To Caudabe or not to Caudabe!

[azhava]

My Sheath (Celestial Blue) just arrived, a day early.

First thoughts: Fit is perfect. It's less bulky than the Speck Presidio2 Grip and feels better in my hand, and looks a lot better as well. I have a Spigen Glas.tr screen protector on my 16 Pro, and the Sheath accommodates it perfectly, leaving a slight border between case and screen protector. The surface is a bit coarser than the Sheath I used on my 13 Pro, which I like because it provides slightly better grip. Buttons feel good and work perfectly. The Camera Control cutout is a bit smaller than the Speck, but it works well - I can activate the camera, double soft-click to activate the functions and swipe smoothly between them, and easily release the shutter. No problems there. It also recesses the Camera Control button enough that I won't be accidentally pushing it when handling the phone. I prefer the cutout to a button on the case for exactly that reason, and won't use a case with a button over the CC.

My search for cases is probably over, the Sheath will most likely be the one that stays on my 16 Pro until whenever my next phone upgrade is, just like it was for my 13 Pro. I'll keep the Speck around and maybe occasionally switch out to it for the extra protection if I'm going to have an extra rough day with my phone.

 

[Derek87]

My Sheath (Celestial Blue) just arrived, a day early.

First thoughts: Fit is perfect. It's less bulky than the Speck Presidio2 Grip and feels better in my hand, and looks a lot better as well. I have a Spigen Glas.tr screen protector on my 16 Pro, and the Sheath accommodates it perfectly, leaving a slight border between case and screen protector. The surface is a bit coarser than the Sheath I used on my 13 Pro, which I like because it provides slightly better grip. Buttons feel good and work perfectly. The Camera Control cutout is a bit smaller than the Speck, but it works well - I can activate the camera, double soft-click to activate the functions and swipe smoothly between them, and easily release the shutter. No problems there. It also recesses the Camera Control button enough that I won't be accidentally pushing it when handling the phone. I prefer the cutout to a button on the case for exactly that reason, and won't use a case with a button over the CC.

My search for cases is probably over, the Sheath will most likely be the one that stays on my 16 Pro until whenever my next phone upgrade is, just like it was for my 13 Pro. I'll keep the Speck around and maybe occasionally switch out to it for the extra protection if I'm going to have an extra rough day with my phone.

great comments. I'm not sure it's possible, but I would love if you could describe how you are able to easily release the shutter. that's my challenge. I can activate it just fine, use the slide control just fine, but releasing the shutter: I can't reliably do it and stop worrying about "shaking the phone" while firmly depressing it...but depressing it can be challenging as sometimes I don't seem to have my finger positioned right to get a firm press.

 

[noobinator]

@TechnicallyTee Thanks for getting up pics and a video up so fast! Your video was great and I am going to be keeping my order for all 3 colors. I think the Ember is gonna look pretty nice with my Black Titanium for Halloween. 🎃

 

[FranApple]

@TechnicallyTee Thanks for getting up pics and a video up so fast! Your video was great and I am going to be keeping my order for all 3 colors. I think the Ember is gonna look pretty nice with my Black Titanium for Halloween. 🎃

Wow, I definitely want to see pictures of that. 😲

 

[FranApple]

My Sheath (Celestial Blue) just arrived, a day early.

First thoughts: Fit is perfect. It's less bulky than the Speck Presidio2 Grip and feels better in my hand, and looks a lot better as well. I have a Spigen Glas.tr screen protector on my 16 Pro, and the Sheath accommodates it perfectly, leaving a slight border between case and screen protector. The surface is a bit coarser than the Sheath I used on my 13 Pro, which I like because it provides slightly better grip. Buttons feel good and work perfectly. The Camera Control cutout is a bit smaller than the Speck, but it works well - I can activate the camera, double soft-click to activate the functions and swipe smoothly between them, and easily release the shutter. No problems there. It also recesses the Camera Control button enough that I won't be accidentally pushing it when handling the phone. I prefer the cutout to a button on the case for exactly that reason, and won't use a case with a button over the CC.

My search for cases is probably over, the Sheath will most likely be the one that stays on my 16 Pro until whenever my next phone upgrade is, just like it was for my 13 Pro. I'll keep the Speck around and maybe occasionally switch out to it for the extra protection if I'm going to have an extra rough day with my phone.

This is my experience too. My first impression when I got the case was that the cutout would be fine. After a week and a half, I've noticed that I barely use the camera control button and when I do the cutout is still fine. Great case.

 

[mous94410]

The white iPhone on white paragon case looks really cool

 

[azhava]

great comments. I'm not sure it's possible, but I would love if you could describe how you are able to easily release the shutter. that's my challenge. I can activate it just fine, use the slide control just fine, but releasing the shutter: I can't reliably do it and stop worrying about "shaking the phone" while firmly depressing it...but depressing it can be challenging as sometimes I don't seem to have my finger positioned right to get a firm press.

I guess it's probably kind of hard to describe, and everybody's hands fit the phone differently. I have big hands so I'm able to anchor the base of my index finger (nearest the palm) on the corner of the phone case nearest to the CC button (top right corner if we're looking at it held in front of us in landscape mode), and use the right side of the tip of my finger to trigger the shutter release. It's more of a squeeze movement than a push, but I also have a lot of training and experience in shooting firearms, where it's essential to squeeze the trigger in a smooth movement without jerking/stabbing at it, so maybe it comes more naturally to me. If I stab at the CC button, I can feel the phone shake/move in my hand.

I also always shoot two-handed unless I'm unable to for whatever reason, so I grip and brace the phone pretty well. If I was shooting one-handed for whatever reason, I would use the screen button (or volume buttons if they were more accessible) instead.

 

[Pug72]

Paragon looks plain and hard plastic is not a case material I like. Sheath still the king of Caudabe.
They’ll sell loads as it’s a new design but once the novelty wears off I don’t think it’ll be as popular.

 

[TechnicallyTee]

Paragon looks plain and hard plastic is not a case material I like. Sheath still the king of Caudabe.
They’ll sell loads as it’s a new design but once the novelty wears off I don’t think it’ll be as popular.

I hate is it supposed to look like? All of the Caudabe cases looks “plain” at the end of the day. I think people will love this series because I don’t think you guys know how many colors they are going to come out with this case.

They will have a whole new audience based off their colors alone. It’s not for everyone but don’t knock it until you try it because I’ve been using it for a day now and be material on the back is coming around. I’m going to do a follow up video next week.

 

[Pug72]

I guess the brighter colours set it apart from their others but it's not for me. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
Are the sides TPU or the same plastic as the rear? Again my preference but I like the feel of matt TPU whether solid or coated PC shell.

Any news on whether they are sitting on the cutout hill or will they update with a capture button in the future?

 

[gabric86]

I guess the brighter colours set it apart from their others but it's not for me. Whatever floats your boat I guess.
Are the sides TPU or the same plastic as the rear? Again my preference but I like the feel of matt TPU whether solid or coated PC shell.

Any news on whether they are sitting on the cutout hill or will they update with a capture button in the future?

I am also waiting for an update on the camera control button, they put it on the Veil, so I think they can do it on the others as well.

 

[amazingpupil]

I hate is it supposed to look like? All of the Caudabe cases looks “plain” at the end of the day. I think people will love this series because I don’t think you guys know how many colors they are going to come out with this case.

They will have a whole new audience based off their colors alone. It’s not for everyone but don’t knock it until you try it because I’ve been using it for a day now and be material on the back is coming around. I’m going to do a follow up video next week.

I feel like Caudabe cases looking plain is part of their appeal in a way. The branding and color are subtle, which is what draws me to them. I don't like the cases that have large branding all over them.

I've got a Sheath on the way, but I'll definitely be looking out for new paragon colors for my natural titanium.

 

[iFone88]

I am also waiting for an update on the camera control button, they put it on the Veil, so I think they can do it on the others as well.

It's not on the veil.

That'd be the hardest case to put one because of how thin it is

 

[gabric86]

It's not on the veil.

That'd be the hardest case to put one because of how thin it is

Really? Then this picture is really cheating

 

[TechnicallyTee]

So I took one for the team and took my keys and really tried to scratch it hard on the back of the Paragon and it seems to be really scratch resistant which seems to be a good sign. If something can withstand keys then everyday wear and tear should be fine. Trying to upload a pic.

 

[Zensō]

Really? Then this picture is really cheating

The case is so thin that it appears to be a cover, but rest assured, it’s a cutout. Other ultra-thin cases like the Totallee and Peel look similar.

 

[noobinator]

So I took one for the team and took my keys and really tried to scratch it hard on the back of the Paragon and it seems to be really scratch resistant which seems to be a good sign. If something can withstand keys then everyday wear and tear should be fine. Trying to upload a pic.

Excellent news. Appreciate you taking one for the team haha.

 

[boilerjohn94]

Thanks for the video @TechnicallyTee! How does the Paragon thickness compare to the Apple silicone? The Sheath is a little too thick for my liking. I really wish Caudabe would have brought back the Lucid Clear, but maybe the Paragon will be a good substitute.

 

[reyalP]

Really? Then this picture is really cheating

I have the Veil and trust me there is no camera control button. It is just a cutout. All of the buttons on the Veil are cutouts.

 

[kashuang]

I got my cases yesterday after the original shipment was "lost" by USPS. Waited more than two weeks (ordered 9/13) and finally I was able to try on the black Synthesis. Big mistake - it scratches way too easy like many have warned here in this forum. After trying it out with my car magsafe holder, anker 3-in-1 charger, and apple magsafe charger for about 15 mins, I already noticed a "ring" of marks showing on the back of the case. I had their Synthesis black case for iphone 15 pro max for almost a year of regular use and it never had this issue. Same accessories and same usage patterns. When I sold my old case to my friend, he said it was literally "new". Not sure if Caudabe changed the material used on Synthesis case or not. But my s24 ultra Synthesis case, bought in June 2024, does not have the issue at all.

I initiated the exchange process and requested a Sheath black case instead. Hopefully, it will be more scratch resistant like many have said here.

BTW, can anyone share their exchange experience with Caudabe? How do the return shipping and shipping charge for the new case works? Thanks in advance.

 

[Sal09]

I think ill be requesting to cancel my preorder. Ember and Desert Ti cannot see that combo happening.

 

[TechnicallyTee]

I think ill be requesting to cancel my preorder. Ember and Desert Ti cannot see that combo happening.

You still have want to see pics of it? I can take some in a bit

 

[Sal09]

You still have want to see pics of it? I can take some in a bit

Oh yes please. Im in two minds. Your hand on honest opinion will also help.

 

[justinf77]

I got my cases yesterday after the original shipment was "lost" by USPS. Waited more than two weeks (ordered 9/13) and finally I was able to try on the black Synthesis. Big mistake - it scratches way too easy like many have warned here in this forum. After trying it out with my car magsafe holder, anker 3-in-1 charger, and apple magsafe charger for about 15 mins, I already noticed a "ring" of marks showing on the back of the case. I had their Synthesis black case for iphone 15 pro max for almost a year of regular use and it never had this issue. Same accessories and same usage patterns. When I sold my old case to my friend, he said it was literally "new". Not sure if Caudabe changed the material used on Synthesis case or not. But my s24 ultra Synthesis case, bought in June 2024, does not have the issue at all.

I initiated the exchange process and requested a Sheath black case instead. Hopefully, it will be more scratch resistant like many have said here.

BTW, can anyone share their exchange experience with Caudabe? How do the return shipping and shipping charge for the new case works? Thanks in advance.


View attachment 2431211View attachment 2431212

Ya I'm bummed about the Synthesis scratching so easily, it was by far my favorite case for the 15PM. It scratches with the slightest drag of a fingernail, it's pretty crazy. Meanwhile my 15PM Synthesis, like yours, looks brand new after almost a year of use.

 

[Zensō]

Ya I'm bummed about the Synthesis scratching so easily, it was by far my favorite case for the 15PM. It scratches with the slightest drag of a fingernail, it's pretty crazy. Meanwhile my 15PM Synthesis, like yours, looks brand new after almost a year of use.

Caudabe: “If it ain’t broke, break it.” 😉