[Review] Evolutive Labs Rhino Shield PlayProof

[kingston73]

Agreed that this can be subjective. I have their bumper, which I don't find to be terribly slippery. Anyone with the bumper also have the playproof? Is the material similar?

I just got both today. I'm waiting for a dbrand skin for the back so I'm starting off with the playproof. IMO if you don't think the bumper is slippery then you will like the playproof. Just holding both it feels close to the same with maybe a little more grip going towards the playproof. I really love how thin they both are, both front to back and side to side.

Compared with the otterbox symmetry the playproof is tiny, it's probably about 1/4 inch difference in width and maybe not quite that much difference in height. I also put on the screen protector and while it's not as good looking as a glass it doesn't feel too much different and if it protects better than glass I'll keep it.

 

[easheer]

I just got both today. I'm waiting for a dbrand skin for the back so I'm starting off with the playproof. IMO if you don't think the bumper is slippery then you will like the playproof. Just holding both it feels close to the same with maybe a little more grip going towards the playproof. I really love how thin they both are, both front to back and side to side.

Compared with the otterbox symmetry the playproof is tiny, it's probably about 1/4 inch difference in width and maybe not quite that much difference in height. I also put on the screen protector and while it's not as good looking as a glass it doesn't feel too much different and if it protects better than glass I'll keep it.

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Berthacrowley]

I've been using mine for a few weeks now. First, it works perfectly in conjunction with the Daswise screen protector, no lifting whatsoever and the edges of the case just barely meet with the edges of the glass so there's no room for debris to build up. Perfect.

Second, I found it very slippery at first since I was using a Speck Candyshell Grip previously which is super grippy. Now that I've been using it for a little while, I am used to it and haven't had any problems with dropping it. I do have a printed version which does provide the slightest bit of extra texture on the back. I'm actually finding myself enjoying how easily it slips in and out of my jeans pockets; the Speck always resulted in a little resistance.

I'm very pleased with this case. I am surprised by how protective it is with such a relatively slim profile compared to most other protective cases. I have absolutely no complaints!

 

[rcjr]

I have to say that I am somewhat bummed. I ended up ordering a printed PlayProof case after being so impressed with the all black one. Upon receipt, I swapped out the black case for the printed one and the texture of the printing certainly does as some more texture when handling the phone. Now, minor issue (mainly OCD on my part), I noticed that the case was "uneven" on the right side in that it would wobble if I were to use it on a flat surface. Still, I ended up using it for a few days before I decided to swap it back out for my all black PlayProof.

Unfortunately, when I went to put my phone into the black case, the softer part of the rubber had begun separating from hard back portion of the case itself, along the top right corner of the phone and traveling to where the lock/power button is located. Very disappointing, especially since I had only installed/removed the black PlayProof all but once to try out the printed version of the case. I'm also extremely careful with I put on and remove any case, so I am confident that I was not using excessive force to do so. I contacted Evolutive Labs (sent them videos as well) and I do have options to either exchange or return but I have yet to decide just what to do. It's entirely possible I got some lemon units, but something is telling me otherwise. I really do appreciate the slim profile of these cases and I feel safe that they would hold up in a drop, but I worry now about long term wear & tear should I decide to clean the case or switch it out for another. Perhaps it's a sign I SHOULDN'T be switching cases but...I am somewhat of an addict LOL

Anyway, figured I would share my experiences. The PlayProof was on my phone for the longest length of time up until this point! I suppose my "addiction" was suppressed...at least for a time haha!

 

[AE14]

I have to say that I am somewhat bummed. I ended up ordering a printed PlayProof case after being so impressed with the all black one. Upon receipt, I swapped out the black case for the printed one and the texture of the printing certainly does as some more texture when handling the phone. Now, minor issue (mainly OCD on my part), I noticed that the case was "uneven" on the right side in that it would wobble if I were to use it on a flat surface. Still, I ended up using it for a few days before I decided to swap it back out for my all black PlayProof.

Unfortunately, when I went to put my phone into the black case, the softer part of the rubber had begun separating from hard back portion of the case itself, along the top right corner of the phone and traveling to where the lock/power button is located. Very disappointing, especially since I had only installed/removed the black PlayProof all but once to try out the printed version of the case. I'm also extremely careful with I put on and remove any case, so I am confident that I was not using excessive force to do so. I contacted Evolutive Labs (sent them videos as well) and I do have options to either exchange or return but I have yet to decide just what to do. It's entirely possible I got some lemon units, but something is telling me otherwise. I really do appreciate the slim profile of these cases and I feel safe that they would hold up in a drop, but I worry now about long term wear & tear should I decide to clean the case or switch it out for another. Perhaps it's a sign I SHOULDN'T be switching cases but...I am somewhat of an addict LOL

Anyway, figured I would share my experiences. The PlayProof was on my phone for the longest length of time up until this point! I suppose my "addiction" was suppressed...at least for a time haha!

Thats unfortunate..I haven't seen that with mine and I have had it since early/mid November.

 

[rcjr]

Thats unfortunate..I haven't seen that with mine and I have had it since early/mid November.

Indeed it is. I have had mine since early November as well, not long after it was through the pre-order phase. I honestly think the brand is overall very good and I am not trying to speak ill of Evolutive Labs or their product. In fact, I would still be very much interested to see if any new products will emerge in the future, as I feel this is a company that does live up to their namesake.

 

[kgenova]

Thats unfortunate..I haven't seen that with mine and I have had it since early/mid November.

I also haven't seen any issues with separation with my 6s Plus PlayProof, although my cases don't tend to get very heavy use because I change them out so frequently (to review something else, or just because...). It sounds like you may have just gotten a defective one...

 

[rcjr]

I also haven't seen any issues with separation with my 6s Plus PlayProof, although my cases don't tend to get very heavy use because I change them out so frequently (to review something else, or just because...). It sounds like you may have just gotten a defective one...

I am inclined to agree. Thankfully, Evolutive Labs has been good about the situation and that is pleasing. The cases I do own have yet to go through any real trauma but I am typically very cautious in the handling of my device(s) as it is. I will likely return the case that has begun separating and keep my printed version since there are no real critical issues with structuring.

 

[kingston73]

I'm in a quandary now and can't decide which I like more. The playproof is very nice with great buttons, but the crashguard is nearly as nice and easier to hold. It also looks very cool with a black skin on the phone but the buttons are mushy and not nearly as good as the playproof. 1st world problems...

 

[AE14]

I actually took It off today. The slipperyness is becoming a little disconcerting.

 

[Minarets]

I actually took It off today. The slipperyness is becoming a little disconcerting.

Did you also try the crash guard? Or just the playproof?

In thinking I like the idea of the crash guard if it does protect as good as everyone makes it seem.
I have also taken a liking to the ghostek atomic 2.0 but i want to know how well the sound is on incoming and outgoing calls as well as how bad/good the screen protector is. All reviews I have seen just mention how rugged it is and how waterproof it is.

 

[AE14]

Did you also try the crash guard? Or just the playproof?

In thinking I like the idea of the crash guard if it does protect as good as everyone makes it seem.
I have also taken a liking to the ghostek atomic 2.0 but i want to know how well the sound is on incoming and outgoing calls as well as how bad/good the screen protector is. All reviews I have seen just mention how rugged it is and how waterproof it is.

I just had the play proof. However, just walking around the mall and found the griffin survivor journey. It solved the grip issue and was significantly lower cost than on line. So I splurged. Impressed by the quality and the grip

 

[kgenova]

I just had the play proof. However, just walking around the mall and found the griffin survivor journey. It solved the grip issue and was significantly lower cost than on line. So I splurged. Impressed by the quality and the grip

The Griffin Survivor Journey is an absolutely outstanding case. I reviewed it a while back:

 

[AE14]

The Griffin Survivor Journey is an absolutely outstanding case. I reviewed it a while back:

Couldn't agree more. I am really impressed with it and the feel
In the hand is outstanding.

 

[Jaggrey]

I just had the play proof. However, just walking around the mall and found the griffin survivor journey. It solved the grip issue and was significantly lower cost than on line. So I splurged. Impressed by the quality and the grip

I was considering that case a while back. I thought I read somewhere that it had more of a bulky feel. Do you find that to be the case? (Haha see what I did there). How much did you get it for?

 

[AE14]

I was considering that case a while back. I thought I read somewhere that it had more of a bulky feel. Do you find that to be the case? (Haha see what I did there). How much did you get it for?

I got it for $30. It feels similar to the Symmetry. Actually close to the PlayProof.

 

[kingston73]

I actually took It off today. The slipperyness is becoming a little disconcerting.

I actually just put my playproof back on. After using the crashguard for a week I decided I like the playproof better. I really didn't like how the crashguard pulled easily away from the sides. This might be temporary though as I'm waiting for an Evutec osprey to be delivered.

 

[Minarets]

So do most agree the playproof is better than the crash guard? I have been leaning towards crash guard (to show off the back and not have the slipperiness that has been reported from playproof)

The evutec Karbon si has had my recent attention and have been asking Aaron the Ho to review it. Reviews on Amazon are great, but I can't tell how well that stuff on the inside will work for impact on drops. It certainly looks nice.

 

[kingston73]

Imo the playproof is an improvement on the crash guard. I might pour some grip tape on the back center to fix any slippery feelings but even without I still like it.

 

[rcjr]

I actually just put my playproof back on. After using the crashguard for a week I decided I like the playproof better. I really didn't like how the crashguard pulled easily away from the sides. This might be temporary though as I'm waiting for an Evutec osprey to be delivered.

You inspired me to look up the Osprey case LOL! Of course...I ordered one. Now I'll be watching out with hawk eyes for it!

 

[scjr]

I'm still enjoying the PlayProof. I just love the slim form factor, for such an ultra-protective case.

The Griffin case looks good, but it looks thick when Kristin compared it to Thule, etc. I know the PP is thinner than those cases.

 

[gilverx]

I actually just put my playproof back on. After using the crashguard for a week I decided I like the playproof better. I really didn't like how the crashguard pulled easily away from the sides. This might be temporary though as I'm waiting for an Evutec osprey to be delivered.

please leave a comparison when your osprey arrives! been wanting to get one of those too, but can't justify dropping $50 on a case. especially when there's 4 cases already.

 

[rcjr]

please leave a comparison when your osprey arrives! been wanting to get one of those too, but can't justify dropping $50 on a case. especially when there's 4 cases already.

I know what you mean! Yet, still...I was reeled in after researching further and still dropped the dough LOL. The Evutec looks and sounds to hold promise.

I would like to shout out an honorable mention to a case by Patchworks - the ITG Level. I've been using it for a few weeks now and it's a nice middle ground case between the Otterbox Symmetry and Rhinoshield Playproof, in my opinion. Lighter, slimmer than the former and only slightly more of an increase to the latter. Feels great in the hand makes everything very accessible.

 

[kingston73]

please leave a comparison when your osprey arrives! been wanting to get one of those too, but can't justify dropping $50 on a case. especially when there's 4 cases already.

I'll try to take some pictures of them side by side, usps says saturday delivery. I've always been a little case OCD, always trying to find "the one" so I tend to buy nearly everything that interests me.

 

[Minarets]

Which one is less bulky? Playproof or karbon?