Vaja Black Series for iPhone 4 Review

[walds11]

I am so used to carrying my iPhone around naked in a leather holster or spring clip holster. I love the ease of access, easy in and out. I can't see carrying the Top around in my pocket, having to pull it out of my pocket and then opening up the flap to access my iPhone.

Any dedicated Grip users out there? I would love to hear your feedback.

The flap is a personal choice - I've gotten used to it (on my 3G) and like knowing that when it's closed and in my pocket the phone is very well protected. When on a call I just flip it back and hold the entire thing in my hand. Obviously now with a decent camera and flash I'll have to adjust when taking pictures/video.

 

[richxps]

Is it hard to type in landscape mode with the flap ? It's a nice case but keeping the phone naked in a nice leather slip case with a full body skin is my preference, I may just get the vaja retro slim bag. That flap will get annoying fast for sure. Plus it will look like a larege flip phone lol

 

[random person]

My big issue with Vaja is the wait time. My first one -- for the original iPhone -- was ready in fifty days, not forty five -- and then it sat in customs for weeks.
For my second one I bought one from a guy on one of these forums -- at least I knew when I would get it!

And they do sometimes get way behind -- see this link:

http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/07/1...fill-orders-of-very-pricey-custom-ipad-cases/

If 45 days becomes sixty or eighty well then you end up with a case you can't use long enough to justify its price when the next version of the iPhone comes out.

They are beautiful, though. But this new version -- not nearly as protective as earlier versions given the camera cutout.

Sigh. I want one, I always do. But I hate waiting for them!

 

[mokeiko]

My big issue with Vaja is the wait time. My first one -- for the original iPhone -- was ready in fifty days, not forty five -- and then it sat in customs for weeks.
For my second one I bought one from a guy on one of these forums -- at least I knew when I would get it!

And they do sometimes get way behind -- see this link:

http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/07/1...fill-orders-of-very-pricey-custom-ipad-cases/

If 45 days becomes sixty or eighty well then you end up with a case you can't use long enough to justify its price when the next version of the iPhone comes out.

They are beautiful, though. But this new version -- not nearly as protective as earlier versions given the camera cutout.

Sigh. I want one, I always do. But I hate waiting for them!

I know what you mean about the wait time. I ordered a Piel Frama instead of the Vaja and it will arrive this Friday. I waited over 4 weeks! The demand for these cases is high as well.

mokeiko

 

[Nieval]

Firstly I owe people an apology, I was suppose to get my camera back today so as to post pics of the case with the phone inside it but my friend (a new father hence why he borrowed it) didn't bring it back but I should get it back tomorrow and I'll post the pics tomorrow for sure. Sorry again and I promise I'll make the pics worth the wait.

Is it hard to type in landscape mode with the flap ? It's a nice case but keeping the phone naked in a nice leather slip case with a full body skin is my preference, I may just get the vaja retro slim bag. That flap will get annoying fast for sure. Plus it will look like a larege flip phone lol

I haven't found typing in landscape any different than without the case mainly because I wrap the flap all the way to the back and by doing that you can hold the case comfortably, almost eliminating the flap.

My big issue with Vaja is the wait time. My first one -- for the original iPhone -- was ready in fifty days, not forty five -- and then it sat in customs for weeks.
For my second one I bought one from a guy on one of these forums -- at least I knew when I would get it!

And they do sometimes get way behind -- see this link:

http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/07/1...fill-orders-of-very-pricey-custom-ipad-cases/

If 45 days becomes sixty or eighty well then you end up with a case you can't use long enough to justify its price when the next version of the iPhone comes out.

They are beautiful, though. But this new version -- not nearly as protective as earlier versions given the camera cutout.

Sigh. I want one, I always do. But I hate waiting for them!

I know what you mean about the wait time. I ordered a Piel Frama instead of the Vaja and it will arrive this Friday. I waited over 4 weeks! The demand for these cases is high as well.

mokeiko

Yeah, the wait is the hardest part in a strange way it adds to the specialness of their cases.
What I've been told by Vaja is that they make the cases one at a time, going through the list as they do, if you can believe that, imagine how hard they must work all the while staying perfect.
The moment you get the case though, you forget the waiting time. I know alot of products that also have a long waiting time especially for these iP4 cases (Vapour Element Case for eg.) but can honestly say that in Vaja's case they're worth it, ask anyone who's bought from them.
I had originally planned on using the free bumper case to ease my wait till it arrived, anyone have any cases to use till their case arrives?

 

[random person]

I know what you mean about the wait time. I ordered a Piel Frama instead of the Vaja and it will arrive this Friday. I waited over 4 weeks! The demand for these cases is high as well.

mokeiko

Which piel frama did you order? I ordered the iMagnum in red from cases.com today and I will get it tomorrow!!!!

I'm on the list for the element vapor which is just NEVER coming so I needed some kind of treat in the meantime. Ive always been curious about the piel frama cases anyway. Let us know how you like your new case!

 

[pablo7]

Which piel frama did you order? I ordered the iMagnum in red from cases.com today and I will get it tomorrow!!!!

I'm on the list for the element vapor which is just NEVER coming so I needed some kind of treat in the meantime. Ive always been curious about the piel frama cases anyway. Let us know how you like your new case!

Post some pics when you get it. Is that the one with no camera hole?

 

[newskin]

Googled "Black Series Vaja" and this thread was 1st on the list. Great description of what seems like a great case. I'm gonna try to get this case next and the 30-45 days is sad news. Looks quality and proper. Quick question for those who have it, the red part inside, is it suede? Nevermind, looks like it's felt or something like it.

 

[thetonyclifton]

I am so used to carrying my iPhone around naked in a leather holster or spring clip holster. I love the ease of access, easy in and out. I can't see carrying the Top around in my pocket, having to pull it out of my pocket and then opening up the flap to access my iPhone.

Any dedicated Grip users out there? I would love to hear your feedback.

I ordered a grip this time and have had grips and Tops for previous phones and ipods - they are all good cases, however if you think the Top and flap will annoy you....then it will - so it probably is not for you.

The grip definitely has less protection but probably not any less than a standard hardcase by incipio, switcheasy etc - as long as you are not unlucky enough to drop it right on the camera corner.

The grip is probably more of fashion case in that it provides scratch proofing, allows you to throw the phone around a little more, gives a better grip on the phone and covers it in a quality feel customised leather - that is more than enough protection and reasons to buy for me.

 

[walds11]

You hit the nail right on the head about the Grip being "more of a fashion case, etc..." I don't have anything else to add. LOL! The Grip looks nice, will give me ease of access, better grip and and enough protection. I am sold on the Grip.

I ordered a grip this time and have had grips and Tops for previous phones and ipods - they are all good cases, however if you think the Top and flap will annoy you....then it will - so it probably is not for you.

The grip definitely has less protection but probably not any less than a standard hardcase by incipio, switcheasy etc - as long as you are not unlucky enough to drop it right on the camera corner.

The grip is probably more of fashion case in that it provides scratch proofing, allows you to throw the phone around a little more, gives a better grip on the phone and covers it in a quality feel customised leather - that is more than enough protection and reasons to buy for me.

 

[Orlandorealtor]

Will do, just waiting for a buddy to drop the digital camera off, I took those with the iP4.

So did your buddy ever drop off the digital camera? Still waiting to see pics of your phone in the case. Thanks

 

[random person]

Post some pics when you get it. Is that the one with no camera hole?

The iMagnum is similar to the Vaja in that it tightly holds the phone in a leather covered plastic shell. Two main differences are that the flip is up rather than down and the case is more padded. You also have the option of using a belt clip. There is a large cutout (missing corner, like the Vaja) for the camera but because of the top flip design there is at least some case leather by the camera corner when closed to help prevent drop damage to that corner, or at least, so I imagine!

I'm intrigued by the up flap because it means that when you are talking the flap rests over your hand rather than dangling in front if your face. Might be preferable -- I'll let you know when I get my hands on it.

 

[walds11]

I was also considering the Piel Frama iMagnum. Two negatives though. The case looks pretty bulky and the belt clip does not lock into place. The clip does not ratchet and spins freely. That could be rather annoying. I am also intrigued by the flap up design, but those two negatives are deal breakers for me.

The iMagnum is similar to the Vaja in that it tightly holds the phone in a leather covered plastic shell. Two main differences are that the flip is up rather than down and the case is more padded. You also have the option of using a belt clip. There is a large cutout (missing corner, like the Vaja) for the camera but because of the top flip design there is at least some case leather by the camera corner when closed to help prevent drop damage to that corner, or at least, so I imagine!

I'm intrigued by the up flap because it means that when you are talking the flap rests over your hand rather than dangling in front if your face. Might be preferable -- I'll let you know when I get my hands on it.

 

[random person]

I was also considering the Piel Frama iMagnum. Two negatives though. The case looks pretty bulky and the belt clip does not lock into place. The clip does not ratchet and spins freely. That could be rather annoying. I am also intrigued by the flap up design, but those two negatives are deal breakers for me.

I'll let you know what I think about the bulk when I get it later today but I believe the imagnum version is quite a bit less bulky than their other cases. Also from recent reviews the belt clip is less free-swinging than it was before so you can have the phone vertical or horizontal etc.

We'll see! One thing walds is that as far as phone call answering speed the flap cases are really not an issue at all. You can flip them open and closed with one hand -- takes two seconds. The issue is the damned dangling flap!

 

[walds11]

I am anxiously awaiting your feedback on the iMagnum case.

I prefer a clip that locks into different positions, ie horizontal and vertical and not a clip that spins around freely.

I am not concerned with the call answering speed with the flap. The flap seems rather annoying when you are actually talking on the phone, doing email or web browsing.

I'll let you know what I think about the bulk when I get it later today but I believe the imagnum version is quite a bit less bulky than their other cases. Also from recent reviews the belt clip is less free-swinging than it was before so you can have the phone vertical or horizontal etc.

We'll see! One thing walds is that as far as phone call answering speed the flap cases are really not an issue at all. You can flip them open and closed with one hand -- takes two seconds. The issue is the damned dangling flap!

 

[1 Cor. 15:26]

This thread got me really interested in Vaja, so I took a look at their site. Some of their iPad cases made we want an iPad just for the case! Quality stuff.

Quick question though, for the iPhone 4 cases, do you pay them when you order it, or do they charge you when it ships? What with the 45 day waiting period and all. That 80ish dollars you wont have while waiting a month and a half for a product you dont have yet. Just wondering if they take the moeny on order to cover cost and labor, or they charge you when its completed.

Thanks in advance! Fantastic review. Quality photos. Definetly made me want a Vaja case. Maybe not the Black Series, but something Vaja for sure.

 

[labrat1996]

They have always charged me when I ordered it. I have ordered from them three times.

 

[1 Cor. 15:26]

They have always charged me when I ordered it. I have ordered from them three times.

Good to know. Cheers!

 

[richxps]

Can't wait for the pics, it will help my decision to get either the vaja retro slim pouch or this flip style case

 

[Orlandorealtor]

Can't wait for the pics, it will help my decision to get either the vaja retro slim pouch or this flip style case

Guess his friend is making a digital camera for him. He was bringing it right over yesterday afternoon. Not sure this guy has a case

 

[pablo7]

Guess his friend is making a digital camera for him. He was bringing it right over yesterday afternoon. Not sure this guy has a case

Or an iphone 4

 

[Nieval]

Guess his friend is making a digital camera for him. He was bringing it right over yesterday afternoon. Not sure this guy has a case

Or an iphone 4

Lol, the guy just got a new daughter, I tried telling him that I've got a forum waiting but he wouldn't budge, can't say I blame him tho.

Uploading pics now, should be up within the half hour.

Edit: Here's the first batch, I'm no photographer but I tried my best. I'll post as much as you guys want just tell me the angle and bear with the quality.

 

[Nieval]

Here's some more, I did promise I'd make it worth the wait.

 

[Nieval]

And..

 

[Nieval]

Almost there..