I agree. I like the fact that the cap is clear. I use the LuckyLabs decals, and this way I can accent my color and it will show through the clear cap.
This is a Win for Element Case. the $99 price is very justifiable IMHO
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Element Vapor Case
- Thread starter johnnybgood15
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I agree. I like the fact that the cap is clear. I use the LuckyLabs decals, and this way I can accent my color and it will show through the clear cap.
This is a Win for Element Case. the $99 price is very justifiable IMHO
Not to threadjack, but have you tried the latest version of the ImpactBand with the modified front beveled bezel area? Makes for a MUCH better typing experience than the original one!
I want to but not for $30 bucks. I got a review sample of the first and second versions. The "3rd" version of the black (the current one) with the thinner/beveled bezel looks tempting but the version 2 that I put on this morning is fine overall. A lot better than the first version since it isn't as deep and I can actually reach the edges if the phone to type. The first version I had was unusable for any games, and the typing was pretty bad. I really liked the idea since the Tech21 version for the 3GS. Though since Tech21 completely crapped the bed on the iPhone 4 version of their iBand this is the next best thing.
I would buy one if I had not just ordered an Element COMP. Using the ImpactBand today has been a surprisingly good experience. I always liked the ideology behind it but preferred something a little prettier/slimmer.
I should have the COMP sometime next week. If doesn't work out (no clue why it wouldn't) then I'll consider picking up a version 3 as I really like the profile in pocket, though it is still a little chunky. Not going to buy anymore unless it is absolutely a "must-have". The COMP seems perfect and I hope that Element finally has their crap together. The pretty lady seemed to think so in their video.
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i think comp is the ultimate aluminum case... i dont see any possible issues with signal wifi and gps... will wait for reviews on the fitment and if the plastic part will last long...
i think comp is the ultimate aluminum case... i dont see any possible issues with signal wifi and gps... will wait for reviews on the fitment and if the plastic part will last long...
Considering the amount they've charged for their other cases $99 isn't awful. The only thing holding me back is the fact that a new phone is coming in the next couple of months and who knows how different the design will be. Hopefully they'll be able to start producing these quickly for the next generation iPhone.
Can anyone give a review of the Vapor Comp? As long as it doesn't degrade signal, I'm going to get the blue one with the blue suade backplate. And does it fit the Verizon iPhone?
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Ok. Quick first impressions of the COMP incoming.
First off, the packaging is complete garbage. For a $100 case and $15 shipping, I expect a box (like the Vapor Pro), not an envelope with some hanging packaging reminiscent of the first Vapor 4. Not only that but the suede back piece wasn't even in the packaging for the case. It was hanging out separately in the envelope along with the Transit case I ordered. I like the Transit case for the Pro so I wanted one for this guy.
Now that the packaging is out of the way, the only real negative I have to say is the interior "TPU elastomer inner liner and grip" is just place inside. The only thing holding it in is the tight fit between the three grooves. I know this because I had to fully remove it and reposition it as it was off center. Also it was slightly depressed if that makes sense.
As for everything else, the case is very impressive once installed. Super thin with all the "fat" removed from the original Vapor 4 silhouette. Very light weight and definitely feels like it is part of the phone. Not only that but the earphone jack is massive when compared with the original Vapor 4. I believe it is bigger than the Pro too but I don't have one of those anymore to compare.
The sync port opening is physically bigger too. While it does taper off around the speakers, the actual opening is big enough to fit all of the aftermarket chargers that I have. Even the one that clips in. I was shocked.
The cap is the "new" thing and I must say that I like it. The volume covers are great. Very tactile with a notch on the "up" key. Mute switch opening is fine. It will fit a Verizon phone though not sure how it will fair signal-wise. Will test it on my girl's phone later this week if she lets me.
Before I get to reception, the fit is absolutely perfect. There is no rough seam where the two pieces meet, like there was on the Pro and the original Vapor 4. Feel in the hand is literally a reverse Vapor 4 feel but with more grip. The "TPU elastomer inner liner and grip" that bleeds through makes the smooth side stick to your hand, but not my pants. The cap is smooth in the pants pocket but it does help to grip in the hand. Works out great for me too as I am a lefty. Also, the logo embedded on the cap is subtle and unobtrusive. It is molded on the under side so the exterior is still smooth. Power button is great as usual. That is basically the only part of all the Vapor's that has actually worked from day one.
Now the part everyone has been waiting for: reception. Signal-wise for calls it is fine. No issues and like the Pro did, it actually stabilizes my reception in my house. I did a quick check today and in my lower level which is partially underground, without the case I averaged 86 dB in my living room and 103 dB in my kitchen. With the case on I averaged 84 dB in my living room and 96 dB in my kitchen. The minor fluctuations when sitting still are actually gone and yes, my signal did improve slightly. Again, I was shocked.
Wi-fi is fine. Didn't feel like doing the numbers but 3 bars through my downstairs and upstairs. No issues there.
Now, the reason I returned the Pro was the GPS. It was totally off and had me all over the place. GPS on the COMP is better. Not 100% perfect as it takes slightly longer to place me indoors and is off slightly. Then again, naked, my phone is sometimes off while I am in my house. Outside faired a lot better. It locked onto me pretty quickly and put me on point give or take a few feet. I am going to test it out over the next week, but it seems to be functional.
As for the accessories, the screen protector is a typical SP. No big deal but it is nice to include. The suede backplate is useless. Quality is fine, but it is just not my cup of tea. Makes the phone look cheap to me. One of their CF backplates would be better. I want to try one of the Urban Camo tactical ones to be honest but I'm not going to pay extra for it. The suede sticker I have is going to sit in the box. Currently, I have a Lucky Labs Carbon Fiber back on mine for scratch protection. Looks good to me though a clear back SP would look good too.
Overall, I am really liking the COMP. Feels great and unlike the Vapor Pro, I don't want to immediately return it. I'm going to use it for the next few days and make sure the reception/GPS isn't a fluke but initial impressions are that Element finally has the ultimate premium bumper.
Will check in later this week with a final verdict.
First off, the packaging is complete garbage. For a $100 case and $15 shipping, I expect a box (like the Vapor Pro), not an envelope with some hanging packaging reminiscent of the first Vapor 4. Not only that but the suede back piece wasn't even in the packaging for the case. It was hanging out separately in the envelope along with the Transit case I ordered. I like the Transit case for the Pro so I wanted one for this guy.
Now that the packaging is out of the way, the only real negative I have to say is the interior "TPU elastomer inner liner and grip" is just place inside. The only thing holding it in is the tight fit between the three grooves. I know this because I had to fully remove it and reposition it as it was off center. Also it was slightly depressed if that makes sense.
As for everything else, the case is very impressive once installed. Super thin with all the "fat" removed from the original Vapor 4 silhouette. Very light weight and definitely feels like it is part of the phone. Not only that but the earphone jack is massive when compared with the original Vapor 4. I believe it is bigger than the Pro too but I don't have one of those anymore to compare.
The sync port opening is physically bigger too. While it does taper off around the speakers, the actual opening is big enough to fit all of the aftermarket chargers that I have. Even the one that clips in. I was shocked.
The cap is the "new" thing and I must say that I like it. The volume covers are great. Very tactile with a notch on the "up" key. Mute switch opening is fine. It will fit a Verizon phone though not sure how it will fair signal-wise. Will test it on my girl's phone later this week if she lets me.
Before I get to reception, the fit is absolutely perfect. There is no rough seam where the two pieces meet, like there was on the Pro and the original Vapor 4. Feel in the hand is literally a reverse Vapor 4 feel but with more grip. The "TPU elastomer inner liner and grip" that bleeds through makes the smooth side stick to your hand, but not my pants. The cap is smooth in the pants pocket but it does help to grip in the hand. Works out great for me too as I am a lefty. Also, the logo embedded on the cap is subtle and unobtrusive. It is molded on the under side so the exterior is still smooth. Power button is great as usual. That is basically the only part of all the Vapor's that has actually worked from day one.
Now the part everyone has been waiting for: reception. Signal-wise for calls it is fine. No issues and like the Pro did, it actually stabilizes my reception in my house. I did a quick check today and in my lower level which is partially underground, without the case I averaged 86 dB in my living room and 103 dB in my kitchen. With the case on I averaged 84 dB in my living room and 96 dB in my kitchen. The minor fluctuations when sitting still are actually gone and yes, my signal did improve slightly. Again, I was shocked.
Wi-fi is fine. Didn't feel like doing the numbers but 3 bars through my downstairs and upstairs. No issues there.
Now, the reason I returned the Pro was the GPS. It was totally off and had me all over the place. GPS on the COMP is better. Not 100% perfect as it takes slightly longer to place me indoors and is off slightly. Then again, naked, my phone is sometimes off while I am in my house. Outside faired a lot better. It locked onto me pretty quickly and put me on point give or take a few feet. I am going to test it out over the next week, but it seems to be functional.
As for the accessories, the screen protector is a typical SP. No big deal but it is nice to include. The suede backplate is useless. Quality is fine, but it is just not my cup of tea. Makes the phone look cheap to me. One of their CF backplates would be better. I want to try one of the Urban Camo tactical ones to be honest but I'm not going to pay extra for it. The suede sticker I have is going to sit in the box. Currently, I have a Lucky Labs Carbon Fiber back on mine for scratch protection. Looks good to me though a clear back SP would look good too.
Overall, I am really liking the COMP. Feels great and unlike the Vapor Pro, I don't want to immediately return it. I'm going to use it for the next few days and make sure the reception/GPS isn't a fluke but initial impressions are that Element finally has the ultimate premium bumper.
Will check in later this week with a final verdict.
For those having issues with GPS, I would suggest turning off 3G when using navigation applications while driving. Takes longer to load up but helped considerably with my vapor pro.
Yes please! I ordered a blue one with the suede backplate, should ship tomorrow.
I took some pictures. They sucked. Didn't feel like pulling out the big camera last nigh. Will probably do that later this week if I get around to it. I may put a few of the unboxing pictures on Flickr. I snapped a couple of the loose silicone and of the pieces off the phone.
I got the black one. The cap is like a clear/smoke color. The suede is black but like I said is useless to me. Terrible look.
I've been using my phone a lot last night and most of the morning for work and some quick games of Fruit Ninja and Rainbow 6. Overall, it seems fine. I will say the case could use a little more grip. Initial impressions were that grip was going to be ok, but it is pretty slippery in my hand when compared to the ImpactBand, Survivor, and even the Candyshell I have been using. Almost dropped it twice while playing Fruit Ninja.
As for the aesthetics, it looks fine. Basically a reverse Vapor 4. If there are going to be any problems it is going to be with the cap. The edge of it that faces the phone is really sharp. It isn't a huge issue as of yet but my finger has already rubbed across it twice and it was very sharp. Oddly, the metal portions are super smooth and feel great.
Also the cap is really loose. There is a lot of bend to it. I can see dirt/dust getting in there being a problem. I already can see a speck in there, but since the cap doesn't touch the phone it won't scratch.
Overall the case is good. Some minor issues aside, I like it. As for the GPS, it worked fine outside this morning. I'll try it again when I get to a more populated area around lunch time but it seems fine. Reception is still good on everything else. No bar drops that are out of the ordinary (I don't use the numeric GSM unless I'm testing).
Whoever suggested to turn off 3G to get GPS to work, for a $100 case you shouldn't have to. I refuse to make a concession for a high end case. If this was a $10 throwaway sure, but not for a high end premium case. This is the reason I returned the Pro.
I got the black one. The cap is like a clear/smoke color. The suede is black but like I said is useless to me. Terrible look.
I've been using my phone a lot last night and most of the morning for work and some quick games of Fruit Ninja and Rainbow 6. Overall, it seems fine. I will say the case could use a little more grip. Initial impressions were that grip was going to be ok, but it is pretty slippery in my hand when compared to the ImpactBand, Survivor, and even the Candyshell I have been using. Almost dropped it twice while playing Fruit Ninja.
As for the aesthetics, it looks fine. Basically a reverse Vapor 4. If there are going to be any problems it is going to be with the cap. The edge of it that faces the phone is really sharp. It isn't a huge issue as of yet but my finger has already rubbed across it twice and it was very sharp. Oddly, the metal portions are super smooth and feel great.
Also the cap is really loose. There is a lot of bend to it. I can see dirt/dust getting in there being a problem. I already can see a speck in there, but since the cap doesn't touch the phone it won't scratch.
Overall the case is good. Some minor issues aside, I like it. As for the GPS, it worked fine outside this morning. I'll try it again when I get to a more populated area around lunch time but it seems fine. Reception is still good on everything else. No bar drops that are out of the ordinary (I don't use the numeric GSM unless I'm testing).
Whoever suggested to turn off 3G to get GPS to work, for a $100 case you shouldn't have to. I refuse to make a concession for a high end case. If this was a $10 throwaway sure, but not for a high end premium case. This is the reason I returned the Pro.
what's the color of your iphone?
can't decide between the black or silver comp...
i'm using a black iphone.
Honestly I don't know which I prefer more.
After using the phone hard all morning (playing Street Fighter 4 Volt in a teleconference counts as working right?) I really like the molded buttons and the rubber/silicone pieces that protrude out of the none volume side. The actual outline of the phone feels great in the hand but it is really too slippery for me. It is the same feel as the original Vapor 4/Spectra line. Very smooth. I also did hit that sharp edge a couple of times while using the phone again which didn't feel great.
The Pro was great in terms of feel (I had the matte first edition) but the GPS didn't work for me. The GPS on the COMP seems to work fine. It got me spot on in my building at work which is pretty good considering I work in an old barracks building.
I can confirm that the headphone jack on the COMP is bigger than the Pro. It fit my car adapter fine which is just a generic huge 3.5mm cable. Fit fine.
So far I like the COMP just fine though the cap is biggest issue so far. It needs to be more solid and offer less flex. It is an odd contrast when compared to the rest of the case and it actually flexes. Needs to be more solid feeling in my opinion. Not only that but I don't think it will hold up to well in a fall. Fix that and the case would be perfect.
What's weird is that for some odd reason I am really missing the impactband I was using for the past week. I liked the feel of that giant bumper even though it looks pretty bad in terms of aesthetics.
I will see what my opinion is at the end of the week when I make my verdict of whether to keep it or not. As of now I'll probably keep it though it probably won't be my daily case.
i'm very tempted to get this case, but seeing how close the iphone 5 is coming, any bad points of it to deter me from getting the vapor comp?
My phone's Black but I have changed my Comp from black to blue.
It has just been shipped.
Skipping the upgrade to iphone 5
(the edge-to-edge screen makes it fugly IMHO, if the rumoured design turns out to be true).it flexes? could you elaborate more? How does it flex if it is form fitting of the phone?
however, i think it should hold up well in a fall. its polycarbonate, meaning it is very strong. they use it on automobile exteriors etc.. it should bend, but not break unless great force was applied to it.