BUYER BEWARE: AI Prime Flex Arm Mount

[CoopsCoralReef]

I feel it is necessary to write up a brief review of this product, having had the unfortunate circumstances of having 6 of them in the past 2 weeks. There are many great things about the flex arm mount. The arm itself is quite strong, and pretty flexible, allowing you to position your light in practically any position you please. The arm does not flex from the weight of the Prime either, a plus for fixtures like this. The set screw that holds the arm somewhat tight isn't the greatest thing but can be worked with.

However, there is one absolutely necessity that has failed 5 times out of 6. And that is the plastic bolt and female thread used to mount the arm onto the glass. I have had 1 of the 6 that threads easily like I believe it is supposed to. 3 of the 6 were extremely difficult to thread (I ripped the skin on my right index finger trying to thread one tonight until it got stuck half way). And 2 of the 6 simply won't thread at all. This is not good in any way, and I wanted to make people aware of this product design failure. If it weren't for this, the arm would be an awesome product. Unfortunately, it is not, and I'm still stuck with my 3rd prime not mounted onto my Reefer 250.

 

[cryotek74]

Just rub some burts bees eax or similar lipbalm on the threads. It will act as lubricant and help.

 

[CoopsCoralReef]

That would work no doubt. I don't believe it should be necessary though.

 

[ngvu1]

I have seen people using screw drivers to tighten that. I agree, a bigger knob would have been better. Kessil use 2...I think that is safer but their goose-neck is also a lot heavier..

 

[CoopsCoralReef]

These bolts won't work with screw drivers, flathead or Philips. The end is just flat. You would have to use pliers or something of the sort. I'll probably use some type of lubricant, but I don't think that should excuse poor design. Just my opinion.

 

[ngvu1]

Sorry, I thought it was the same screw used in the AI prime mount.

These bolts won't work with screw drivers, flathead or Philips. The end is just flat. You would have to use pliers or something of the sort. I'll probably use some type of lubricant, but I don't think that should excuse poor design. Just my opinion.

 

[Leyth]

Hmm, I think I know what you're talking about. I have the 12" AI Prime Flex arm mount. I really like it because of how I can flex the arm so the mount is not in the way. However, I have to re-tighten that screw fairly often and it makes me pretty nervous that it is going to fall while I am at work. Here is what it looks like: