Cheetah Mounts APDAM2B

Experts say that most are best served by a tilting wall mount, such as the Sanus Systems VMPL50A-B1 (*Est. $65). However, for difficult room setups or if you want a mount that can be moved about so that best picture quality can be seen from one of a few different seating locations, a full motion or articulating TV wall mount could be just the ticket. While there are a number of well-regarded but expensive options, such as the Atdec Telehook TH-3270-UFM (*Est. $200), we saw a ton of positive feedback for the budget-priced Cheetah Mounts APDAM2B.

Many budget mounts are criticized for their flimsy construction, but owners say that, if anything, the APDAM2B is overbuilt and that its weight of nearly 40 pounds can make installation a challenge if a handy helper is not around. The other obstacle standing in the way of installation is a manual that some say is fine, but that others find difficult to completely comprehend. A few do say that some of the fittings are shoddy, allowing for a touch too much play, though others find no issues at all. The lack of warranty coverage is a concern, though the manufacturer does provide a 30-day return privilege.

The design of the Cheetah Mounts APDAM2B allows lots of viewing positions. The TV is held by two arms that can pull out as far as 20 inches from the wall, or collapse down to a minimum of 4.75 inches. In addition, the mount can tilt plus or minus 15 degrees and swivel in a 180 degree arc, which pretty much assures that a good view of the on-screen action can be seen from any spot in a room. Some complain that, at least initially, movement is stiff and the mount can require a bit of effort to move about, though others add that a little common lubricant can take care of that in short order. Several say that the included level is more harmful than helpful as it is not accurate. In the end, though, most rave about the perceived strength of the mount and its value.

While we were not able to find a professional review of the Cheetah Mounts APDAM2B, owners have plenty to say about it. Amazon.com is home to more than 500 user-written reviews.