Is the a fake Draco case or is that purchased from retailer. Also can you link the website where your purchased it?
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Deff Cleave/DRACO IV Aluminum Bumper for iPhone 4 Discussion & Questions Thread
- Thread starter Austin M.
- Start date
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SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
For those who have owned this case for at least a few weeks, can you report on its durability? I read that the paint starts to chip after a few weeks. That worries me because I thought the color was part of the anodization process rather than being painted on?
have had mine for about a month now in black...no paint issues for me lol no chipping of any sort. durability is pretty good imo.
the proof is in the pics
well... I guess I can't use it
The phone on the left has a tight leather case that leaves the top and bottom exposed.
The phone in the middle has the candyshell I think.. it's a speck
The phone on the left (mine) has the deff cleave
The phone taking the picture has nothing and a cracked screen 🙂
I should clear up that even though my phone gets a bar, it cannot make calls or actually get anything from the 3G network. I had my friend text me these pics and I didn't actually get them until I went home and took of the case. That's right, neither there nor out driving, nor at my house... until I took off the case.
I live in the capital of Ohio and was obviously (as demonstrated by the left phone) in a good reception area.
*YES I TRIED THIS WITH AND WITHOUT the SGP antenna skin... no difference*
Anyone want to buy a cheap deff cleave?
edit
I wanted to throw a couple more things on here:
1. the -130 reading is ridiculously low, to be fair I usually hover at 75ish and go to 88ish at work *4th floor GREAT RECEPTION*. While at home I go from 85ish to 105ish.
88 is not great, and over 100 I can't make or receive calls even though it shows one bar.
2. This case looks awesome. But it turns my phone (and my wife's) into an ipod... no fun.
3. Wireless is barely affected, as it's very strong in our home and most places you go. But I guess if you were borrowing your neighbor's, you might lose it.
well... I guess I can't use it
The phone on the left has a tight leather case that leaves the top and bottom exposed.
The phone in the middle has the candyshell I think.. it's a speck
The phone on the left (mine) has the deff cleave
The phone taking the picture has nothing and a cracked screen 🙂
I should clear up that even though my phone gets a bar, it cannot make calls or actually get anything from the 3G network. I had my friend text me these pics and I didn't actually get them until I went home and took of the case. That's right, neither there nor out driving, nor at my house... until I took off the case.
I live in the capital of Ohio and was obviously (as demonstrated by the left phone) in a good reception area.
*YES I TRIED THIS WITH AND WITHOUT the SGP antenna skin... no difference*
Anyone want to buy a cheap deff cleave?
edit
I wanted to throw a couple more things on here:
1. the -130 reading is ridiculously low, to be fair I usually hover at 75ish and go to 88ish at work *4th floor GREAT RECEPTION*. While at home I go from 85ish to 105ish.
88 is not great, and over 100 I can't make or receive calls even though it shows one bar.
2. This case looks awesome. But it turns my phone (and my wife's) into an ipod... no fun.
3. Wireless is barely affected, as it's very strong in our home and most places you go. But I guess if you were borrowing your neighbor's, you might lose it.
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SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
Eager Beaver
macrumors 6502a
So what's the word Scary and Gay, did you get your order?
How does it look, are you happy with it?
SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
The case should arrive sometime later this week, my impatient and semi-aquatic friend!
Either way, dracodesignusa.com emailed me back to confirm that itrendystuff.com is an authorized seller.
-SGD
Just a quick notice to anyone that's been trying to but the LE version of the case. I'd highly advise you to hold off for a little file. I've had a plethora of problems (scratching, very weak aluminum, hard to get on) and Draco is looking into the problem. I'll post some pictures hater of what I am talking about to show some of the cosmetical problems of the LE version of the case.
For Sale?
Looks like a lot of people are disappointed in this bumper. Anybody looking to sell their REAL DracoIV in either red or black? I may be interested in trying it out.
Looks like a lot of people are disappointed in this bumper. Anybody looking to sell their REAL DracoIV in either red or black? I may be interested in trying it out.
I have a white knock-off Cleave from China and an original white Draco IV I bought from iGearUSA.
Original White Limited Edition Draco IV
Paddings around all four corners of the case.
Original side view
Knock-off side view (I put the foam padding that was included on the case myself)
Original
Knock-off
Original
Knock-off
Original White Limited Edition Draco IV
Paddings around all four corners of the case.
Original side view
Knock-off side view (I put the foam padding that was included on the case myself)
Original
Knock-off
Original
Knock-off
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SchneiderMan
macrumors G3
Haven't had any issues with mine so far and I've been using it relentlessly. Definitely a quality issue though with yours.
SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
Okay, I bought 2 Draco IV cases - one in black and another in gray. The gray looked NOTHING like any of the photos I've seen, but I'm pretty sure it's not a fake because I bought them from authorized sellers. The gray looked like silver with a weird iridescent sheen, and the barcode on the packagingdid say "gray." WTF???
Anyway, other than that complaint, I found the quality to be really good. I also found the fit to be great. The rattling is indeed there though. The top button also sits flush against the case, so if you want it to stick out, put several layers of tape over the iPhone on/off button.
Reception did drop slightly, but it doesn't get worse when you hold it (essentially, see Field Test results below).
Also, there IS lay/lip for both the back and front. It's just very slight -- like maybe 1 mm as the manufacturer has stated on page 1 of this thread.
My overall impressions: Great case with 1 minor defect. The gray I received may have also been a defective batch. I wouldn't be surprised if most of other people's complaints are either flukes or due to them buying fakes.
Naked and not holding: -84 (4 bars)
Naked and holding: No Service (0 bars)
Naked and not holding again: -84 (4 bars)
With i+Case on and not holding: -96 (3 bars)
With i+Case on and holding: No Service (0 bars)
With i+Case on and not holding again: shoots right back up to -93 (3 bars) within seconds
With Draco IV and not holding: -96 (3 bars)
With Draco IV and holding: immediately dropped to -130 but then after 5 seconds, it went back up to -99 (2 bars)! The new 4S antenna band functionality (being able to switch antenna) works with the Draco IV but not with the i+Case or when it's naked?
With Draco IV and not holding again: -94 (3 bars)
-SGD
Anyway, other than that complaint, I found the quality to be really good. I also found the fit to be great. The rattling is indeed there though. The top button also sits flush against the case, so if you want it to stick out, put several layers of tape over the iPhone on/off button.
Reception did drop slightly, but it doesn't get worse when you hold it (essentially, see Field Test results below).
Also, there IS lay/lip for both the back and front. It's just very slight -- like maybe 1 mm as the manufacturer has stated on page 1 of this thread.
My overall impressions: Great case with 1 minor defect. The gray I received may have also been a defective batch. I wouldn't be surprised if most of other people's complaints are either flukes or due to them buying fakes.
Field Test results
Carrier: T-Mobile
Naked and not holding: -84 (4 bars)
Naked and holding: No Service (0 bars)
Naked and not holding again: -84 (4 bars)
With i+Case on and not holding: -96 (3 bars)
With i+Case on and holding: No Service (0 bars)
With i+Case on and not holding again: shoots right back up to -93 (3 bars) within seconds
With Draco IV and not holding: -96 (3 bars)
With Draco IV and holding: immediately dropped to -130 but then after 5 seconds, it went back up to -99 (2 bars)! The new 4S antenna band functionality (being able to switch antenna) works with the Draco IV but not with the i+Case or when it's naked?
With Draco IV and not holding again: -94 (3 bars)
-SGD
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SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
I'd like to know too. That way, if my real Draco takes a fall to save my iPhone, I don't have to spend another $70 for a case.
-SGD
Hi guys,
Differences between the fake and original..
Appearance: The overall shape are basically 99% the same. There are two versions of the knock-off. One is completely the same as the original, and the newer version of the knock off.. (the one I have in the pictures above) are designed for better fit for the iPhone 4S.
I work in the autobody refinishing industry, and can tell that the fake one's paint finish is not as nice as the original. The original has a smoother paint finish while the fake one is little rougher. The white color is a little different too, but it's not really a big issue. For the price difference, the knock-off is definitely worth it if you just want to have a backup in case your original gets damaged. My friend was holding on to the fake and original one side by side and can't tell the difference.. just to give you guys an idea 😛
The buttons of the replica is high quality too and doesn't feel cheap at all. Although the original buttons have a nicer texture (circles) at the top while the replica is just flat.
I'd give the replica a score 8.5/10 compared to the original. It definitely looks good compared to all other cases out there.
Fitment: Fitment is perfect. No gap anywhere.. just perfect. Same as original.
Reception: Once again.. same as original. As with all aluminum cases, it'll weaken your reception. I definitely notice the reception difference in places where the the signal is not as strong.. (e.g. 3 bars with case off).. those weaker reception areas, sometimes I'd get 1 bar or no service even when I wrapped my whole phone with 3M double sided tape. (I've only had this happen to me once at a restaurant in the mall near the parking lot. The area is well known for bad reception though.. so I wouldn't really worry too much about it.. I had to walk outside the restaurant to get a stronger signal to receive/make phone call)
But areas with 4-5 bars, I'd have no problems.. sometimes it'll drop to 3 bars and 3G slows down.. but, most of the time, it stays in 4-5 bars in good reception areas.
Overall.. I'd recommend the people that like this case buy the original first.. and maybe buy a replica just in case your original gets damaged in the future.
Enjoy the case and have a Happy New Year guys! 😀
Differences between the fake and original..
Appearance: The overall shape are basically 99% the same. There are two versions of the knock-off. One is completely the same as the original, and the newer version of the knock off.. (the one I have in the pictures above) are designed for better fit for the iPhone 4S.
I work in the autobody refinishing industry, and can tell that the fake one's paint finish is not as nice as the original. The original has a smoother paint finish while the fake one is little rougher. The white color is a little different too, but it's not really a big issue. For the price difference, the knock-off is definitely worth it if you just want to have a backup in case your original gets damaged. My friend was holding on to the fake and original one side by side and can't tell the difference.. just to give you guys an idea 😛
The buttons of the replica is high quality too and doesn't feel cheap at all. Although the original buttons have a nicer texture (circles) at the top while the replica is just flat.
I'd give the replica a score 8.5/10 compared to the original. It definitely looks good compared to all other cases out there.
Fitment: Fitment is perfect. No gap anywhere.. just perfect. Same as original.
Reception: Once again.. same as original. As with all aluminum cases, it'll weaken your reception. I definitely notice the reception difference in places where the the signal is not as strong.. (e.g. 3 bars with case off).. those weaker reception areas, sometimes I'd get 1 bar or no service even when I wrapped my whole phone with 3M double sided tape. (I've only had this happen to me once at a restaurant in the mall near the parking lot. The area is well known for bad reception though.. so I wouldn't really worry too much about it.. I had to walk outside the restaurant to get a stronger signal to receive/make phone call)
But areas with 4-5 bars, I'd have no problems.. sometimes it'll drop to 3 bars and 3G slows down.. but, most of the time, it stays in 4-5 bars in good reception areas.
Overall.. I'd recommend the people that like this case buy the original first.. and maybe buy a replica just in case your original gets damaged in the future.
Enjoy the case and have a Happy New Year guys! 😀
SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
Sorry I'm not sure what the "Extension buttons" are.
I was looking at the "Sleep/Lock" button for reference when I was looking at the difference in the buttons.. I think that's what you're asking about.
There's two versions of the knock off.
One is exactly the same as the original, and the newer version.. the one that I have, has the cut out that works better for the iPhone 4S. (even though the old design still works good with the iPhone 4S..)
These are the original volume buttons
notice the circle grooves on the volume buttons.. the knock offs are just smooth and flat with no grooves..
that's all.. most people won't even see that! lol 😛
sorry I gave away my knock off one to my friend so I can't take a picture of the replica buttons.. I have an older design replica coming from China.. this one is suppose to be the same as the original with all the buttons..
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SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
This photo of your knock off shows cut outs:
So these photos must be of the other knock off version? It's too bad we don't have photos of the other version.
Munkypoo7
macrumors 6502
SCARY GAY DAD
macrumors 6502
I'm all for this too.
Someone should create one at kickstarter. I'm sure it will be a huge hit and even possibly start a new (positive) trend with new bumper styles.
I bought this case for my 4S and have been using it for about 2 week now. Its a beautiful case and the quality is great. I do however notice a significant loss in reception/signal. I purchased it from igearUSA so it is an authentic case. I got the black version and it is starting to lose its color around the corners, not too bad yet but it is showing its signs of use.
I may be moving on from this case so if anyone is interested in trying it out and getting it for a good deal, please let me know.
Its the perfect case for me when it comes to aesthetics, style, and design but I can not keep it any longer.
I have been using this case for about 2 weeks now so please let me know if you have any questions I can help with.
I may be moving on from this case so if anyone is interested in trying it out and getting it for a good deal, please let me know.
Its the perfect case for me when it comes to aesthetics, style, and design but I can not keep it any longer.
I have been using this case for about 2 weeks now so please let me know if you have any questions I can help with.
Seconded. Problem for me is that only at work or outside do I get 5 bars. Inside the house or most indoor places 3-4 is the norm. That means 1(no service)-2(broken service) with the case.
🙁