"Much of the weight of the system is in the main arm
portion, the vice grip.  This section is large,
strong and very heavy.  I’d like to have a smaller
and lighter version of the Main Arm, at least as an
option, keeping the outstanding suction base and
cradle.  That would be my only real wish with this
product." 

Figure 1:
Shrimp with Suction Base and Universal Cradle. Click on
image for high resolution version.  Image supplied
courtesy of LobsterMount.

WISH GRANTED

Imagine my surprise when I opened my
mailbox and found a Shrimp Arm shoved in it?  No,
probably not what you’re thinking.  The Shrimp
is a new line of products from Lobstermount that
offer, well… "a smaller and lighter version of the
Main Arm, at least as an option, keeping the
outstanding suction base and cradle."  Exactly
what I wished for, this must be Christmas. 
LobsterMount was good enough to send me a Shrimp Arm
that will work the existing suction base and cradle
from the previous review.  Let’s check it out.

As you can see from the picture, the only component of
the system to have changed is the Main Arm.  The
mount system retains the very capable suction base, and
the very versatile universal cradle, both covered in
detail in our previous review (here).  The Main Arm is
optionally replaced by the "Shrimp" which is very
lightweight and connects easily.

Figure
2: Shrimp arm compared to Lobster arm.  All other
components remain the same.  Click on image for
high resolution version.

SHRIMP OR LOBSTER?
    
The Shrimp main arm is shorter and lightweight,
depending on your windshield or other mounting surface,
it may be a good or bad thing.  In my previous setup with the
Lobster arm, I positioned the mount behind my rear view
mirror and had it reach around.  With the Length of
the Lobster arm, this was no problem.  The Shrimp
is too short for this, but I quickly found an alternate
mount location that works equally well.  I had no
issues finding good mount locations and viewing angle in
either my car or my winter truck.  Both work well,
but if you need to change cars often or travel with the
mount system, you’ll appreciate the lightweight and
little Shrimp.

Figure 3: Shrimp side view and ball sockets. 
Center material compresses when knob is tightened,
locking mount in position.  Click on image for high
resolution version.

SHRIMP CAN’T MATCH LOBSTER, RIGHT?
    
Well, in this case it can.  The Shrimp system
is every bit as good as the LobsterMount prevoiusly
reviewed.  The outstanding suction base is the
same.  The amazingly versatile cradle is the
same.  The Shrimp arm loses the size and weight
of the Lobster arm, but retains the ball joint
sockets on either end, which means it maintains the
extreme flexibility of mount locations and viewing
positioning of your devices.  All the benefits
of the LobsterMount system are retained, in a smaller
and lighter package.  If you travel often, as I
do, this is extremely welcome.  I can now
easily drop the suction base, cradle and Shrimp arm
into my carry on luggage, and quickly connect it to my car
rental upon arrival.  With the Lobster Arm, it
was simply too heavy to lug through the airport. 
Now, it travels with me if I’ll be driving.

EXTENDED REVIEW…
     After over 6000 miles of
roadtrips with this system, I thought I’d take this
opportunity to give you an extended update.  Since
September, this system has driven with me everywhere I
go, using either the Lobster arm or the Shrimp arm. 
Through numerous roadtrips, and daily commuting, this
mount has never lost suction with my windshield, never
let my PDA slip out, or failed in any manner.  It’s
executed it’s duties remarkably well, and continues to
do so. 

OPTIONS

     Different mounting options are available as
part of this system.  In this review, we are reviewing
the Shrimp Series Suction and Cradle.  In addition the
following options are available from the
LobsterMount
website.

• Bolt on bases for
  a secure, more permanent mount
• Rail mount bases,
  to mount to tubes, handlebars, etc.

PURCHASING

   
You can find the Shrimp Series on
the

LobsterMount website.  Pricing for the

Shrimp Series
Suction
+ Cradle is listed as $47.24. 

PROS

• Strong
  suction mount
• Amazing
  adjustability
• Engineered
  for strength
• Different
  mounting options, Lobster or Shrimp
• Ease of
  Use
• Lifetime
  warranty

CONS

• No
  integrated holder for the adjustment wrench (easy to
  lose)

    

I continue to think this is a fantastic product. 
The mount system itself continues to perform well, and
the new smaller and lightweight Shrimp option only
enhances the opportunities to use it.  In my
previous review, I commented on the cost of the setup,
but if you opt for the Shrimp Series Suction + Cradle,
the cost of the entire mount is less than the base when
I reviewed it before, with nothing else to purchase. 
I think that’s very reasonable for a product that
functions this well.  I would highly recommend this
product with a rating of: