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Best full body protection (mostly back+sides, no cases!)

I've used Ghost Armor for all of my products ever since my Blackberry days. Completely clear - doesn't effect screen quality at all. Doesn't orange peel on the sides (on my 4s I had mine on for 10 months before I got it replaced for only $10).

I have the front/back on my phone. Decided against the sides because the actual bevel surrounding the phone doesn't chip or scratch easily. It's actually the edges which aren't protected even with full body protection.
 
I've been a fan of BestSkinsEver BSE for years. I'm using BSE with an eBay bumper with metal buttons for iPhone 5.
 
ARMizApple said:
As the title says, what have you guys had good results with? Bodyguardz? Ghost Armor? Im thinking about going SGP for the front, just need back+sides mainly.
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i was always a big fan of Ghost Armor, as opposed to ZAGG. although, ive used both before and would say either one should do. ive used GA on all of my old blackberry phones.
 
Phantom Skinz website sucks hairy m4nb4lls. Its so bad. Its crazy.

I cant find sh14t on that website. Besides, what does screenprotector have to do with what carrier you are using ? Thats the dumbest shop on the internet, ever.

I want ONLY the back and the sides since I got the glass.t on the front (from spigen).
So basically thats all I need. Phantom Skinz is the only place who offers only BACK and SIDES.
 
Adutrumque said:
...
So basically thats all I need. Phantom Skinz is the only place who offers only BACK and SIDES.
Click to expand...
just an FYI, bodyguardz offers only back & sides. same with Ghost Armor... basically i think most companies offer your choice of full coverage, front only, or back & sides only.
 
Adutrumque said:
Phantom Skinz website sucks hairy m4nb4lls. Its so bad. Its crazy.

I cant find sh14t on that website. Besides, what does screenprotector have to do with what carrier you are using ? Thats the dumbest shop on the internet, ever.

I want ONLY the back and the sides since I got the glass.t on the front (from spigen).
So basically thats all I need. Phantom Skinz is the only place who offers only BACK and SIDES.
Click to expand...

BSE offers back and sides, http://www.bestskinsever.com/iphone-5-skin. Look for the body skin.
 
iBaloney said:
Are there any dry back-only protectors other than wrapsol and zagg?
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Well, there's bodyguardz but I have seen mixed reviews about them. I would also stay far away from zagg. I am in a similar situation as you are, I don't really like the idea of a wet install.

Edit: I see that you are looking for back only. I don't know if you want the sides, but bodyguards is still an option as you can buy the back+sides package and not use the sides.
 
ARMizApple said:
Well, there's bodyguardz but I have seen mixed reviews about them. I would also stay far away from zagg. I am in a similar situation as you are, I don't really like the idea of a wet install.

Edit: I see that you are looking for back only. I don't know if you want the sides, but bodyguards is still an option as you can buy the back+sides package and not use the sides.
Click to expand...

I just noticed that the bodyguardz full body set is dry install, but the back + sides only is wet install.

What's your experience with zagg? I notice that they sell a stand alone back protector that's dry install. May have to settle for that or wrapsol I guess
 
ARMizApple said:
Well, there's bodyguardz but I have seen mixed reviews about them. I would also stay far away from zagg. I am in a similar situation as you are, I don't really like the idea of a wet install.

Edit: I see that you are looking for back only. I don't know if you want the sides, but bodyguards is still an option as you can buy the back+sides package and not use the sides.
Click to expand...
is bodyguardz 50 precent off, how much total for back + sides?
 
iBaloney said:
I just noticed that the bodyguardz full body set is dry install, but the back + sides only is wet install.

What's your experience with zagg? I notice that they sell a stand alone back protector that's dry install. May have to settle for that or wrapsol I guess
Click to expand...

You have it mixed up. They allow you to do either the wet or the dry. They recommend a wet install for the screen and a dry install for the back and sides. How do I know? I have it and read the instructions. My iPhone 5 should arrive today, I'll post photos if I remember.

My personal experience with Zagg wasn't that great. Got the orange peel effect on the back and front of my iPhone 4, and the side install was a real pain, then it all peeled off after a couple of weeks. Customer service is good, but I would stay away from Zagg.
 
ARMizApple said:
As the title says, what have you guys had good results with? Bodyguardz? Ghost Armor? Im thinking about going SGP for the front, just need back+sides mainly.
Click to expand...

I have found the ghost armor is literally the best. They have recently redesigned it is thinner and reduces fingerprint smudges etc. Check your local mall. They may have a kiosk there where they can install it for you.
 
I have used Stealth Armor for years, originally because they were close to where I lived. I've never had a problem, replacements are fast and easy. Plus, if you're near their office, the service is quick and cheap. I'm going to get it put on the 5 tomorrow.
 
I've had Skinomi from Amazon for a couple days now and the install went perfect (wet). It was easy and barely used any liquid to install. Why is everyone so apprehensive with wet installs? Just asking.

BTW, the Skinomi is way better than Zagg in terms of feel. I have SGP in the front and Skinomi in the back. However, I miss the feel of the aluminum when i hold the phone. It gives it a feeling of elegance over the the skins IMO. I may just take it off...will give it a couple more days but give Skinomi a try. Can't go wrong for $3. :)
 
apprunner said:
I've had Skinomi from Amazon for a couple days now and the install went perfect (wet). It was easy and barely used any liquid to install. Why is everyone so apprehensive with wet installs? Just asking.

BTW, the Skinomi is way better than Zagg in terms of feel. I have SGP in the front and Skinomi in the back. However, I miss the feel of the aluminum when i hold the phone. It gives it a feeling of elegance over the the skins IMO. I may just take it off...will give it a couple more days but give Skinomi a try. Can't go wrong for $3. :)
Click to expand...

Can you provide a picture?
 
Tadros86 said:
You have it mixed up. They allow you to do either the wet or the dry. They recommend a wet install for the screen and a dry install for the back and sides. How do I know? I have it and read the instructions.
Click to expand...

Well they do a good job of confusing the customer because if you go to the webpage, they specify 'back and sides only' option as a "wet apply" while their other 2 options are "with gel or dry."

I ordered an SGP oleophobic for the front and Best Skins Ever for the sides + back, seems to be a foolproof and cost effective combination.
 
floss said:
Well they do a good job of confusing the customer because if you go to the webpage, they specify 'back and sides only' option as a "wet apply" while their other 2 options are "with gel or dry."

I ordered an SGP oleophobic for the front and Best Skins Ever for the sides + back, seems to be a foolproof and cost effective combination.
Click to expand...

Let me know how it is. Hopefully the bodyguardz works fine. I'm actually PO'd because they released a "bumper friendly" version literally a week after I ordered my regular version. smh.
 
I got this from Switcheasy Customer Service about the Pure+ Protects:

Hello there,

Thank you for your email. Yes, all the Screen Protectors offered for the iPhone5 will be up online for purchase shortly. We have received all shipments of the Screen Protectors, so once up online they will be ready for immediate purchase and shipping.

Thanks again,
 
With the release of SGP's back protector today, I am not that impressed with the selection of dry install skins so I am opening my horizon to a wet install. So with that being said, whats the best you've tried? I hear BSE, phantomskinz... BSE seems like a good deal and cheap too! Post up pics of your skins!
 
I'm a huge fan of the skin+sleeve combination. This way the device is protected against drops (except when I'm using it, I know, but I'm just careful) and also scratches even when in use. I think it is a good compromise, the device is protected but you keep the look & feel of the phone.
I have an iPad 3 with Power Support on the front and Best Skins Ever on the back, and I used to have an iPhone 4S with Power Support on the front and the back. Never liked to use these for the sides, because the feeling of the aluminium is lost.

The iPhone 4(s) was made entirely of glass, so putting on a high quality body protector, glass-like, was enough to protect it without even noticing that it's there. The feeling is exactly the same, the look is exactly the same.

This only applies to the front on the iPhone 5 (I already got a couple of SGP ultra crystal protectors). I've been looking at back protectors, and actually I was thinking about ordering a BSE set, but a few things are pushing me away from back protectors:

-The back is almost entirely made of aluminium, so putting on a skin that is made of a different material (plastic in this case) kind of defeats this.

-Since the back has two different materials and the surface is not smooth, dry installs are NOT an option, since you'll see bubbles and imperfections everywhere. Not a huge fan of wet installs but I think they are a better option this time around.

-Most brands use a 3 piece design for the back. I think we should avoid these, it's hard to get them properly aligned, and they will leave gaps which will grab dust easily in a few weeks.

The second and the third points can by avoided by purchasing something like the BSE back. The first one is something you'll just have to put up with. Since they are so cheap I might get one, but I'm still considering whether to install it or not.

I'm 99% sure I won't install anything on the sides, just like I did with my iPhone 4S for the same reason. Since they come with the back I might take a look anyway.

This is my opinion. I think you'll only be able to fully enjoy the iPhone 5 by installing a screen protector on the front and using a sleeve to carry it around.
 
gsugolfer said:
You don't think the wet install could cause long term damage on the aluminum back?
Click to expand...

Well since the back is anodized aluminum, probably not. But I think its a good idea to go with dry installs when you can, but there just aren't that many options yet for the iphone 5.
 
ARMizApple said:
Well since the back is anodized aluminum, probably not. But I think its a good idea to go with dry installs when you can, but there just aren't that many options yet for the iphone 5.
Click to expand...

I have a dry one on there now, and it's not BAD looking or anything, but it's glossy. I'd prefer a matte one.
 
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