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MotoringFile Rating: 3 (out of 5)
The Arizona Auto Concepts MINI armrest is a well built, monster of an armrest. While it may lack the simplicity of the OutMotoring or the MINI FINI armrest it's meant for the person who wants something robustly designed and built as well some added interior space.
The AAC armrest was created to address two issues; the first being the need for an armrest itself and the second being the need for more storage space. The base of the unit is made out of metal and covered in black leatherette to match the rest of the car. The prototype I have doesn't quite match but I was assured this was due to the one off nature the unit. The base slides over what would be called the MINI's center console. Installation is incredibly easy as the unit simply snaps into place at the bottom of the current console. You can secure it more by installing the screws in the rear of the unit. This was an ideal arrangement for me as it was easy to just pop in the armrest on longer trips or evaluation when needed.
The actual armrest portion itself is a six inch black pad that slides from it's standard position forward to offer different arm lengths optimum comfort. Behind this is the integrated storage area. It's finished in felt very similar to the glove box and is topped by a silver lid that looks incredibly like the silver dash standard on the Cooper. This being an evaluation unit the silver is all they had available at the time.
The overall look of the piece certainly lends itself to the unit's industrial strength. While I wouldn't call it a completely integrated look, it does follow many of the cars design themes and comes off looking like a very professional piece.
For someone who is searching for a minimalist armrest that doesn't take up much space and doesn't eliminate the rear cup-holder this isn't it. However the Arizona Auto Concepts Armrest is for the driver that wants no comprises in terms of comfort and convenience. It also offers an installation system that lends itself to the driver that just wants an armrest for longer trips. And at a price lower than the competition, it's altogether not a bad deal.
You can find the armrest at www.arizonaautoconcepts.com for a retail price of $199.
<p>So how would Motoringfile rank the Outmotoring arm rest and the MINI Fini arm rest? Especially in comparison to this AAC arm rest? From my view (as someone not yet in a MINI everyday as mine is on the boat now), the MINI Fini seems to fit the “ergonomics” of the car the best. Cost aside. This one you review here, by AAC, looks interesting, but I would be hesitant to buy unless I saw in person (just how I am I guess). I'll stop rambling on now.</p>
<p>Gabe,</p>
<p>Why was this posted? Are they a sponsor? I was almost positive that these guys were a sponsor on NAM, but now I can't find it. There was also a thread started on this, with a large number of people saying that they didn't like it. In my opinion it looks ugly, doesn't go with the interior, looks like it has sharp edges, and restricts a good grip on the parking brake lever.</p>
<p>With that said, it does look very utilitarian.</p>
<p>Bottom line. You wouldn't catch me buying one of these even if they were $19.99</p>
<p>They sent me a unit and asked if I would to a review. Always looking to review new products I was happy to do it. </p>
<p>Whether it was intended or not, I think it's made for a specific market. Would I buy one, no. But I know there are those out there that would love something like this. That's why I wanted to focus on the functionality of the unit rather than my personal opinions on the look. I figured any downsides in terms of design would be obvious to those that have specific aesthetic requirements… if that makes sense. </p>
<p>I believe they were a sponsor on NAM for awhile. I've talked with the two guys that own the company and came up with the armrest. They're both MINI owners and simply created the armrest due to their experiences. And they seemed like real nice guys too :)</p>
<p>I have the AAC console and it works great! It is very solid when you put your hand/arm on it to get in and out of the car. The storage compartment is great for sunglasses,phone & etc. Our unit is finished in black and goes will with the rest of the interior. Some may not like the looks but it has proven to be very practical and to us that is what matters.</p>
<p>Hi Gabe, Well as they say, differant stroks etc. I purchased the “AZ Concepts” console some time ago and can say it is one of the best items I have added to my Mini. I absolutely love it and couldn't get along without it. plus the installation method is outstanding. I don't know who the guy is that's calling it ugly but I'll bet he doesn't own one. (probably can't afford one} I find that's generally the reason for someone to badmouth a product. The attention to detail is very nice, mine is covered in black Leather (not leatherette) and I ordered mine with the matt black trim panels. When this unit is compaired to the Mini-fini unit, it should sell for three times the price.
Keep up the good work. I was wondering when someone would get around to giving this item the credit it deserves.</p>
<p>I'm really happy to see owners writing in on this one and giving it some due. I think it's a great piece engineering that can easily be short-changed if you're not sure about the look. In person it's very industrial looking and is built like a tank compared to other armrests. So yes, it's not for everyone. For some out there it is absolutely the perfect choice.</p>
<p>With the MINI, anything you add to it has to look as cool as it functions. Personally, I think the AZ Auto Concepts looks too angular and utililitarian for the MINI. </p>
<p>I saw the Outmotoring armrest last week. It looks great in person. Before I saw it, I did not think I would want an armrest, but now I think I want one. It adds another converation piece to the MINI.</p>
<p>Yeah the OutMotoring armrest looks very very impressive. We may have a review before long.</p>
<p>Mr-mini…</p>
<p>You must be new to this site because…</p>
<p>The site is full of VERY opinionated MINI owners. Most of us are pretty congenial and are able to debate fairley passionately about our cars without slamming. </p>
<p>If AAC runs it up the flag pole on this site I think they should be ready for a heavy review.</p>
<p>That being said…</p>
<p>It may be well built and it may have a lot of storage but so does an Abrams Tank! Did they actually look at the MINI's interior.</p>
<p>I CAN EASILY $$$$ it but you've got to be kidding! Looks like Metal shop 101, IMHO!</p>
<p>…RB</p>
<p>mr-mini,</p>
<p>Trust me, I can afford the item. And it is great that you like it. Obviously not everyone has the same opinions. It looks well built, and as I said looks very utilitarian (lots of storage, good firm armrest…), just not my style.</p>
<p>For those of you that have it, how does it feel gripping the brake handle. While I have never seen one in person, it looks like it would be hard to get a firm grip on the handle, and that either my wrist would be twisted, or my hand/wrist would rub along the unit.</p>
<p>Well, it is pretty rugged looking, but I'm a bit of a minimalist m'self, so I got the Elbow Landing Device, which is as minimal as it gets. I like the idea of a better storage area in the center area, tho, and I wish there was an alternative that met my wishes. I was impressed with the overall quality of the AAC unit I saw, and must say they did a good job of realizing their ideas as a nice product.</p>
<pre><code> BCNU,
Rob in Dago
</code></pre>
<p>Sorry to have to say this, but it's ugly.
It doesn't even seem it's been made for a mini…</p>
<p>It seems odd that they would try to market such an ugly box in a car that has such a well integrated design. Whoever makes it should hire a professional industrial designer to make it look reasonably attractive.</p>
<p>Sorry Guys, I didn't mean to get emotional, it just came out when someone was condeming a product I really admire. I was in the industrial design area for many years and firmly beleive in the “form follows function” school. A product first has to serve the purpose for which it was intended.
The hand brake is not an issue at all because the slope of the forward area follows the arc of the brake.
Perhaps it could be better looking but to my way of thinking that is a secondary consideration and the product does an outstanding job.
mm</p>
<p>you know what i see in it? kit car. </p>
<p>hello david hasselhoff and kit car. rigid in an 80s optimist prime sort of way. cool back when i was a helluvalot younger than i currently am.</p>
<p>K.I.T.T. Knight Industries Two Thousand? KITT's voice was William Daniels, also of St. Elsewhere fame.</p>
<p>Even that car had more style than this. Sorry guys.</p>
<p>That's what I need for my MCS, a set of KITT lights in the scoop! </p>
<p>…RB</p>