The core of this GripTight GorillaPod for MagSafe kit is the GripTight Mount for MagSafe. The naming is a bit confusing, but essentially Joby is making a tripod mount with a MagSafe compatible magnet. So if you already own a GorillaPod tripod you can buy the new MagSafe mount separately. If not, you can buy the kit, which includes both components together.

The MagSafe addition allows anyone with an iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 to move it near the mount for an automatic and secure attachment. But unlike other MagSafe mounts, this one has a versatile trick—its spring-loaded clips—to make it useful in every situation and work for all phones.

TL;DR

Pros:

Strong MagSafe magnetVersatile magnet and clip securing mechanisms

Cons:

Mount doesn’t tilt forward

Buy at Joby.

GripTight Mount

While MagSafe, for iPhone 12 and 13 models, is the easiest way to attach a phone to a holder, it’s still susceptible to detaching in more extreme circumstances. If the GripTight for MagSafe Mount only used MagSafe, its name wouldn’t make much sense. The mount has two clips that swivel around to secure any phone, not just iPhones with a MagSafe magnet. Meaning, it can really grip tight if you need it to.

On the bottom of the mount is a standard threaded hole for any standard tripod. The circular part of the mount with the magnet can rotate 360 degrees. The mount can’t tilt forward or backward. It would be nice if it had that functionality, but it shouldn’t be a deal breaker for anyone considering it.

I found the MagSafe compatible magnet to be strong. In every situation I had used the mount, on a tripod, I never had the phone fall off or come loose. I would feel a little uneasy about using an iPhone with MagSafe in more extreme conditions, like holding it out of the window of a moving car or while running. But the magnet strength wasn’t even an issue while hanging upside down from a tree branch. More so, it’s the situations where a phone is on the mount while being moved around when I would have some concerns.

Luckily, if you do want to do those sorts of action shots, you can clamp your phone in using the mount’s spring-loaded clips. Securing a phone, any phone, with the clips feels very safe.

The arms protruding around the MagSafe compatible magnet on the mount swivel to be used—or get out of the way. This makes the mount good for casual times or the more extreme uses.

GripTight GorillaPod Kit

The GripTight Mount for MagSafe is great on its own, with pretty much any tripod you might have. But, it’s a really good addition to the GorillaPod tripod, too. Together, the new MagSafe compatible mount and GorillaPod make up the packaged kit Joby is selling. Since the GorillaPod tripod is such a staple for both traditional photographers and mobile phone users, there’s very little to say about it here. The legs can wrap in any position, and each one can be adjusted individually to tilt and get the angle perfect. It’s an all-around convenient option to help shoot a steady image or video.

Not everyone needs a tripod, but I will say it’s very handy to have one for your phone. Whether it’s for video calls or using both iOS and Android’s night photography modes, there is a lot of value to be had with a portable mount and stand like this.

Should You Buy the GripTight GorillaPod for MagSafe?

For comparison, I’ve tried Moment’s MagSafe compatible tripod mount and I liked it. It’s very simple and sleek, which is part of its appeal. Alternatively, the GripTight Mount for MagSafe mount from Joby is a bit more involved, but it definitely has a wider range of uses because of its spring-loaded clamps.

There are a wide range of tripod mounts, but adding MagSafe compatible magnets to one is clever. Even more clever is the ability for this mount to be used with any phone in nearly any situation. This is the mount I would buy currently because of its versatility. Whether you need or want the GorillaPod tripod will further depend on how you’re using the mount.

Buy at Joby for $69.99.

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