SP Connect VS Quad Lock | comparison of motorcycle smartphone supports: Which one is better?

If you're interested in motorcycle smartphone (or GPS) mounts, you've probably noticed that SP Connect and Quad Lock dominate the market. It is no coincidence: these two brands are distinguished by products with undeniable advantages, combining robustness, safety and practicality.

Motorcyclists are looking for reliable solutions to keep their phone or GPS in place, even on the most rugged terrain (such as enduro or ballad trail). This is where SP Connect and Quad Lock should be used as references. Both brands offer fastening systems specially designed to withstand vibration, weather, and shock, ensuring optimum safety for the devices.

Quad Lock: the Pioneer
 Quad Lock motorcycle mounts have long been recognized for their robustness and dual-action fastening system. Its reinforced structure and anti-vibration options make the Quad Lock particularly suitable for motorcycles and demanding riding conditions. 

SP Connect: the Challenger
A newcomer to the SP connect market, it has been able to seduce with its discreet and elegant design, with solutions that integrate perfectly with motorcycle handlebars, while allowing for quick installation and intuitive adjustment. Its SPC+ standard ensures scalable compatibility with new models, a significant asset for those who rely on durability.

In this comparison, we will look at the distinctive features of each brand, from fastening systems to materials to protection and accessibility.

Comparison between SP Connect and Quad Lock motorcycle mounts

1. Phone fixing system

• SP Connect : Uses a quarter turn locking mechanism with a patented system that makes it possible to fasten and release the phone quickly. The bracket can be mounted directly on the handlebars or via a universal adapter.
• Quad Lock : Has a patented double-action locking system, offering a very secure fastening with a quick release button. This system is also appreciated for its strength, even in extreme conditions.

To place the phone on the Quad Lock or SP Connect stand, it just line it up and turn it a quarter turn to fix it. The gesture may be a little hesitant at first, but quickly becomes fluid and instinctive, even with gloves. Quad Lock offers a little more freedom in the angle of rotation, making it easier to hang, and also allows the phone to be orientated in portrait or landscape mode.

To remove the phone, simply reverse the movement. Note that the removal on the Quad Lock requires pushing the blue tab to detach the phone. This makes the handle with the Quad Lock slightly slower, but it is an additional safety to lock the grip that protects against tearing off.

Aside from this difference on the withdrawal (a little slower with the Quad lock) on the hold, both brands make equal play. Both the Quad Rock and SP Connect offer a excellent holding of the smartphone in all situations which can be encountered on a motorbike.

2. Universal cases or adapters 

• SP Connect : Offers specific shells for certain phone models, but also offers a universal solution. It is compatible with various accessories for mounting (fixations for bike, car, etc.).
• Quad Lock : Also compatible with dedicated cases for the most popular smartphones and with a universal solution. In particular, Quad Lock proposes theUniversal Adapter Quad Lock V3 Adhesive, a versatile accessory that makes it possible to attach any phone or case directly to the stand, without requiring a dedicated Quad Lock case.

SP Connect offers two types of fasteners: SPC and SPC+. The older SPC model uses straight fasteners, while the newer SPC+ model has curved fasteners. SPC mounts are now less common, but it's important to check compatibility with your mount. The SPC+ standard is now the most widely used and standardised standard in the whole range.

Good news: Many media are supplied with a SPC replacement pad to ensure backward compatibility with the old standard.

3. Mounting to handlebars

• SP Connect : The SP Connect handlebar holder is suitable for diameters of 22 mm, 25.4 mm (1 inch) and 28.6 mm (1.125 inches). The system includes size adapters to adjust to different handlebar diameters.
• Quad Lock : Suitable for handlebar diameters of 22 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, and 32 mm. Quad Lock also offers an extension arm to adjust the viewing angle according to the driver’s preferences.

4. Vibration resistance

• SP Connect : SP Connect offers models with an anti-vibration module integrated into some supports, specifically designed to reduce the tremors generated by the motorcycle's engine. This built-in module is ideal for road or sports motorcycle handlebars, limiting the risk of deterioration of the internal components of the phone, such as the camera stabilizer. For other SP Connect models, the anti-vibration module is available as an option.
• Quad Lock : Quad Lock offers a optional anti-vibration module which can be added to the stand to reduce vibrations transmitted to the phone. This module is highly recommended for powerful motorcycles and for users traveling on rough terrain, as it effectively protects the fragile elements of the phone, especially the optical stabilizers of the cameras. Users can thus choose whether or not to add this accessory according to their specific needs.

Although sold as options, both brands recommend the use of these vibration dampers for the motorcycle (or quad) especially to avoid damaging the mechanical zoom of your smartphone. Increasingly sophisticated smartphones are also increasingly sensitive to vibrations, so it’s up to you to see depending on the value and age of your phone.

5. Protection and sealing

• SP Connect : optionally offers waterproof protection thanks to weather-resistant covers, protecting the phone from rain and dust.
• Quad Lock : Also offers a weatherproof protective case (Weatherproof Poncho), designed to ensure the safety of the phone in case of rain.

6. Design and aesthetics

• SP Connect : Compact and discreet design, integrating well with road or sports bikes.
• Quad Lock : More robust, which appeals to lovers of robust motorcycle accessories. This system is more visible but is known for its durability.

7. Price and accessibility

• SP Connect : Starting at €49.99 for the base model and €69.99 for the aluminium Pro model. 
• Quad Lock : Same price with a start at €49.99 for the base model and €69.99 for the aluminum Pro model. 

Comparison table of SP Connect motorcycle and Quad Lock motorcycle brackets

Verdict: Quad Lock vs SP Connect: difficult to separate them 

Here we have two very well designed, practical and efficient motorcycle smartphone attachment systems. Quad Lock and SP Connect each stand out for their efficiency and real manufacturing quality, offering reliable solutions to secure a smartphone on a handlebar. But for us, the Quad lock wins with a hair thanks to its anti-vibration system (sold as an option like that of SP connect) which is slightly more effective (but it seems more fragile).

SP Connect shines with its compact and discreet design, perfect for those who favor an integrated aesthetic and a quick removal of the phone.

Quad Lock, with its double-action fastening, is as secure as the SP connect. The only difference for us, is on the side of unlocking the phone of its support which is a little slower. But is that really an argument? 

In conclusion, both brackets are excellent for installation on handlebars, allowing discreet and functional integration.

French legislation on the use of telephone stands for motorcycles In France, it is legal to use a phone stand on a motorcycle, provided that the phone is not manipulated while riding. According to Article R412-6-1 of the Highway Code, the use of the telephone in hand is strictly prohibited for drivers, on pain of penalties. However, the use of a fixed support, like those offered by SP Connect and Quad Lock, is allowed to display GPS or other information, as long as the phone is properly attached and does not distract the driver’s attention.

• Article R412-6-1 of the Highway Traffic Act - Prohibition of the use of the telephone held in hand during driving: Article R412-6-1 on Legislation

• General road safety regulations - General framework for authorised equipment and accessories: Code of the road on Legifrance