I just received an Element Case Black Ops for my iPhone X, and in short, it’s pretty cool.
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The box the Black Ops arrives in is huge because it holds the case as well as the belt / backpack pouch/case.
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The box utilizes magnetic closures and is very well done making it ready for any Apple Store shelf. The belt / backpack pouch has loops for a belt, but also straps to snap it onto an existing backpack/musette shoulder strap. The pouch also has loops to hold a pen (not included) and an extra outside pouch for small items. Obviously, someone out in the field provided some insight into the design of this pouch.
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In order to install the case, you have to dissemble it. Using the included wrench, you have to remove the 5 screws on each side to remove the aluminum rails. The wrench comes in its own case that also includes extra screws.
Once the rails are removed, the phone pops into the TPU and polycarbonate inner case. Once the phone is inserted, reinstall the aluminum rails. The screws go through the entire TPU portion of the inner lining and thread into the opposite side of the aluminum rail -no cheap pins holding this together.
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The Black Ops also has an optional spring steel belt clip similar to what one finds on folding knives. I opted not to use the belt clip which is completely removable. Notice the series of holes drilled into the G10 resin back. These holes allow the clip height to be adjusted.
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I am very impressed with this case, and all the accompanying accessories that are included in the package.
Assembling the Black Ops case reminded me of the aluminium bumper cases that made Element Case famous. The aluminium sides provides strength against twisting/bending the phone (eg. prevents back pocket BendGate), will dissipate outside shock, and adds heft to the otherwise feather light and glass-fragile phone. The combination of TPU, polycarbonate, G10, and 6061 aluminum make this case a beast to hold. The aluminum red anodized buttons are slightly serrated for good grip and is a distinctive contrasting detail not found on many phone cases.
I have used Element Cases since the introduction of the iPhone 4 in 2010. I was drawn to Element Case’s attention to detail and design elements that are just not found in any other cases. There was a period with the iPhone 5’s where the Sector style case quality suffered, and customer support suffered during the ownership transition to STM Cases. Despite those road bumps, the Black Ops case for iPhone X takes Element Case back to its original perch above all others for designing and producing quality phone cases.
In short, taking into account all the accessories that are included in this package, the $200 for this case is well worth it.
-Sheldon
The box the Black Ops arrives in is huge because it holds the case as well as the belt / backpack pouch/case.
The box utilizes magnetic closures and is very well done making it ready for any Apple Store shelf. The belt / backpack pouch has loops for a belt, but also straps to snap it onto an existing backpack/musette shoulder strap. The pouch also has loops to hold a pen (not included) and an extra outside pouch for small items. Obviously, someone out in the field provided some insight into the design of this pouch.
In order to install the case, you have to dissemble it. Using the included wrench, you have to remove the 5 screws on each side to remove the aluminum rails. The wrench comes in its own case that also includes extra screws.
Once the rails are removed, the phone pops into the TPU and polycarbonate inner case. Once the phone is inserted, reinstall the aluminum rails. The screws go through the entire TPU portion of the inner lining and thread into the opposite side of the aluminum rail -no cheap pins holding this together.
The Black Ops also has an optional spring steel belt clip similar to what one finds on folding knives. I opted not to use the belt clip which is completely removable. Notice the series of holes drilled into the G10 resin back. These holes allow the clip height to be adjusted.
I am very impressed with this case, and all the accompanying accessories that are included in the package.
Assembling the Black Ops case reminded me of the aluminium bumper cases that made Element Case famous. The aluminium sides provides strength against twisting/bending the phone (eg. prevents back pocket BendGate), will dissipate outside shock, and adds heft to the otherwise feather light and glass-fragile phone. The combination of TPU, polycarbonate, G10, and 6061 aluminum make this case a beast to hold. The aluminum red anodized buttons are slightly serrated for good grip and is a distinctive contrasting detail not found on many phone cases.
I have used Element Cases since the introduction of the iPhone 4 in 2010. I was drawn to Element Case’s attention to detail and design elements that are just not found in any other cases. There was a period with the iPhone 5’s where the Sector style case quality suffered, and customer support suffered during the ownership transition to STM Cases. Despite those road bumps, the Black Ops case for iPhone X takes Element Case back to its original perch above all others for designing and producing quality phone cases.
In short, taking into account all the accessories that are included in this package, the $200 for this case is well worth it.
-Sheldon
