So I just got back from vacation yesterday and got to install my RhinoShield Mod that arrived while I was away. Figured I'd share my impressions upon brief use.
As background, I purchased the black Mod along with a carbon fiber backplate. I also ordered an extra white bumper rim, yellow buttons, and clear backplate.
So far I've only used the carbon fiber backplate, standard black rim, and black buttons (didn't want to unpack the other items yet in case I didn't like the case). As
@darrinS noted in his impressions, the case is a bit slippery. That said, the material feels great and looks great. The case feels good in the hand and doesn't add too much bulk. It's slimmer overall than the Patchwork Levels ITG case that I had on my iPhone while I was waiting for the Mod. Fairly easy to install and remove both in bumper mode and with the backplate.
I did notice that the case itself doesn't fit as snugly as my Patchwork Levels ITG case... the bottom of the bumper protrudes ever so slightly (maybe 1mm) right where the lightning port is. There is a tiny bit of play if I press there, which kind of bugs me (given the case costs ~$50). But in reality, it's very minimal and doesn't result in a sloppy feel or anything.
Another thing that kind of bugs me is that the buttons rattle a bit when the case is on. The volume buttons have a positive, clicky feel, but the side button did not. It is vague and hard to really tell when you've depressed it. I resolved this by adhering a very small piece of moleskin on the backside of the button. Now it clicks very nicely and has excellent feedback. I might look for something a little bit thinner than the moleskin that provides the same tactile response but doesn't cause the case to bulge (moleskin does just a tiny bit...).
There is sufficient front and rear lip on the case to keep the front and rear of the phone clear of the surface on which it rests. The front lip is smaller than the (very large) lip of the Patchwork Levels ITG case, and the rear lip is only
barely large enough to protect the camera.
The carbon fiber backplate looks nice. I want to use the clear backplate but am hesitant given concerns that it will get scratched up in no time since it extends beyond the edge of the bumper.
Overall, it's a nice case with some minor flaws that are only annoying because the case itself costs as much as it does. If you can live with these small issues, then I'd recommend it if you're looking for a quality modular case that will provide great drop protection.
