Element Case Black Ops for iPhone X

[jlczl]

Why why why for a 200$ case? All I can say is your paying for the brand and element really appreciates you

Paying for a brand? Does anyone even know the Element brand? Have you held this case in your hand? Do you think a case is just about protection? Do you have an appreciation for extreme precision, quality materials, and exceptional build quality? Lastly and critically, do 2 Ben Franklins being gone from your pocket give you anxiety? The manner in which you answer reveals if you are a candidate for this case.

 

[digitalfx]

Not paying for a brand, as nobody has heard of them. It’s a precision engineered design. Extremely well done. It’s actually starting to grow on me...it’s more an extension of the phone rather than a case. It’s not like any other case I’ve owned.

The X becomes a completely different phone with this installed...which may or may not be a good thing. It’s why I initially didn’t like it, I typically go caseless. But the longer I have this on, the more I’m liking it.

 

[Surratt14]

Paying for a brand? Does anyone even know the Element brand? Have you held this case in your hand? Do you think a case is just about protection? Do you have an appreciation for extreme precision, quality materials, and exceptional build quality? Lastly and critically, do 2 Ben Franklins being gone from your pocket give you anxiety? The manner in which you answer reveals if you are a candidate for this case.

Haha yes, have reviewed a few of them for previous phones. Solid cases. But out of pocket i wouldnt pay for one. 2 Ben Franklin our of my pocket don’t give me anxiety unless it’s for a phone case I simply won’t utilize for more than a year . Each their own. No need to justify yourself if your a happy camper with your purchase. Power of the internet, free will of my opinion.
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Not paying for a brand, as nobody has heard of them. It’s a precision engineered design. Extremely well done. It’s actually starting to grow on me...it’s more an extension of the phone rather than a case. It’s not like any other case I’ve owned.

The X becomes a completely different phone with this installed...which may or may not be a good thing. It’s why I initially didn’t like it, I typically go caseless. But the longer I have this on, the more I’m liking it.

That or your 200$ spent is growing on you

 

[jlczl]

Solid cases. But out of pocket i wouldnt pay for one. 2 Ben Franklin our of my pocket don’t give me anxiety unless it’s for a phone case I simply won’t utilize for more than a year .

Why why why for a 200$ case? All I can say is your paying for the brand and element really appreciates you

The following is not to justify but simply to explain, since you asked why 3 times.

Many would also say:

“Why why why $1200 for a phone? All I can say is you are paying for the brand and Apple really appreciates you ”

Do you own an iPhone X? Did you pay 2-3 times what many excellent smartphones cost these days? Even 6 times as much as some quality low budget phones? I’m guessing you did. I did too. And for something we’ll likely only use a year or two. Why?

The answer is that a product is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it and different people are willing to pay for different things based on what they enjoy and what their priorities are.

I too review cases (YouTube channel: TECH-FIGHTER) and I’ve tried tons of cases for countless phones. Some are great for the low budget they are and some are horrible even at a high price point. For example, I have 2 Apple Folio Cases in front of me and Apple sells them for $100! And let me tell you, in my opinion, they are straight up garbage and I’ll be returning them. Yet I’m sure some people really love them. Element Case produces some of the best, if not the best, cases I have ever laid hands especially on the high end even though they aren’t exempt from bombing at times too (ie RollCage).

At any rate, much like a large percentage of the world would think $1200 for a phone is ludicrous, a large percentage will likely think the same of this Element Case but in a way that may actually be part of its appeal. Anyway, as you said, to each their own.

 

[Surratt14]

The following is not to justify but simply to explain, since you asked why 3 times.

Many would also say:

“Why why why $1200 for a phone? All I can say is you are paying for the brand and Apple really appreciates you ”

Do you own an iPhone X? Did you pay 2-3 times what many excellent smartphones cost these days? Even 6 times as much as some quality low budget phones? I’m guessing you did. I did too. And for something we’ll likely only use a year or two. Why?

The answer is that a product is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it and different people are willing to pay for different things based on what they enjoy and what their priorities are.

I too review cases (YouTube channel: TECH-FIGHTER) and I’ve tried tons of cases for countless phones. Some are great for the low budget they are and some are horrible even at a high price point. For example, I have 2 Apple Folio Cases in front of me and Apple sells them for $100! And let me tell you, in my opinion, they are straight up garbage and I’ll be returning them. Yet I’m sure some people really love them. Element Case produces some of the best, if not the best, cases I have ever laid hands especially on the high end even though they aren’t exempt from bombing at times too (ie RollCage).

At any rate, much like a large percentage of the world would think $1200 for a phone is ludicrous, a large percentage will likely think the same of this Element Case but in a way that may actually be part of its appeal. Anyway, as you said, to each their own.

Haha you got me laughing when you said 1,200$ for the x bcuz your completely right. I sure hope Apple appreciates all of us! but anyway, I’ll check out your channel, always love finding new reviewers. Merry Christmas.

 

[JeepR kReapR]

I received my blackops case for the iPhone X today.

Overall the fit & finish are what I’ve come to expect from elementcase. Even though I’d like to see a slightly more raised edge around the front/screen, the bevel is in line with previous iterations of the case and it should offer good drop protection.

One thing I’m not sure I can accept is the button rattle. There is so much slop/play that the lower volume button was actually cocked sideways when I installed the left side rail. I was able to rotate it into place without removing the rail, but shake the case & it sounds like a can full of marbles. Unacceptable for a $200 case, and I never had this issue with previous generations of the blackops case, or lesser cases like the solace etc.

Not sure if I’m going to return it or deal with it, but it’s not something that should be expected from a $200 phone case when many lesser cases have better button fit with no rattle. Just my opinion of course.

 

[Ralfi]

Good God, why? This thing is too thick.

So is this thread - taking ages to load....

I'll need to get back to you with views on the case...

 

[digitalfx]

I received my blackops case for the iPhone X today.

Overall the fit & finish are what I’ve come to expect from elementcase. Even though I’d like to see a slightly more raised edge around the front/screen, the bevel is in line with previous iterations of the case and it should offer good drop protection.

One thing I’m not sure I can accept is the button rattle. There is so much slop/play that the lower volume button was actually cocked sideways when I installed the left side rail. I was able to rotate it into place without removing the rail, but shake the case & it sounds like a can full of mables. Unacceptable for a $200 case, and I never had this issue with previous generations of the blackops case, or lesser cases like the solace etc.

Not sure if I’m going to return it or deal with it, but it’s not something that should be expected from a $200 phone case when many lesser cases have better button fit with no rattle. Just my opinion of course.

I agree...makes it feel cheap. Ive already emailed Element Case asking if this is normal...so far no reply.

 

[JeepR kReapR]

I agree...makes it feel cheap. Ive already emailed Element Case asking if this is normal...so far no reply.

Good to know mine isn’t ‘defective’, although I don’t know if it’s any more comforting to think element case feels this is an acceptable design tolerance.

Interested to know if you hear anything from them.

 

[Sheldonsmith]

Mine seemed a little loose, nothing that a little scotch tape didn’t fix, and from my recollection, not that much different from the first Block Ops case for the iPhone 5....(I used the same fix on that one as well)....

 

[jlczl]

Good to know mine isn’t ‘defective’, although I don’t know if it’s any more comforting to think element case feels this is an acceptable design tolerance.

Interested to know if you hear anything from them.

I contacted them about the issue and they sent me out a replacement. Unfortunately the replacement also has the rattle. I’ll be making my video review of this case tomorrow and making note of it. The thing is that other than that issue I only have one other......I can’t get myself to remove the case and use others because I love it so much. As of right now I haven’t decided if this is something I’ll deal with by applying some thin material on the inside of the case on the buttons and keep it or if I’ll request a refund.

 

[digitalfx]

This is their response:

I’m sorry for any inconvenience you're experiencing with our latest Black Ops case. We can swap out your case for you, but swapping it out may not resolve what you're describing as an issue. With the rattle sound, it sounds like the combination of CNC machined buttons (which have a factory allowance for variation) and your device's buttons (which also have factory allowance for variation).

 

[JeepR kReapR]

This is their response:

I’m sorry for any inconvenience you're experiencing with our latest Black Ops case. We can swap out your case for you, but swapping it out may not resolve what you're describing as an issue. With the rattle sound, it sounds like the combination of CNC machined buttons (which have a factory allowance for variation) and your device's buttons (which also have factory allowance for variation).

It’s not caused by space between the buttons and the aluminum sides/buttons. I took the sides off and even if I press against the buttons from the inside with my finger, you can still easily rotate the buttons come the outside 40+ Degrees up or down. The cutouts for the buttons are far larger than the buttons themselves. Only stricter design tolerance wil fix that!

 

[digitalfx]

It’s not caused by space between the buttons and the aluminum sides/buttons. I took the sides off and even if I press against the buttons from the inside with my finger, you can still easily rotate the buttons come the outside 40+ Degrees up or down. The cutouts for the buttons are far larger than the buttons themselves. Only stricter design tolerance wil fix that!

agreed...I found the response from Element Case insulting. To tell a customer that the poorly machined case is a non-issue ("...what you're describing as an issue.") is not acceptable. It takes 3-4 days for a response minimum...very poor customer service. If they cant resolve the poorly fitting pieces shame on them... I will return for a refund.

 

[techno-Zen]

Absolute monstrosity.. why would you need that?

 

[jlczl]

Absolute monstrosity.. why would you need that?

It’s definitely a subjective thing. Some folks like a dainty little case or even none at all and some love monstrous tough and aggressive styling. Kind of like monster trucks and smart cars. There’s fans of both. As for me, I like both extremes so sometimes I use my Element Case and sometimes I use nothing but a skin or a very light case like a silicone. Variety is awesome, though it can get out of hand.......I think I have about 10 different cases right now.

 

[blaine07]

It’s definitely a subjective thing. Some folks like a dainty little case or even none at all and some love monstrous tough and aggressive styling. Kind of like monster trucks and smart cars. There’s fans of both. As for me, I like both extremes so sometimes I use my Element Case and sometimes I use nothing but a skin or a very light case like a silicone. Variety is awesome, though it can get out of hand.......I think I have about 10 different cases right now.

I wish I would’ve stopped at 10 ‍♂️

 

[JeepR kReapR]

I returned mine.

This confirms that as much as I like the look of the aluminum phone cases, I can’t stand the way they feel in the hand. I had the first backops case (for the 4 IIRC?) and I didn’t keep that on my phone for more than a few weeks either.

This one in particular feels terrible to me. That serrated edge going around the sides, I can’t find a comfortable grip for the life of me. And aluminum is cold to the touch in winter and hot in the summer...biggest reason I dropped my aluminum shift knobs in my Jeep!

I’ve stuck with element case because I became a huge fan of the solace case on the last few phones. Simplistic elegant design with complete coverage and excellent drop protection. For some reason I still feel compelled to try each new generation of the blackops case. I won’t next time, I’ve never kept one on a phone longer than a month.

I’m going to roll the dice on a custom formula case. Hopefully since it only has the 2 smaller aluminum trim pieces, function may rule over form & the ergonomics may be better. I was about to roll the dice on their cheaper recon case but I just couldn’t get past the looks. Function over form, but form is still important. We’ll see if the formula fits my requirements a bit better. The blackops case is a sexy piece of kit with some serious engineering behind it, but it misses the mark where it matters most for me, in the hand.

 

[betaHall]

So sick about this 200usd case

I am Element case big fans until vapor iphone 4

and decide this black ops will be the last case I buy from Element case

high price low built quality low service quality

look at this video

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=597678377230913

#elementcase

 

[JeepR kReapR]

So sick about this 200usd case

I am Element case big fans until vapor iphone 4

and decide this black ops will be the last case I buy from Element case

high price low built quality low service quality

look at this video

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=597678377230913

#elementcase

Yeah, those screws are another major reason I returned the blackops. I had I heck of a time tightening & loosening those screws, didn’t want to tote around the tool & run the risk of the heads stripping or losing one if I needed to remove the case for any reason (i.e. warranty care at an apple store).

I got a custom formula case with grey trim pieces direct from element case for half the price. No tools needed to put on or take off & much more comfortable to hold. Lies flat better too. I’m much happier with that purchase.

 

[xyzxyz]

Hi everyone,

New to the forums, bought the case last week, and so far I love it! Didn’t have problems with the screws, just have be patient and don’t over tight them.

The only issue I had at the beginning was the G10 back plate. I had to exchange it for another one when I received it the first time, it had some white spots that cannot be removed. The shop showed me a few and many of them had similar issues. Luckily I was able to find one that’s near perfect. Anyway, I hope Element Case can look into this for future products.

I have one question for other BO owners, do you notice any changes in signal strength? I’m not 100% sure, but I think there is a very slight difference with the reception while using the case. Where I live the signal has always been very weak, sometimes without signal even without using any case, and with the BO case on it seems that I’m getting a little more occurrences of having no signal. I don’t know for sure though, maybe I’m just being paranoid.

 

[xyzxyz]

So I've decided to stop using the BO case...

As much as I love the look of the case, it really does affect the reception, especially in weak signal areas. Just this past weekend, I traveled to another town with two friends, all three of us were using the iPhone X, and we were also on the same carrier. In some weak signal areas, while they were still able to get 4G connection, mine dropped to EDGE. Unfortunately, this confirmed that the BO case does affect the reception. This really sucks, I honestly love the color and look of the case. I have no choice but to go back to non-metal cases. I also ordered a Solace LX for my other iPhone 8, I hope it won't be as bad as the BO since it only has two smaller pieces of metal at the top and bottom.

 

[Soleyisreal]

Hi everyone,

New to the forums, bought the case last week, and so far I love it! Didn’t have problems with the screws, just have be patient and don’t over tight them.

The only issue I had at the beginning was the G10 back plate. I had to exchange it for another one when I received it the first time, it had some white spots that cannot be removed. The shop showed me a few and many of them had similar issues. Luckily I was able to find one that’s near perfect. Anyway, I hope Element Case can look into this for future products.

I have one question for other BO owners, do you notice any changes in signal strength? I’m not 100% sure, but I think there is a very slight difference with the reception while using the case. Where I live the signal has always been very weak, sometimes without signal even without using any case, and with the BO case on it seems that I’m getting a little more occurrences of having no signal. I don’t know for sure though, maybe I’m just being paranoid.

I’ve had this case for 3 days now and love it , however today noticed Bluetooth connection problems with Apple Watch power down both and restarted all ok so far ... no call quality issues at all just Bluetooth hope it was a one off

 

[craigsmithii]

Hi Sheldon, et al

I'm also using the black ops case with a new iphone X. This is my third black ops case (for my new phone and two preceding iphones)

There appears to be a reason that those mylar plastic pieces are adhered inside the case...which is manufacturing. I've been working with STM brands now for more than a week trying to resolve the rattling of the case's volume and lock keys...what they have told me is that, due to variance in the molds used to create the phone, the element cases are often too narrow and too tall for the actual phones. They have created mylar adhesive tape to add inside the case in order to try to narrow or nullify the gap between the area of the case and size of the phone.

my volume buttons still rattle. and it's concerning, at least to me, that Element knows about this issue but does not let anyone know about it...i did get a reply from Element that the case should fit snug and there should be no rattling. anybody else experience this?

 

[Itsedstech]

Buttons rattle on every one of these cases. If you wanna fix that just throw a small strip of electrical tape in there and done. Finally ended up taking the case off, got tired of it taking away that one bar of signal I had in certain places. Still looks nice on the shelf tho haha