I'm guessing the playproof, it's hard to imagine a protective case that's less bulky. From what I've read it sounds like the karbon had better grip though.
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[Review] Evolutive Labs Rhino Shield PlayProof
- Thread starter scjr
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I'm guessing the playproof, it's hard to imagine a protective case that's less bulky. From what I've read it sounds like the karbon had better grip though.
Man. Can't really decide between these 3. I think they sell they Evutec at Best Buy. I may need to feel it out first. The playproof and crash guard will be a guess and order thing. I love the idea of the bumper showing off most of the phone but I fell like a lot of its protection is due to the screen shield and as tough as it looks (exactly what I want), most plastic screen protectors don't feel good or don't have any oleophobic properties.
I received my Evutec today directly from Apple. There are some remarkable similarities to it and the Playproof. From what I can tell so far, the Evutec does appear to be ever so slightly slimmer/less bulky and is definitely shorter. It is extremely lightweight but still feels sturdy - much akin to the Playproof. The lip around the edge of the screen also reminds me of the Playproof, though it does not extend quite so far out onto the screen. I like it a little better because it seems to fit against the glass and does not allow particulates to get trapped beneath it and the case itself. However, I would say that this lip is a bit shorter compared to the Playproof. I have a case friendly tempered glass screen protector on my phone and there is still a decent lip around the screen. Fitment is nice and snug and while installation/removal can be a little tight, the phone secures and disengages nicely.
I will say that the aforementioned lip does open up a bit at the very top of the case and exposes a portion of the aluminum bezel. It reminds me much of the way the Magpul Field case is designed. It actually doesn't bother me because I don't see anything getting stuck under the case, and I can either blow it away or wipe it upwards and out. Port openings are fairly generous as well and the feel in the hand is very pleasant. Good grip - solid and easy to slip in/out of pockets and seems VERY resistant to fingerprints.
One thing about the buttons. They did feel a bit stifled upon my initial install with not much feedback. They worked, but took more pressure than should be necessary. I removed the case and started pressing them in over and over a few times in hopes of loosening them up. Thankfully, this worked and without deforming the shape at all, probably thanks to the rigid portion. The buttons now have good feedback and I can definitely tell when I'm activating them. All in all, I think this one is a keeper and will likely be my go to/main contender. At least...for now lol.
I kind of suck at leaving my thoughts in "review" format, so I apologize if this all seems scattered. I would love to post photos but the only other way I have to do so is with my iPad 2 soooo...perhaps a more qualified member of this forum may be able to do so.
I will say that the aforementioned lip does open up a bit at the very top of the case and exposes a portion of the aluminum bezel. It reminds me much of the way the Magpul Field case is designed. It actually doesn't bother me because I don't see anything getting stuck under the case, and I can either blow it away or wipe it upwards and out. Port openings are fairly generous as well and the feel in the hand is very pleasant. Good grip - solid and easy to slip in/out of pockets and seems VERY resistant to fingerprints.
One thing about the buttons. They did feel a bit stifled upon my initial install with not much feedback. They worked, but took more pressure than should be necessary. I removed the case and started pressing them in over and over a few times in hopes of loosening them up. Thankfully, this worked and without deforming the shape at all, probably thanks to the rigid portion. The buttons now have good feedback and I can definitely tell when I'm activating them. All in all, I think this one is a keeper and will likely be my go to/main contender. At least...for now lol.
I kind of suck at leaving my thoughts in "review" format, so I apologize if this all seems scattered. I would love to post photos but the only other way I have to do so is with my iPad 2 soooo...perhaps a more qualified member of this forum may be able to do so.
Great. Thanks so much. So you have the playproof as well? Yes I'd love to see pics.
I will say the biggest selling point for me on either rhinoshield product is the 11.5' drop protection. The Evutec is 6', correct? Basically double the protection with the Rhinoshield.
I will say the biggest selling point for me on either rhinoshield product is the 11.5' drop protection. The Evutec is 6', correct? Basically double the protection with the Rhinoshield.
Yes, I do have both cases. Evutec doesn't give an exact height, but it is Mil Spec certified, so it will at least fare in a 4ft. drop. Possibly more, as it feels sturdy, but there's nothing to indicate any more than 4ft by military standards. The Playproof probably is more protective overall but I'm enjoying the build and handling of the Evutec more.
Playproof is definitely slicker. It's hard to described the feel of the Evutec. It's smooth but textured with a soft to the touch kind of coating. No matter where you pick it up from or how you hold it, there's always the feeling of a secure grip without it being grainy or sticky. It does not move around at all on surfaces when you're using the phone whereas the Playproof can. I never had much of a problem with the last part but I know it's a common pain point for other users.
You got it! Just be weary of the buttons in case you notice them being a little less clicky. That would be the only thing I'd advise beforehand but I know Best Buy usually lets you try the case before purchasing. Mine are okay now but I got nervous at first lol.
golden question : was it worth the price ?
my local apple store doesn't carry the kozane range =/
golden question : was it worth the price ?
my local apple store doesn't carry the kozane range =/
I own the Karbon SI case and it is now my go to case. I paid $44 on Amazon. I would say it is worth it considering I paid almost the same price for the Apple silicone case and I did not find the price to be worth it. Had I known that the Karbon SI was available at the Apple Store at the time, then I would have bought it instead.
The Karbon is smooth, but grippy, like rubber. I wouldn't describe it as having any surface texture at all.
Their Wood series, however, does have a slight texture, and a different feel.
It's a nice case, no doubt. The only thing lacking IMO, is value.
Their Wood series, however, does have a slight texture, and a different feel.
It's a nice case, no doubt. The only thing lacking IMO, is value.
golden question : was it worth the price ?
my local apple store doesn't carry the kozane range =/
Personally, I think it should be at least $10 less. $39.99 would be more reasonable in my opinion but this aside, I'd say it was worth it.
Mobile reviews-eh rates them:
Evutec Karbon:4.4 ehs
Pros:
– Slim
– Very “grippy”
– Access to sim card without taking off the case
Cons:
– Back will scratch quicker than other cases
– Not officialy drop-rated
Potential Problems:
– None that we found
– Ironic that such a “tough” case isn’t drop rated
Playproof : 4.6 ehs
Pros:
– Drop it from 11.5 ft
– Super light
– Great access to the iPhone
Cons:
– Playproof’s back is really slick
Potential Problems:
– None that we found
Crash Guard: 4.6 ehs
Pros:
– Minimal bulk
– Extreme protection
Cons:
– Minor dust protection issue
Potential Problems:
– None that we really found
Evutec Karbon:4.4 ehs
Pros:
– Slim
– Very “grippy”
– Access to sim card without taking off the case
Cons:
– Back will scratch quicker than other cases
– Not officialy drop-rated
Potential Problems:
– None that we found
– Ironic that such a “tough” case isn’t drop rated
Playproof : 4.6 ehs
Pros:
– Drop it from 11.5 ft
– Super light
– Great access to the iPhone
Cons:
– Playproof’s back is really slick
Potential Problems:
– None that we found
Crash Guard: 4.6 ehs
Pros:
– Minimal bulk
– Extreme protection
Cons:
– Minor dust protection issue
Potential Problems:
– None that we really found
I wonder which Evutec iteration he's reviewing. I have the Karbon Si Osprey and it's military drop rated. I'll have to check that page later because the link to the full review appears to be defunct.
I wonder which Evutec iteration he's reviewing. I have the Karbon Si Osprey and it's military drop rated. I'll have to check that page later because the link to the full review appears to be defunct.
I just saw that his review is also up on YouTube now as well. Military Drop Testing, I believe, cover a standard height of 4 ft.
Aaron said during the video that he's had the case for more than a year, so I suspect he's using an older "revision" of the SI. (Indeed, I haven't noticed a SIM card cutout in the product photos.) I watched his video and posted a comment below it.
Man I need to stop reading this thread! I think if I had seen the Evutec before the Playproof I may have gotten it. I actually switched back to my UAG to see if there's a noticeable difference of grip and I do notice a difference. I might switch again to the PlayProof but this Evutec is intriguing. And still drop protected to at least the same amount as my UAG.
Anyone want to buy a slightly used PlayProof in dark blue? lol
Anyone want to buy a slightly used PlayProof in dark blue?
lolWell...I ended up returning my Evutec back to Apple For some reason, despite my own efforts to loosen up the buttons (which worked temporarily), they would revert back to feeling very muted. Such a shame because I loved everything else about this case otherwise. I left it on for several days to see if breaking it in would stick but alas, nada. I'm now back to my printed version of the Playproof and that's completely fine.
For some reason, despite my own efforts to loosen up the buttons (which worked temporarily), they would revert back to feeling very muted. Such a shame because I loved everything else about this case otherwise. I left it on for several days to see if breaking it in would stick but alas, nada. I'm now back to my printed version of the Playproof and that's completely fine.
Rhinoshield definitely got the buttons right with the playproof, the 2nd best case as far as button feel goes. The winner in feel goes to the k11 though, feels exactly like the phone.