The Nimbus Mount

[UPDATE 1/25/2020]TL;DR: I really like the one-handed operation of the magnet, but on a Gen 2 Prius, it mounts the phone too low and too close to the steering wheel, and unless you can put the metal sheet on the top half of the phone, it'll rotate.My view of the screen was always obstructed by my right hand and arm. Also it mounts the phone too low. I can't just glance down at it, I have to lower my head, putting the windshield out of even my peripheral vision, which was uncomfortable at best, and not very safe while driving.Also, because the fingerprint scanner on the back of my phone is on the top half of my phone, I had to place the metal sheet inside the case on the lower half of my phone so I could still use my fingerprint if my phone locked while driving. This made phone "top heavy" and it would gradually twist down. I tried to accommodate this and just placed my phone upside down on the mount so it was sort of "hanging" from the magnet instead of "standing" on it. This actually worked in my navigation app, but not all apps work well with the phone upside down, and suddenly the screen is upside down, which is problematic.Lastly, after installing the original shifter again, I'm much more comfortable that it doesn't add undo weight to the shifter mechanism (as described below) and returns to its resting position on its own.I've returned this mount and am trying others. Maybe a CD mount or a sandbag style on the dash. I'm giving this 3 stars because the product does basically work as intended, but did not suit my needs. Also, it's apparently not really meant for a Gen 2 Prius.[Original review ~1/15/2020]I haven't seen any definitive answers here about older Prius models, so I thought I'd post a couple pictures. I installed the Nimbus mount about 5 minutes ago, and the installation took maybe that long.The factory shifter nob / handle unscrewed easily enough. It's held on with Loctite so you have to untwist firmly enough to break that first. The metal ball that came with the Nimbus mount screwed on in its place with no issues.My very first impression is that it should hold my phone just fine, but with the added weight, the shifter will no longer return to its resting position on its own. If you put it in drive, you might have to help it back up and to center right. I'm using a Pixel 3 (not XL), so not the biggest phone out there.I used my phone for the pictures, so no pictures of the phone on the mount.

***Update: 8/24/16The seller reached out to me after I changed my review from 4 to 1 star, and informed me that he had redesigned the mount. I was sent a replacement and after using it, I can honestly say it is a significant improvement from the old design. The plastic is more robust and the fastening ring is thicker and more structurally resilient than its predecessor. Also, the ball which allows for the pivoting of the mount is much smoother, which allows for easier reticulation and (likely) will contribute to better longevity. Over all, I am happy with this new design--but time will tell whether the improvements in design will stand up to daily use.I have changed my rating of the product back to 4/5 because I feel that it is an incredibly useful product if you drive a Prius. Being that it is a vehicle specific commodity I didn't mind paying the $20; however, considering that you can get a very similar but more versatile product for equal if not less, it does not represent the greatest value. But don't allow my economical misgivings detract from your opinion of the product--it works and I use it everyday!**Update: 8/1/16I originally purchased this item in January of this year (2016), and after 7 months-the securing ring has cracked. Due to the low grade plastic that was used--during hot afternoons the socket would expand, and the mount would fail to maintain position. After about a month of flaccid use, today I decided to remove it and thats when I saw that it had cracked. I'm very disappointed with this product considering that for the same price, I have purchased mounts that have lasted years...not a measly 7 months. Unfortunately, I'm beyond the window for return; so my warning to those thinking about wasting $20: spend it elsewhere.*ORIGINAL REVIEW:I use an iPhone 6 PLUS, and being that the phone is quite heavy it presents a bit of an issue. I feel that over time, the ball joint will loosen, and the integrity of the mount will deteriorate. Other than that, my main issue with the mount is that it is overpriced for what it is. It is definitely convenient if you drive a Prius and like quick access to your phone, but it would be much better a value if it were priced at $10 as opposed to $20.

Sun and temperature changes put too much stress on the plastic ring, and it breaks over time. For me after a few months, for another reviewer looks like after 4 months.As that reviewer pointed out, you can replace them with Home Depot item 27520 (thanks for the photo!) But really the product should be improved to cast that part with more durable plastic, or metal.Otherwise, fantastic device, there's no better placement for your phone in this model prius.

Install tip: Screw the ball on to the shifter finger tight, then place the mount and finger tighten the plastic ring, then use the entire mount to screw the ball even tighter onto the shifter. Loosen the ring on the mount, position to your preference, then retirement. I got almost two additional rotations on the ball doing this which removed the "swing" I got from the mount mentioned in other reviews.That being said, the ring to tighten the mount broke after about 4 months (split on one side, broke completely in half when I attempted to repair with plastic glue). Found these replacement rings in the electrical aisle of a big box store. They're not as "tall" as the original, but they work and only cost a out $1 instead of having to repurchase the whole mount.Also, the metal plate that gets attached to the case does completely block the ability to use a wireless charger because it can't be offset enough (without blocking my phones camera or placing it so low as to make the phone "top heavy" and risk the weight of the phone causing it to slide or loosen the mount).