Honest Reviews. Expert Advice. Better Fishing
RAM-114 Tube Rod Holder
Ball-and-socket tube with total angle control
- Patented rubber ball-and-socket arm rotates and tilts to any angle
- Self-draining open tube fits the butt of most rods
- Open-side channel lets you drop the rod in and lift it out fast
- High-strength composite build handles hard strikes and snags
Some anglers set a rod holder once and never touch the angle again. If that is not you, the RAM-114 Tube Rod Holder is worth a serious look. Its whole reason for being is adjustability, and the patented ball-and-socket system delivers it better than almost anything else in the category.
The heart of the design is RAM’s rubber ball, socket and ratcheting arm. You rotate the tube a full 360 degrees, tilt the cradle forward and back, and then lock it down firmly at the exact angle you want. For trolling spreads or matching a rod to a specific current line, that level of control is a real advantage over fixed holders.
The tube itself is an open-side design, so you drop the rod butt in and lift it out quickly rather than threading it down a closed sleeve. It is self-draining, which keeps water from pooling against your rod, and the high-strength composite is built to shrug off the load of a hard strike or a bottom snag while trolling.
Where RAM really separates itself is the modular base ecosystem. The tube and arm mount to a wide range of bases, including bulkhead, flat-surface and track options, so the same holder works on a kayak, a bass boat or a center console. That flexibility is exactly why paddle anglers gravitate to the system.
The trade-offs are cost and complexity. The tube, arm and base are frequently sold as separate components, so you need to spec the full assembly and expect to pay more than a plain flush-mount tube. For casual fishing it can feel like more holder than the job needs, but for anglers who fine-tune constantly it earns every dollar.
Bottom line: The RAM-114 is our editor’s choice for adjustability, offering ratcheting ball-and-socket control and a modular base system that adapts to nearly any boat or kayak.
Specifications
| Type | Open-side tube holder |
| Mount Style | RAM ball-and-socket base (multiple base options) |
| Material | High-strength composite |
| Adjustment | 360-degree rotation with ratcheting cradle tilt |
| Rod Compatibility | Spinning, casting and conventional reels |
| Best For | Anglers who reposition rods constantly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the RAM ball-and-socket different?
The patented rubber ball, socket and ratcheting arm let you rotate the tube 360 degrees and tilt the cradle forward and back, then lock it firmly at almost any angle you choose.
Does the RAM-114 include a base?
Configurations vary. Many listings sell the tube and arm separately from the base, so confirm whether a bulkhead, flat-surface or track base is included before buying.
Will it fit a kayak?
Yes. The RAM component system offers bases for kayaks, boats and bulkheads, which is a large part of why the platform is so popular with paddle anglers.
Does water drain out of the tube?
The tube is self-draining, so rain and spray do not pool inside and sit against your rod butt.
Can it handle a bottom snag while trolling?
The high-strength composite is built to absorb hard strikes and the load of a bottom snag, which is a common reason anglers trust the RAM system.