Harry Kooros
I first started using Peak Design products in early 2023, when I reviewed a number of their mobile accessories. I quickly became a brand fanboy, and many of my friends assumed I had a stake in the company, considering how often I mentioned it in conversation. Their products are intricately designed masterpieces, and it’s obvious that countless hours go into the design and production of them. While not cheap, why accessorise your $1,500+ phone with cheap Temu products?
Although I discussed the quality and durability of the products in 2023, I had only been using them for a few months. I’ve now been using many of them for nearly two years and have thoroughly tested their longevity.
Everyday Case
The Everyday Case is a super-sleek accessory with a 2.4mm profile and a rubberised outer casing to protect your phone from drops of up to 2 metres. Their proprietary SlimLink connection system is unobtrusive to the overall design, and the case is compatible with Apple’s Magsafe accessories and chargers. They have more recently expanded their colour range to up to 6 colours (depending on your phone brand and model).
The Peak Design phone case magnetically snaps into place with any of their accessories, automatically securing the SlimLink connection. Removing the phone is as simple as pressing the two buttons on the accessory and pulling the phone away.
The only issue I ever had with any Peak Design products was with the deployable finger loop on the iPhone case. The finger loop helps you securely hold and use your phone, reducing the risk of dropping it, and I enjoyed it for the first year I had it. However, it eventually wore down and was getting in the way, so I ended up cutting it off. I was just sent a new iPhone case without the loop, and while I do like the sleek look of it, I somewhat miss the loop.
Comparing the two cases, it’s impressive to see how well the old case has held up, over nearly two years of usage, considering that I’m fairly rough with my phone. The case remains in excellent condition, except for a few minor marks, and the SlimLink connection continues to work flawlessly.
I’ve always been one to cycle through cheap to mid-tier phone cases every few months, but I haven’t wanted to change since I switched to Peak Design.
Universal Bar Mount & Out Front Mount
The Universal Bar Mount is a universal handlebar mount that accommodates a wide range of handlebars, from 22mm to 35mm in diameter. It is very adjustable, with the mounting head turning in 32 rotational positions. It even fits some non-round handlebar options, such as aerobars.
The Out Front Bike Mount is a super slick handlebar mounting option that leaves enough space on your handlebars for any other accessories (GPS computer, etc). It features a strong aluminium design and is compatible with 22.2mm, 25.4mm, and 31.8mm handlebars. It also includes a GoPro-style accessory mount for neatly attaching any additional accessories (I attached my light).
I have been using both mounts for commuting, mountain biking and road cycling for nearly two years now, and they both still function exactly how they should. My phone has never once fallen off, even with a few tumbles and knocks,
With such a small connection point, I was initially hesitant to try anything adventurous with Peak Design accessories. Still, I now have complete confidence in them after putting them through their paces across various disciplines.
The rubber strap on the Universal Bar Mount has proven to be incredibly durable, considering how many times I have moved it from one bike to another. I even used it on my Motorbike for some time (which is not advised), before I was given the Motorbike-specific mount.
Car Mount
The Car Mount is a very low-profile, minimalist mount that also wirelessly charges your phone. It can even be used with any MagSafe phones or cases, meaning you don’t have to use the Peak Design case if you don’t want to. Peak Design hit the nail on the head with this one; they knew that their strong SlimLink wasn’t necessary for an in-vehicle mount, and removing it opened the product up to a much wider audience.
I’ve used the same car mount for two cars, and it has proven to be my favourite accessory in my car, never falling off or failing in any way.
Motorbike Bar Mount
I must mention the Motorcycle Bar Mount. This mount is truly bomb-proof and super stylish. It features numerous adjustments, including fitting handlebars with widths ranging from 22mm to 32mm, and multiple pivot points, allowing it to be used on even the most awkward setups. It even has inbuilt vibration dampening, protecting your phone over rough terrain. From the dodgy Sydney roads to the dirt tracks of Northern Vietnam, this mount has been so handy to have. The need for dampening to protect my phone was something I had never considered. Still, after riding many kilometres with it, I can easily see how much it saves it from internal damage over rough roads.
Mobile Tripod
The Mobile Tripod is a tripod designed for your phone, offering various modes and adjustable settings. This has to be the most overengineered phone accessory in existence, and I love it. The machined anodised aluminium unit packs down to just 0.5cm thick, and it magnetically sticks to the back of your phone.
The added benefit of this tripod is that you don’t need a Peak Design case to use it; you just need a phone with MagSafe compatibility.
On a day-to-day basis, I also use it at my office desk as a stand for my phone.
Outdoor Sling
The Outdoor Sling is something I never realised I needed. When the Peak Design crew sent me one, I didn’t think I’d use it much, as I’ve never been one to carry around bags when travelling. Fast forward three months, and I’m using it daily, whether I’m exploring cities or cycling in the mountains.
It’s super minimalist yet fits an impressive amount. While cycling, I’ve used the sling to carry my DJI Mini 3 Pro drone, Insta360 camera, wallet, and phone, with more space to spare. I’m a big fan of the adjustability, as well as the numerous pockets it has for securing smaller items.
After travelling to 14 countries with it this year, it’s still in great shape, with no tears or major blemishes.
Summing Up
The Peak Design mobile ecosystem is like no other. I’ve used competitors’ products previously and have been dissatisfied with the difficulty of mounting and dismounting the phone to accessories. While the overall durability and quality are generally quite high, they lack the same look and feel as Peak Design products. Peak Design products are straightforward to use, and they are market leaders in their design and refined products.
After trying out their Outdoor Sling and loving it, I’m certainly keen to try out more of their non-mobile products.
