Mounts for the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Action Camera

RAM-B-149Z-GOP1U NakedGarmin has become a major player in the action camera market.  The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 is more proof of their commitment to this market.

The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 delivers an impressive an ultra HD 4K footage at 30 frames per second and an HD 1080p image at a pretty amazing 120 frames per second.  Going back a year or two ago, 1080p at 30 frames per second was the best you could get.

The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 incorporates features that you would expect from Garmin.  Namely GPS capabilities.  What can you do with these capabilities?  You have access to connectivity to Garmin devices to capture performance data like speed, elevation, heart rate and G-force.

The back has a 1.75 inch LCD to view the action.

There is a waterproof case that comes with the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30.  Just like the ones from GoPro.  Here’s the best part about that waterproof case.  It has the same mounting pattern as the GoPro Hero cameras.  Those grooves on the bottom of the case are the exact ones that GoPro has.  That opens a very big door to a huge selection of mounts for this camera.

So as long as the waterproof case is used, which it always should, Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 owners have access to a lot of great mounts on the market.  Garmin now makes a lot of mounts for their action cameras.  However, they aren’t necessarily the best.  So we’re going to recommend some that are made by companies other than Garmin where our opinion is that it’s a better mount.

Let’s look at a few good mounts.  Remember that almost any mount that fits a GoPro Hero is going to fit the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 Action Camera.

Motorcycle or ATV owners can mount the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 to the handlebar.  The RAM Handlebar Mount with GoPro / VIRB Adapter includes a custom attachment that fits the bottom of the waterproof case.  This is a metal mount which comes with a lifetime warranty.  A three-inch arm in the middle is adjustable at the base and tip.  The handlebar base will fit diameters up to 1.25 inches.  An adapter for the bottom of the waterproof case is included.  That’s the one in the photo that accompanies this article.

The Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 can be used in marine environments.  While the case is marketed as waterproof, it’s not a submarine, so be cautious in how you use it.  Consider the RAM Flat Surface Mount with GoPro / VIRB Adapter.  This is a metal mount with pre-drilled mounting holes on the base.  There is a 1.75″ arm that can be adjusted from the top and bottom.  The mount includes a custom adapter to fit the bottom of the waterproof case.  A lifetime warranty is included on this mount.

For outdoor action footage, a helmet mount is a good accessory to help capture the action.  The Garmin Vented Helmet Strap for VIRB attaches to the vents of the helmet.  Adjustable straps are used to attach the mount and lock the Garmin VIRB 30 Ultra in place.  This mount is excellent for biking, snowboarding or paddle sports.  Anywhere that a helmet us used.

There are a lots of mounts for other locations too.  I think these three cover the most popular activities.  I have seen a lot of chest mounts.  I think they look silly and restrict the user’s movement so I don’t recommend them.  Also have seen a lot of mounts that use adhesive.  They are risky.  If you don’t get a mount with the proper type of adhesive and are sure to apply it properly, your new camera is likely to fly off the surface.  I also do not recommend mounting the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 to your wrist or forearm as it will either restrict your movement or result in useless video.

We covered several good mounts.  As you shop for your mount, remember, any mount that says it will fit the GoPro weatherproof case will fit the Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 just fine.