Review of MantelMount MM340 TV Mount for 44″ to 80″ Televisions

Description

A Game-Changer for TV Placement and Viewing Comfort

The MantelMount MM340 Above Fireplace Pull Down TV Mount immediately caught my attention because I live in a space where the TV placement options are, let’s say, “limited.” Placing a TV above the fireplace seemed like the most logical solution, but staring up at the screen felt more like a neck workout than an entertainment experience. I decided to test this mount, and spoiler: it’s been a total game-changer. I’ll walk you through my experience with it, including its standout features, potential pitfalls, and how it stacks up against competitors.

Design and Build Quality That Instills Confidence

Right out of the box, the MantelMount MM340 feels like it means business. The construction screams durability, with its superior steel frame and smooth finish. At 25 pounds, it’s not light, but that’s exactly what you want when trusting it to hold an expensive 70-inch TV. The mount is engineered for TVs ranging from 44 to 80 inches, and it supports weights up to 90 pounds, which is more than sufficient for most modern flat screens.

I noticed the pull-down handles immediately. Their ergonomic design not only makes pulling the TV down feel natural but also ensures precision control. The 25-inch vertical travel range is a lifesaver for anyone with tall mantels, and the 19-inch off-the-wall clearance is perfect for deeper mantels. My TV feels secure, yet the motion is smooth enough for me to adjust it with minimal effort.

Positives

• Full Range of Motion: The mount isn’t just about vertical travel; with 27 inches of vertical adjustment and 30° swivel, it offers flexibility for any viewing angle.
• Gas Piston Stabilization: This feature is brilliant. The TV feels weightless during adjustments, and the auto-straightening mechanism ensures the screen stays level without constant tweaking.
• Cable Management: The built-in system keeps everything tidy, which is great if, like me, you’re tired of seeing cables dangle awkwardly.
• Durability: The UL listing and limited lifetime warranty give peace of mind. It’s clear MantelMount designed this to last.

Good Points

• The patented motion stops allow you to customize the range of motion, which is perfect if you don’t want the TV to go too low or too high.
• Works for Studs Spaced up to 24 Inches: No need to worry about having an unconventional wall setup.
• Straightforward Installation Manual: While it’s a two-person job, the instructions are clear and detailed.

Performance and Use in Daily Life

The MantelMount MM340 has been a joy to use. My family loves how easy it is to adjust for different activities. Whether I’m sitting on the couch watching a game or lying on the floor playing video games with my nephew, the mount adjusts to the perfect viewing height. The swivel function is particularly useful when hosting guests, as everyone in the room can get a good viewing angle.

The mount also feels incredibly secure, even at full extension. I’ve tested it with a heavier 80-inch TV, and it didn’t flinch. The auto-straightening feature is subtle but fantastic; it keeps the screen perfectly aligned after adjustments, which was something I didn’t realize I needed until I had it.

Areas of Concern

• Installation Can Be Tricky: While the manual is detailed, the weight of the mount and TV makes this a two-person operation. It’s not difficult, but you’ll need some patience and a helping hand.
• Not Ideal for Ultra-Light TVs: If your TV is on the lighter side (closer to 20 pounds), the gas piston can feel overly stiff, making adjustments slightly less smooth.
• Price Point: While not exorbitant, this mount is an investment. For those on a tight budget, it may feel like a stretch.

Negative Attributes

• Heavy Installation Process: Even though it’s secure once installed, mounting it takes effort and precise measurements.
• Limited for Non-VESA TVs: If your TV doesn’t conform to standard VESA sizes, you’ll need an adapter, which adds to the cost.
• Gas Piston Calibration: This could be better optimized for lighter TVs.

Competing Products

I spent some time comparing the MantelMount MM340 to other mounts like the Sanus Advanced Tilt TV Mount and the Vogel’s Wall Mounts. While both are excellent in their own right, neither offers the vertical travel range that MantelMount provides. The Sanus mount, for example, is great for tilting and basic adjustments, but it doesn’t have the pull-down functionality, which is essential for above-fireplace setups.

On the flip side, Vogel’s mounts are sleek and well-built, but the price point is significantly higher for similar features. What sets MantelMount apart is its balance of affordability and innovation. While it’s not the cheapest option, the features like gas-piston stabilization and auto-straightening make it a standout choice.

Cost Efficiency

In my opinion, the MantelMount MM340 offers solid value for money. Sure, it’s pricier than basic mounts, but the added functionality and durability justify the cost. The patented features and sturdy design make it feel like a premium product, and the limited lifetime warranty adds an extra layer of assurance. If you’re planning to mount your TV above a fireplace or in a high position, I’d say this mount is worth every penny.

The Bottom Line

Using the MantelMount MM340 has been an eye-opening experience. It’s not just a mount; it’s a solution for better TV placement and viewing comfort. While it does have a few quirks, the build quality, innovative features, and ease of use make it a standout product in its category. If you’re tired of craning your neck or looking for a mount that combines functionality with durability, this one is hard to beat.

Additional information