adhesive boasts a superior experience, and promises a perfect grip. Does this mount live up to its potential? Find out after the break. 

Every time I pick up a new phone (quite frequently, much to the chagrin of my wife), I’m also purchasing an OEM car dock along with it. I’ve tried a few generic universal mounts, and I always seem to prefer the docks designed specifically for the devices, by the manufacturer. In the case of the Cobra Universal Cigarette Lighter Mount I may have found myself a worthy alternative.

• Holds your mobile device with or without a case
• Platform design allows full access to screen and controls
• Flexible neck allows for multiple angle viewing
• Patented adhesive free grip leaves no residue
• Portable and lightweight for easy installation and removal
• 5 volt USB Port for device charging
• Plugs into Cigarette / 12 volt output

The mount bears an uncanny resemblance to the Cobra name, with its flexible neck and cobra-like platform shape. Picture it coiled up and ready to strike, and you’ll get my meaning. The build is solid and durable, and appears as though it will hold up nicely over time. The base sports a 5v USB input to plug your USB cord into, providing the ability to charge while docked.

The only concern I have is with the resistance ‘gasket’. This pronged gasket flexes to fit inside your lighter / output socket to prevent rotation of the mount as it’s plugged in. I would imagine it losing its effectiveness over time, though this is merely speculation on my part after a short period of usage.

I observed differences in my experiences with the mount abilities over the span of a few vehicles, at times exceeding expectations and in others disappointing. In three out of five vehicles it worked as described holding each of my phones securely and conveniently for full use of each device. On two occasions I experienced issues with the mount staying upright.

It appeared that the gasket I mentioned previously did not have enough tension to hold the arm straight and secure in these instances. The mount arm would rotate to either side due to the lack of resistance inside the receptacle. This resulted in an inability to use the mount as it was intended without modification. A few rubber bands placed around the stem before inserting it in the cigarette lighter helped, making up for the deficiency in the gasket.

Cobra’s patented adhesive on the platform surface worked flawlessly, gripping each device without issue. I used the mount with several different phones, as well as one 7 inch Android tablet. Each device was held securely, and offered full access to their ports and buttons. I did not notice any residue left over on my phones when I removed them from the mount, though I did observe an impression of the logo from one phone remaining behind. Think Silly Putty, when you used it on a comic strip. Am I giving away my age here?

I wonder how long the adhesive will remain effective with prolonged use. Several uses per day, every day may find a gradual decline in its ability to hold your phone. Cobra does term the adhesive as being “EverLast”, and time will tell if it lives up to that descriptive. Unfortunately, I did not find any kind of guarantee in their product specifications.

Amazon Product Page Video

Putting my long-term usage concerns aside, I really enjoy using this mount. I have found that it surpasses my experiences with other universal phone mounts, and I’ve been using exclusively in my day to day travels. I would recommend the Cobra Universal Cigarette Lighter Mount for anyone seeking a functional, sturdy solution to mounting their phone for use while on the road.

The Cobra Universal Cigarette Mount is available now for $29.95. Head on over to their site for more info, or to order one for yourself. I did find it slightly cheaper over on Amazon, listed at $24.95.