uMount do look rather small compare to existing GoPro mount base. Yes it is and I will explain the difference in easiest way.
When it becomes a certain size of the products it becomes more limitation on it will function. GoPro mount is quick release design and those clips needs be at certain size to keep the structural integrity.
uMount currently are not design to be quick release which may change in the future design but also offers compact and plenty support for devices to be attached.
Things to know.
- 1 square inch on 3M VHB double sided has 45lbs capacity
- 1 square inch on 3M non VHB double sided has 25lbs capacity
- GoPro base @1.25 square inch
- uMount base 0.087 square inch [email protected] capacity
- uMount anchor 0.036 square inch [email protected] capacity
- GoPro 9-158G/0.34lbs, GoPro Max-154G/0.339lbs
- NK Speed Coach- 165G/0.36lbs
- Insta360 One R (360)- 165G/0.36lbs
In results
uMount base itself has capability of standing 11times the weight with the provided 3M VHB double sided tape. Base is also printed 100% infill meaning it’s solid PETG finish that also has better flex capability than ABS material with UV resistance which ABS plastic do not have .
uMount anchor itself has capability of 5times of weight capacity with provided 3M VHB double sided tape.
Test procedure
Best way to put torture test of weight bearing is hang the right amount of the weight. I had some old Thule SUP Taxi frame that I took apart that no longer need it. Took block of aluminum rail, cleaned with isopropyl just you would do clean your boards. Adhere the both of them and let it sit for 24hrs (90% weight bearing capacity).
uMount base has hang with my hydro flask growler and water added to make 3.75lbs to be hanged. uMount anchor also has hang with 24oz bottle with water added to make 1.61lbs to be hanged.
Left hanging for 48hrs and 3M VHB double sided hold the weight as expected.
By hanging also allow to test the two rods in the base as well as the usually the weaker areal for GoPro mount tab. Anchor also has about 2mm thickness to hold its weight where the tethering string has 100% weight.
Lateral support
No specific test was on this portion at this point. Best analogy would be just as you standing leg part and someone push you from the side you get similar effect. Downward gravity solid for the weight capacity yet side lateral becomes less stable as half of the capacity to take the impact.
Here is a very good story who has damaged the board with GoPro mount. Speedcoach was mounted on nose area and while take his this board out of the house he impacted the speed coach to the door frame led to crack his board. How this happen? When 3M adhesive can stand 45lbs capacity it can also allow something to give. In this case nothing gave and crack the board.
You might thinking where I’m headed to. Sometimes too strong can be bad results. Next time look at your carbon layer up SUP board in specific. You can see the your surface can lift up slightly. During my personal testing in live while I was trying to load up my board I accidentally hit the LockRack arm and uMount came off. I also felt pretty good impact as I was not thinking at loaded as usual. uMount itself was perfectly fine and just need to put new 3M VHB double sided tape.
So here you go lateral support. uMount is easily able to remove the rod so any future changes end user can simple upgrade and repair .
Below you will see the detail of uMount getting 3D printed. This shows nothing is hollowed during the build.
