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element bumper "vapor"
- Thread starter txr0ckabilly
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Guys, I've been talking a bit with Element case and wanted to share a few points.
1. The version I was sent today was apparently version 1. Element was/is aware of some of the issues with this version and stopped production of it a short while ago. I'm told only about 100 or so of the V1 units went out. When I received notification that mine had shipped I assumed I was receiving V2 since it had been sometime since they noticed the issues with V1.
2. I am being over-nighted a V2 case. Anyone who gets a V1 can have their case exchanged by Element for a V1 case at no cost.
3. The V2 had added fixes for any reception issues. It has a small slot over the SIM card and the addition of the correct sleep/awake button adds more foam to help.
4. The spacing around the edge (or daylight as I referred to it) is intentional. They created the channel to keep the case from being in direct contact with the iPhone's antenna. If stuff gets down in the channel the case should be removed and cleaned.
5. The carbon fiber piece is removable and can be reapplied. I figured this would be the case as I've used skins before but I also know they all lose their adhesiveness eventually.
6. The Element web site will be updated over the weekend with new pictures and information.
7. The new version also has a revision to the cutout for the headset jack. But I'm not sure exactly what the change is.
8. The last photos sent out were not renders. They were actual product shots.
9. I'll have a red/black version tomorrow and will post a fully updated review ASAP.
10. The "foam" isn't in reality foam. It really is a compound that does offer a certain level of shock absorption. They've done some drop tests from at least 3 feet to test.
1. The version I was sent today was apparently version 1. Element was/is aware of some of the issues with this version and stopped production of it a short while ago. I'm told only about 100 or so of the V1 units went out. When I received notification that mine had shipped I assumed I was receiving V2 since it had been sometime since they noticed the issues with V1.
2. I am being over-nighted a V2 case. Anyone who gets a V1 can have their case exchanged by Element for a V1 case at no cost.
3. The V2 had added fixes for any reception issues. It has a small slot over the SIM card and the addition of the correct sleep/awake button adds more foam to help.
4. The spacing around the edge (or daylight as I referred to it) is intentional. They created the channel to keep the case from being in direct contact with the iPhone's antenna. If stuff gets down in the channel the case should be removed and cleaned.
5. The carbon fiber piece is removable and can be reapplied. I figured this would be the case as I've used skins before but I also know they all lose their adhesiveness eventually.
6. The Element web site will be updated over the weekend with new pictures and information.
7. The new version also has a revision to the cutout for the headset jack. But I'm not sure exactly what the change is.
8. The last photos sent out were not renders. They were actual product shots.
9. I'll have a red/black version tomorrow and will post a fully updated review ASAP.
10. The "foam" isn't in reality foam. It really is a compound that does offer a certain level of shock absorption. They've done some drop tests from at least 3 feet to test.
WOW - I have to agree what a let down. There has certainly been a lot of drama over this case.
Lots of thanks go out to you lgreenberg for all the info. Do you think the Vapor 4 V2 will be worth the $80? If it lives up to the hype, a clear/leather/carbon fiber back protector would be great.
I was harsh on the Vapor after seeing the iLounge and your reviews, but maybe the V2 will be worth it.
I was harsh on the Vapor after seeing the iLounge and your reviews, but maybe the V2 will be worth it.
Larry excellent work man. Just got a chance to subscribe so keep up the awesome job.
Got to say - I'm not hugely impressed. One of my biggest annoyances with the Apple Bumper is the flex around the sides - when you grip it, you can feel the bumper flexing slightly.
While the Vapour won't flex, it has the space around the bottom, which I'd find irritating.
Looks sturdy, but not very functional..
While the Vapour won't flex, it has the space around the bottom, which I'd find irritating.
Looks sturdy, but not very functional..
I am not by nature a negative person -- far from it -- but it is starting to seem as though they are just trying things out as they go along, still in the beta stage. Maybe they're working on a V3 even as we speak!
I'm not feeling confident but I will wait to receive mine, I think, before I decide what to do.
It's not looking like I'll be getting mine any time soon anyway!
They are not inspiring my confidence at the moment.
I'm not feeling confident but I will wait to receive mine, I think, before I decide what to do.
It's not looking like I'll be getting mine any time soon anyway!
They are not inspiring my confidence at the moment.
Great review. Sadly, for $80 and poor quality control, Ill pass. Fitment looks shotty.
Thanks, again!
Thanks for the review!
The case (bumper) looks sweet! Just don't think it's worth the 80+20(Carbon Back)= $100
The case (bumper) looks sweet! Just don't think it's worth the 80+20(Carbon Back)= $100
Great review Larry.... just totally underwhelmed. It almost seems unusually thick on the top and bottom, however the sides looks fine. The gap around the screen might really bug me though. Would like to hear about any signal issues pro or con.
Regarding the gap we could always try boiling it!
You, always with the boiling. Haha.
This thing isn't looking that great anymore
The carbon fiber extends / sits above the actual case it looks like, and if the case doesn't really extend outward from the iPhone at all then if you drop it the screen / back of the iPhone is going to get screwed up (just as it would if you had no case).
disappointed
Yeah, I'm pretty disappointed by the actual pictures. The carbon fiber backing is in my opinion ugly. The foam is a joke. Oh well. I loved the renders.
I would like to hear about the signal quality and get some reviews on the scratch-resistance and droptests.
But, why not wait till an Incipio Edge comes out? I can't imagine it costing as much as the Vapor.
I got my phone yesterday and it is lovely. I've ordered a switcheasy nude until I wait for either the Edge to come out or the vapor to get better
Yeah, I'm pretty disappointed by the actual pictures. The carbon fiber backing is in my opinion ugly. The foam is a joke. Oh well. I loved the renders.
I would like to hear about the signal quality and get some reviews on the scratch-resistance and droptests.
But, why not wait till an Incipio Edge comes out? I can't imagine it costing as much as the Vapor.
I got my phone yesterday and it is lovely. I've ordered a switcheasy nude until I wait for either the Edge to come out or the vapor to get better
Yeah, looking at the real life pics put me over the edge to finally pre-order the silver/black today. Hope it doesn't take too long to ship. I was about to grab a slider, but I remember I had a free speck fitted from apple on the way and I like how that one looks instead of the slider. Now I have 3 options on which case I can switch to every week, but I'm mostly gonna switch back and forth with the vapor and speck fitted. I really hate how the rubber part of my black bumper makes the phone look/feel cheap, I don't think I'll be using it again.
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