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Rewind a bit: After over-engineering (overthinking?) a previous project<\/strong><\/a> (that I ended up removing a few months later), recently I got interested again in some sort of electronics dash mounting solution \u2013 this time anchored in the center-top dash area of my truck. After some browsing and some well-timed email newsletters in my inbox, I ended up buying two of the currently available flush-mount options for the 2nd<\/sup> Gen Frontier: The Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions RubiGrid<\/strong><\/a><\/span> and the Z1-Off-Road Dash Platform<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. (Technically there is a third option from ICS-Fab<\/strong>, but it is a raised, universal-type platform that looks generic and does not sit flush with the Frontier dash top.)<\/p>\n Since I had both in hand, I thought I\u2019d do a comparison of the two options \u2013 not only to decide which one I liked better, but so that others can decide for themselves which one might fit their needs as well. So let’s get to it: staying true to the head-to-head format, I will be comparing each dash panel to each other in multiple categories, then determining an overall winner.<\/p>\n Alrightythen, let\u2019s start with some product information and initial thoughts:<\/p>\n Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions RubiGrid<\/strong><\/span> The RubiGrid arrives in some very nice packaging, and inside the box I found the following:<\/p>\n \u2026Also included were these two things:<\/p>\n Okay, the branded keyring is a nice, standard piece of merch\u2026 but the fake bullet bottle opener? I get it \u2013 it matches the brand name (which I was slowly seeing an abundance of), but is this really necessary? Did someone at the company think this would be some cool thing, like those fake rubber ball sacks that mall crawler bros hang from the bottom of their diesel trucks?<\/p>\n Z1-Off-Road Dash Platform<\/span> Compared to the fancy packaging and presentation of the RubiGrid<\/strong>, the Z1 platform<\/strong> arrives in a bare, clinically plain white box with the Z-1 branding literally taped on (not even printed on the box!). I would have taken a photo of the unboxing but when I cut the packing tape to open it up, the whole box just fell flat. Unlike the Rubigrid<\/strong> packaging, the Dash Panel parts were just wrapped in white foam sheets taped closed. The contents were as follows:<\/p>\n Wait \u2013 that\u2019s it? For $79.99? What the hell? Unfortunately, yes \u2013 for twice the price of the RubiGrid<\/strong>, there isn\u2019t much to see here with the Z1 Platform<\/strong>. You don\u2019t get any type of mounting ball, you don\u2019t get any installation tools\u2026 you don\u2019t even get printed instructions; instead, you just get a QR code linked to the Internet to an installation video where some of the steps involved some tool Mickey-Mousing (more on this later).<\/p>\n In terms of initial cost, the RubiGrid<\/strong> gives you a lot in the box (and maybe something you don\u2019t want) for half the price of the Z1 Platform<\/strong>. As of this moment (early in the testing) I find it hard to explain why the Z1 Platform<\/strong> costs twice as much when it comes with a lot less. RubiGrid<\/strong> wins this round, easily. (Note: I excluded packaging, and only considered the actual contents when deciding on value)<\/p>\n INITIAL VALUE GOES TO: BulletPoint RubiGrid<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Z1 Platform<\/strong><\/span> According to the product description, the Z1 Platform<\/strong> assembly has a \u201cdurable UV-resistant powder coat\u201d and the included 90-degree arm is stainless steel. All three parts are very stiff, and the edges are all finished nicely. The powder coat finish is fine, but it could have been better. The installation hardware is stainless steel (good), and I like how Z1 chose larger M6 bolts to mount the platform to the dash bin. The upper platform has a small, discrete screen printed Z1 logo. I prefer small, discrete logos – with the option of larger logos (i.e. decals). some people need to put their branded gear on blast, but usually I don’t.<\/p>\n Bulletpoint RubiGrid<\/strong><\/span> The Rubigrid<\/strong> and bracket have a nice, textured finish that looks and feels durable \u2013 it has a very similar feel to factory spray-in bedliner. The upper plate has many mounting slots, making it slightly flexible until it’s bolted to the mounting bracket. Four Philips screws hold the two pieces together.<\/p>\n In terms of construction and quality, the Z1 Platform<\/strong> is to offer increased stiffness in specific areas, though its finish is merely average. The RubiGrid<\/strong>, on the other, features a superior finish – but the upper plate has slightly more flexibility due to the numerous machined slots. This is a tie.<\/p>\n CONSTRUCTION QUALITY: Tie<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Both options require drilling into the OEM dash bin. To prepare for this comparison I purchased a couple of extra OEM Nissan # 68252-9BF0A<\/strong> \u2013 more commonly known as the \u2018center dash top bin\u2019 that is above the head unit:<\/p>\n Bulletpoint RubiGrid<\/strong><\/span> <\/p>\n This part of the installation took less than 10 minutes \u2013 I didn\u2019t even have to get my drill bit set, as Bulletpoint provided the correct size drill bit (nice). When attached together, the dash bin + mounting bracket is very solid. The inclusion of locknuts was another nice touch, allowing me to snug the fasteners up without needing any thread locking compound. All that was left was to snap the dash bin back into the truck, and when I did I was greeted with\u2026 an uneven rear edge. Turns out that the locknuts contacted the dashboard\u2019s inner bracing! However this was addressed by Bulletpoint – remember how they included two drill bits in the package? The larger drill bit was specifically to be used to drill into the dash inner bracing to allow the locknuts to have clearance, as shown below:<\/p>\n With the two holes drilled into the dash inner brace, I attached the RubiGrid<\/strong> to the bracket and snapped everything into place, completing the simple, quick, and easy installation:<\/p>\n Z1 Platform<\/strong><\/span> Next, install the mounting bracket in the center dash, using the existing screw to secure it in place:<\/p>\n So far so good, right? Well\u2026<\/p>\n \u2026this is the part that got a little annoying\/frustrating. To attach the upper platform, you must line up the three holes in the upper panel with the three holes in the dash, down to the three clip nuts in the bracket, then thread the three stainless steel bolts to the clip nuts \u2013 with the OEM bin barely hovering above the dash. (If that sounds complicated, look at Z1\u2019s installation video around the 4:40 mark.) They even mentioned that this part of the install would take \u201ca little bit of patience\u201d\u2026 but it took more than that. The few times I got the rear bolt threaded in (like they showed in the video), I would have no visibility to get the front two bolts aligned. No matter what I tried I could not get the front bolts threaded, after many, many attempts, I used my phone to take an overhead-view photo of the dash bin area, and this is what I saw:<\/p>\n Mind you, I did follow Z1’s own video instructions when marking the holes to drill. Turns out that the clip nuts were pushed as far forward as possible, but it was still not aligned with the holes I drilled. At this point I was annoyed that what looked like a 10-minute install was now approaching half an hour (the installation video had a lot of jump cuts during this portion\u2026 hrm?) so since this was a test bin anyways, I resolved the problem by slotting the mounting holes with my trusty Dremel:<\/p>\n That did the trick. I finally got the Z1 Platform bolted into the dash:<\/p>\n So both installations had some things to take care of, though the Z1 Platform<\/strong> took that to another level. Needless to say, the ease of installation goes to the RubiGrid<\/strong>. Luckily for the Z1 Platform<\/strong>, there are no negative points allowed in the scoring.<\/p>\n EASE OF INSTALLATION GOES TO: RubiGrid<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Z1 Platform<\/strong><\/span> I really like how the Z1 sits in the center dash. Looks great!<\/p>\n Bulletpoint RubiGrid<\/span> Because of this position, you can see how the flat RubiGrid<\/strong> panel does not match the curvature of the OEM dash bin. It is pronounced enough that it is obvious that this part is aftermarket. There is also that rather noticeable \u201cRubiGrid<\/strong>\u201d emblem that is riveted to the leading edge of the upper plate. Initially I didn\u2019t have an issue with the emblem, but during testing I discovered something about this emblem that sucked:<\/p>\n The photo above does not show just how bright the glare really was, as I took the photo at a slightly different angle after pulling off the road to document this. Man, it was blindingly bright! That emblem is soft-riveted in place, so if I want to remove it, 1. It will be permanent removal, and 2. There will be two visible mounting holes just there on the panel.<\/p>\n Anyhow, if the RubiGrid<\/strong> platform was positioned lower by just 6-7mm, it could have looked really nice and almost OEM stealth. However it sits up high as shown, and the cosmetic emblem may require sunglasses in the summer. In terms of dash fitment the Z1 Platform<\/strong> definitely takes win here. (I did not factor in the emblem glare when judging, it was just an observation that I felt I should mention)<\/p>\n THE BETTER DASH FITMENT GOES TO: Z1 Platform<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Looks are just one aspect, now let\u2019s get down to actual functionality. Both panels are designed to allow you to install various types of mounts to hold your gear, and both panels take two different approaches to the options available. These grids were designed for versatility, and during testing I went a little overboard trying (and buying more!) a bunch of different fixtures and mounts:<\/p>\n Bulletpoint RubiGrid<\/strong><\/span>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid02.jpg\")
<\/p>\nI. Initial Value<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n<\/u><\/strong>Since I ordered this one first (and then let it sit in the box for about 2 months because I forgot about it), we\u2019ll start here. The Bulletpoint Mounting Solutions RubiGrid<\/strong> is available in 9 different configurations; I went with the basic lowest cost configuration ($39.99) since I had a collection of adjustable AMPS arms and sockets and so forth from the previous dash accessory mount project.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid03.jpg\")
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\n<\/strong>Switching over to what I will refer to from here on out as the \u201cZ1 Platform\u201d, the Z1 Off-Road Dash Platform<\/strong> offers two versions \u2013 one for the 2005-2008 Frontier, and the one I have for the 2009-2021. You can purchase the Z1 Platform<\/strong> by itself, or optionally include either a non-charging magnetic mount for an additional $10, or a charging magnetic mount for an additional $25. Not bad right? However,\u2026 I almost forgot to mention a key detail here: the base Z1 Platform<\/strong> package has an MSRP of\u2026 $79.99! Wowzers.<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid06.jpg\")
<\/p>\nII. Construction\/Component Quality<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nThe main upper plate of the Z1 Platform<\/strong> measures in at 2.84mm thick, and when weighed with the mounting bracket (plus only the hardware needed to attach the two pieces together) the Z1 Platform<\/strong> tips the scale at 1 pound, 0.9 ounces:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid07.jpg\")
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\nSwitching over to the RubiGrid<\/strong>, I measured the main upper plate of the RubiGrid<\/strong> at 2.74mm, and when weighed with the mounting bracket (plus only the hardware needed to attach the two pieces together) the RubiGrid<\/strong> is slightly heavier at 1 pound, 3 ounces. Note that although the upper plate is lighter than the Z1 platform, the bulk of the RubiGrid\u2019s<\/strong> weight is from the solid metal mounting bracket:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid09.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nIII. Ease of Installation<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid11.jpg\")
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\nThe RubiGrid<\/strong>\u2019s instructions were pretty straight-forward: drill five holes, attach the lower mounting plate with some bolts\/screws, and it is good to go. So that\u2019s what I did:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid12a.jpg\")
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\nOn the other hand\u2026 installation of the\u00a0Z1 Platform<\/strong>\u00a0really tested my patience. The beginning steps were quick and easy \u2013 per their video instructions, \u201csimply\u201d mark and drill three holes into the dash bin. Then trim the plastic underneath the OEM bin to allow for mounting bracket clearance. Side note for Z1: someone buy Simon a proper reamer (watch the video, you\u2019ll see why). Better yet, a whole tool set since to “cut” the plastic bits they used linesman pliers. I however, used actual flush cut pliers because you know \u2013 I\u2019m cutting something:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid17.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nIV. Dash Fitment<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nWith the installation procedures completed, how do they actually look? If this was the only thing to compare, the Z1 Platform<\/strong> would win simply because of the small details – for example, the top platform has a larger radius curve at the rear to match the contours of the OEM dash bin perfectly. Also, Z1 chose to position the top surface of the Z1 Platform<\/strong>\u00a0just below the inside curvature of the bin. This slight recess looks very clean, and could pass for OEM if it didn\u2019t have the Z1 logo on top:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid22.jpg\")
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\n<\/strong>Switching over to the RubiGrid<\/strong>, it also had the correct radius on the corners, but the RubiGrid panel itself sits too high for my taste:<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid23.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid24.jpg\")
<\/p>\nV. Versatility<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.projectkeira.com\/home\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/raine_ft_grid25.jpg\")
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\nThe RubiGrid’s<\/strong> \u00a0upper plate is specifically designed to be compatible with AMPS mounting fixtures. The Attachment Mounting Pattern Standard (AMPS) is an industry-standard mounting pattern adopted by numerous aftermarket brands, including RAM, Garmin, Arkon,<\/strong> and Bulletpoint<\/strong> (ofbviously). By basing the RubiGrid<\/strong> on this prevalent bolt pattern, users have access to a wide range of mounts and fixtures that are already available and AMPS compatible. Consequently, the RubiGrid features multiple horizontal rows of cutouts, providing versatile mounting options from the rear to the front.<\/p>\n
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