yeah, want to see it. That's the setup I have, with the black iPhone. I would have waited for your pics, but wanted the free shipping...
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Element Vapor Case
- Thread starter johnnybgood15
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yeah, want to see it. That's the setup I have, with the black iPhone. I would have waited for your pics, but wanted the free shipping...
I remember thinking $80 was crazy expensive when I first looked at the Vapor, now we're up to $130, and people are still paying. Element has definitely changed our perception on what cases are worth.
You can almost get three iPhone 3gs's for the price of one Vapor Pro. Crazy.
You can almost get three iPhone 3gs's for the price of one Vapor Pro. Crazy.
vapor pro came in today. aqua blue/silver. man, this case is smooth! my e13ctron won't be alone anymore!
as usual for me, no signal or gps issue here.
this case is not going anywhere!
as usual for me, no signal or gps issue here.
this case is not going anywhere!
I can not believe it.. already a vapor pro knock off? This time they did not wait long.
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-g...Pro-Bumper-Case-for-iPhone-4-wholesalers.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/product-g...Pro-Bumper-Case-for-iPhone-4-wholesalers.html
Black and Silver Vapor Pro
For those interested in this color combo, here are pics of my black/silver Vapor Pro.
(Click images to enlarge):
It will take me a few days to complete my typical battery of tests that I do for my reviews, and once my full review is complete, I'll post a link to it in my signature with the rest of my current reviews.
That being said, I can give you my early (one day of use) initial impressions of this case. As far as it's impact on cellular reception, well...I'm still performing the typical different location runs that I usually do, but I can say that, believe it or not, I'm seeing an INCREASE in reception...i.e., it's making my signal strength BETTER. I know that's probably not feasible, and I'll see over the next few days of testing, but in my office today, I've been consistently hovering between -75dB and -79dB, and I never hit the -70's at work. The best I've ever gotten has been -81dB. In fact, when I pulled the case off at work to see the difference, my signal worsened to -83dB. GPS location lock is taking an average of less than 10 seconds to locate me, which is right in line with my bare iPhone.
I do have a few negatives about the case however. I don't like that they are still using the cheap looking "weatherstripping" material inside the case to isolate the metal of the case from the phone that they used back on the original Vapor. And only a very few pieces at that. For this kind of price, the mounting system could be much more robust and consistent. The thin foam they use can/will compress and deform over time. Also, my case came with a few bad spots in the finish, and there are a few areas where the anodizing didn't adhere during the process, leaving a few silver spots in the black part of the frame. Also, the joint where the polymer material meets the aluminum leaves a lot to be desired. Mine isn't flush, and doesn't look too sturdy. Hopefully this is just an isolated occurrence and not indicative of an inconsistent finishing problem. A case of this price should be flawless.
All in all I think it's great that Element has finally made an aluminum case that looks like it should work for most people, regardless of their signal strength. This is what the first Vapor should have been, actually. One thing I don't like is the price of this case. $130 (or $150 for the "Limited Editions") is just too much for what the case is. If I actually had to pay for this case, I wouldn't have. I think an $80-$90 price would be more in line with what this case is...a corrected original Vapor, basically. The add-ins (Speed wrench, felt back and front pads) aren't worth the increase in price (from the original Vapor) in my opinion.
For those interested in this color combo, here are pics of my black/silver Vapor Pro.
(Click images to enlarge):
It will take me a few days to complete my typical battery of tests that I do for my reviews, and once my full review is complete, I'll post a link to it in my signature with the rest of my current reviews.
That being said, I can give you my early (one day of use) initial impressions of this case. As far as it's impact on cellular reception, well...I'm still performing the typical different location runs that I usually do, but I can say that, believe it or not, I'm seeing an INCREASE in reception...i.e., it's making my signal strength BETTER. I know that's probably not feasible, and I'll see over the next few days of testing, but in my office today, I've been consistently hovering between -75dB and -79dB, and I never hit the -70's at work. The best I've ever gotten has been -81dB. In fact, when I pulled the case off at work to see the difference, my signal worsened to -83dB. GPS location lock is taking an average of less than 10 seconds to locate me, which is right in line with my bare iPhone.
I do have a few negatives about the case however. I don't like that they are still using the cheap looking "weatherstripping" material inside the case to isolate the metal of the case from the phone that they used back on the original Vapor. And only a very few pieces at that. For this kind of price, the mounting system could be much more robust and consistent. The thin foam they use can/will compress and deform over time. Also, my case came with a few bad spots in the finish, and there are a few areas where the anodizing didn't adhere during the process, leaving a few silver spots in the black part of the frame. Also, the joint where the polymer material meets the aluminum leaves a lot to be desired. Mine isn't flush, and doesn't look too sturdy. Hopefully this is just an isolated occurrence and not indicative of an inconsistent finishing problem. A case of this price should be flawless.
All in all I think it's great that Element has finally made an aluminum case that looks like it should work for most people, regardless of their signal strength. This is what the first Vapor should have been, actually. One thing I don't like is the price of this case. $130 (or $150 for the "Limited Editions") is just too much for what the case is. If I actually had to pay for this case, I wouldn't have. I think an $80-$90 price would be more in line with what this case is...a corrected original Vapor, basically. The add-ins (Speed wrench, felt back and front pads) aren't worth the increase in price (from the original Vapor) in my opinion.
I am getting the same increase in signal and my GPS is perfect just like I have said from day 1. But I own 3 of these cases and not 1 of them have a flaw in them what so ever, so I am kind of wandering that if you got yours for free if they may have sent you one with flaws for that reason? Just a guess though. The price thing I also disagree with you. Yea you can buy another case that DON'T work like it should and pay 90 bucks or pay an additional 30 and get one that's flawless and comes with all the extra's. Which would you rather have? I got 3 of the ones I chose to go with and I am glad I did and nothing bad to say about any of my cases!
For those interested in this color combo, here are pics of my black/silver Vapor Pro.
(Click images to enlarge):
It will take me a few days to complete my typical battery of tests that I do for my reviews, and once my full review is complete, I'll post a link to it in my signature with the rest of my current reviews.
That being said, I can give you my early (one day of use) initial impressions of this case. As far as it's impact on cellular reception, well...I'm still performing the typical different location runs that I usually do, but I can say that, believe it or not, I'm seeing an INCREASE in reception...i.e., it's making my signal strength BETTER. I know that's probably not feasible, and I'll see over the next few days of testing, but in my office today, I've been consistently hovering between -75dB and -79dB, and I never hit the -70's at work. The best I've ever gotten has been -81dB. In fact, when I pulled the case off at work to see the difference, my signal worsened to -83dB. GPS location lock is taking an average of less than 10 seconds to locate me, which is right in line with my bare iPhone.
I do have a few negatives about the case however. I don't like that they are still using the cheap looking "weatherstripping" material inside the case to isolate the metal of the case from the phone that they used back on the original Vapor. And only a very few pieces at that. For this kind of price, the mounting system could be much more robust and consistent. The thin foam they use can/will compress and deform over time. Also, my case came with a few bad spots in the finish, and there are a few areas where the anodizing didn't adhere during the process, leaving a few silver spots in the black part of the frame. Also, the joint where the polymer material meets the aluminum leaves a lot to be desired. Mine isn't flush, and doesn't look too sturdy. Hopefully this is just an isolated occurrence and not indicative of an inconsistent finishing problem. A case of this price should be flawless.
All in all I think it's great that Element has finally made an aluminum case that looks like it should work for most people, regardless of their signal strength. This is what the first Vapor should have been, actually. One thing I don't like is the price of this case. $130 (or $150 for the "Limited Editions") is just too much for what the case is. If I actually had to pay for this case, I wouldn't have. I think an $80-$90 price would be more in line with what this case is...a corrected original Vapor, basically. The add-ins (Speed wrench, felt back and front pads) aren't worth the increase in price (from the original Vapor) in my opinion.
I doubt they sent me a bad one on purpose. That wouldn't be smart for any business to send out imperfect examples of their work to potential customers. As far as my opinion on the pricing...it's just that...my opinion. Some people may see this as a worthwhile bargain...heck, some people saw the first Vapor/Alumacase/(insert any "bad" case here) as a worthwhile purchase, even when knowing the typical impact those cases had on cellular reception. It's all personal choice. You chose these cases and think they are worthy of the price. That's fine. Choice is good. There are going to be people in the world that don't think it's worth the price...that's just statistical probability. This case is good, it's just my opinion that it should be priced where they had the original Vapor priced. The machining, finish (ignoring the bad spots on mine), and fit aren't what I'd call "high-end". They should be expected for any reputable aluminum case manufacturer.
I just find it hard to believe that you say you got yours FREE to review yet I was told that they did not send any Spectra's out to be reviewed? Just a few pro's and that is it. I don't know or care really but mine ALL fit very well, perform well have no bad spots. My cases are not lined with the old foam that they use to use, now mine are lined with an almost rubber material instead so compression will never happen over time. There is also another reason you don't line the entire case with it, it hurts signal. Why use more than necessary? You said yours worked perfect so why do they need anymore?There is not a single other case out there that will perform with this one. Even the e13 hybrid won't compete and its half plastic so they must be doing something right.
Did I say they weren't doing anything right? I said my biggest hang-up was the price. I stated that the other stuff could be better, but, again, that's my opinion. I also stated that it, so far, has performed (cell reception-wise) as good as any case I've seen, if not better. So again, I'm not bashing the case. I stated that my finish issues are more than likely a relatively isolated occurrence. You don't have to be so defensive about the case...it's just a case.
Mine is silver/silver (no longer available). It can hardly be more perfect. Since it has no color there are no silver areas showing through. All joints are very flush, even at the screw joints. The joints at the polymer are so flushed it appears like it was machined after the joint was made.
My signal is at least one bar better. At home it often is in the low -60 Db range. At a restaurant I go to with a modified blade case and the Vapor 4, I could only get 1 bar of Edge. With the pro I get 1-2 bars of 3G. This case is the real thing as far as I'm concerned.
My signal is at least one bar better. At home it often is in the low -60 Db range. At a restaurant I go to with a modified blade case and the Vapor 4, I could only get 1 bar of Edge. With the pro I get 1-2 bars of 3G. This case is the real thing as far as I'm concerned.
I am not being defensive about anything. I just don't like people that don't tell the truth about things. You didn't get that case for free and you know it. Once you figured out that the reception and everything else worked as advertised you moved onto something else to complain about. But yet you defend e13 all day long even when you know their case is far less superior to the Element. And you do the same with Fusion who has the worst anodizing I have ever seen. Just be fair is all I am saying and quit being so bias. Just be honest! If your really trying to help people and do helpful reviews, then tell the truth and don't say the case was free and that the price is to high and the quality is not that great because most of that is untrue or just your opinion. People that are willing to pay for the case will spend the money. They don't need someone telling them its not worth it when you can pay 90 for a e13 and it will destroy your signal and gps and still is not half the case. The only case I see going up against this case is the diamondback.Period!
Another story of how this case seems to be capable of improving signal. That's something about this case I'm very impressed with. And more proof that the finish issues I have with mine are indeed isolated like I said they might be. And it looks like the silver/silver would be the best combo to go with, and the "sold out" status of it seems to indicate that most people are thinking that way.
And there is more truth. Everyone is saying the same thing about the case except for 1!!
Wow. Am I impressed with these caes. They feel way better in the hand than the previous versions. I won't be buying anymore cases. These are perfect! The look, feel and performance is awesome. If you were on the fence get off it and order 1. I'm keeping the orange/black and black/silver. I'm selling the red/black because it is the least favorite of the three but it is still super nice but I have to sell one.
Great job element!!!!
Great job element!!!!
Thanks for the pics, looks great, can't wait to get mine. It is reassuring to continue to hear the signal is solid here for everyone.
I agree with you on a few points. I do think for the money that this case should be flawless. My guess is you just got a random badly milled case. It is unlikely that they intentionally sent you a bad case for review, it would be like serving a critic bad food in a restaurant just because they weren't being charged... They should be savvy enough to know that the reviewers' writeups here make a difference to buyers.
I also agree that this should have been the Vapor 4, rev 2, or Vapor 5, or whatever. To increase the price >50% for a bunch of "bug fixes" is a kind of steep.
That said...
I agree with scelzifan that $130 for a case that works is a better value than a $90 case that doesn't work at all, so I am happy to pay it. $130 isn't too much for this case on its own merits, I think it is just excessive in the context of being an update to a lowsy previous design.
What they ought to do is have a trade-in credit for Vapor 4 users who had too much signal degradation. Something like $50 voucher toward a Pro if you return your original Vapor. It would go a long way toward restoring confidence and good will in the brand. Note: I don't have the original Vapor, this is not to benefit me, I just think it would be a good idea...
I agree 100%. You've actually said my thoughts better than I could or did. My only issue with the price is that this case is, as you said, really just a "bug fix" to what they tried to pass their original case off as. It's what their first product should have been. And your idea of the credit for previous owners is actually a great one, and something they should have thought of.
They should have given credit, but they don't have to. Their reputation hit for the defective cases isn't stopping anyone from paying top dollar for the new one. I think financially they will do just fine not making such an offer. In an ideal world it shouldn't work that way.
Every aluminum case maker jumped in head first, dam the problems. They all sold well. I still read positive comments about what a great design the original Vapor 4 is.
That is a valid point too. It's the right thing to do from a "class" standpoint, but maybe not necessary from a business one. A lot of us are buying the Pro without having owned the original. I am just thinking out loud that if I had spent $80 on the original and it was unusable, I'd be miffed about shelling out again and more for this case which was redesigned and usable...
Well, I'm one of the maybe few, who had the original Vapor 4 and used it for a long time. I often felt so smart when at a bar or party everyone thought it was so cool and where did I get it. Frankly, I never dropped or missed a call. I did feel cheated when I got the Blade case. I thought it couldn't be used, but, as some did, I modified it with 3M tape because it looked so good.
So it ends up I haven't regretted having any of the four different aluminum cases I've had. None ended up being unusable.
I got the eBay vapor clone and it looked great but wasn't very functional. I threw it in the trash
My BMW iPod connector is the old style so it became useless.
The new vapor pro is nice but if should be incorporated in the old case.
That's just modifying the cad program to cut a bigger hole at the bottom -
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