RAM Transducer Mount Comparison: Diamond Base vs 18" Rod
By RAM Mounts Google Search | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare RAM's Lowrance StructureScan diamond base mount with the 18-inch aluminum rod model. See which kayak transducer mount fits your setup.
Quick answer
Choose the RAM Transducer Mount for Lowrance StructureScan with Diamond Base if you run a Lowrance StructureScan LSS transducer and want a compact, dedicated mount. Choose the RAM Transducer Mount with 18" Aluminum Rod and 2" x 2.5" Base if you need a longer deployable arm for deeper or more adjustable transducer positioning.
Deployment length and adjustment range
The most visible difference is the arm. The 18-inch aluminum rod model gives you a long, rigid arm that can be deployed and retrieved quickly, which helps when you need to reach past the kayak hull or adjust transducer depth. The Lowrance StructureScan model uses a shorter rigid mounting arm designed specifically for that transducer, so it sits closer to the mounting point and offers less reach.
If your fishing involves frequent shallow-water transitions or you want the transducer further from the hull, the longer rod is the practical choice. If you mostly fish from a stable kayak and want a tidy, low-profile install, the shorter arm keeps things simple.
Transducer compatibility and mounting base
The Lowrance StructureScan mount is built around the LSS transducer and includes a diamond base, which matches many RAM mounting plates and track systems. The 18-inch rod model uses a 2" x 2.5" base, a larger footprint that may require a different mounting surface or adapter.
Check your existing base pattern before ordering. If you already use diamond bases elsewhere on your kayak, the StructureScan model may integrate more easily. If you need a larger base for stability with a longer arm, the 18-inch rod model is the better fit.
Protection and stowage
Both mounts are designed to protect the transducer from damage by allowing quick retrieval. The longer 18-inch rod can be swung up or removed more easily when navigating shallow water or loading the kayak, but it also creates more leverage, so you need to secure it well during transport. The shorter StructureScan arm is less obtrusive and easier to stow in tight spaces.
Consider how you store your kayak and whether the transducer arm will be exposed to knocks. A longer arm may need additional strapping or a quick-release base to avoid stress on the mount.
Key trade-offs
- Reach vs. compactness: The 18-inch rod offers greater reach and adjustability but takes up more space and creates more leverage. The StructureScan mount is compact and low-profile but limits how far the transducer can be positioned from the mounting point. Measure the distance from your mounting point to the water and choose the arm length that covers it without excess.
- Transducer specificity vs. versatility: The StructureScan mount is tailored to Lowrance LSS transducers, so it may not fit other brands or models. The 18-inch rod mount is a general-purpose arm that can accept a range of transducers if the mounting holes align. Confirm your transducer model and mounting hole pattern before ordering; the StructureScan mount is not universal.
- Base size and mounting surface: The diamond base is smaller and fits many RAM accessories, while the 2" x 2.5" base requires a larger flat area. Ensure your kayak has enough room and reinforcement for the larger base. If space is tight, the diamond base is easier to place; if you need maximum stability for a long arm, the larger base is worth the extra footprint.
Product facts
- RAM® Transducer Mount with 18" Aluminum Rod and 2" x 2.5" Base: Includes an 18" aluminum rod and a 2" x 2.5" base for deployable transducer positioning. The long rod lets you reach deeper or further from the hull, while the larger base provides a stable footprint for the arm.
RAM® Transducer Mount with 18" Aluminum Rod and 2" x 2.5" Base - RAM® Transducer Mount for Lowrance StructureScan with Diamond Base: Designed for Lowrance StructureScan LSS transducers and includes a diamond base. This mount is a direct fit for that specific transducer and works with common diamond-base mounting points, simplifying installation.
RAM® Transducer Mount for Lowrance StructureScan with Diamond Base
Which mount fits your setup?
Best for
- Anglers using a Lowrance StructureScan LSS transducer who want a dedicated, compact mount.
- Kayaks with existing diamond-base mounting points and limited deck space.
Not for
- Anglers who need a long reach to position the transducer away from the hull or deeper in the water.
- Transducers that are not compatible with the Lowrance StructureScan mounting pattern.
