Manfrotto magic arm vs variable friction

[madsmeskalin]

For those of you who have used both of these arms from Manfrotto, which one would you recommend? I gathered that the magic arms gives a bit of a jolt/shock when you lock it, which may put the projector out of position. But much of an issue is that really? Is the variable arm less secure?

Also I wondered;
is there any piece of equipment I can use to connect the magic arm to a piece of wood? Any adaptors/connectors?

Thanks alot guys!