Review: PureGear DUALTEK Extreme Shock Case for iPhone 4/4S
When bump,
smack, strike, hit, whack, knock, bang unexpectedly come into play, DualTek® provides
the best in extreme shock protection.
- 3M E.A.R. Corner Impact Protection controls shock by isolating vibration- Durable Layered Materials combine strength, toughness and flex- Slim & Sleek Design provides stylish impact protection without the added bulk- Ergonomic Grip designed for a secure yet comfortable grip of your phone- 360˚ Protection with added screen shield to protect against dings and scratches- Warning: Choking Hazard - Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.
This is where ruggedized cases are a blessing, but they come with their share of downsides, mainly being that they are almost always very bulky, cumbersome, and just generally spoil the iPhone’s good looks. Well, PureGear is looking to change this perception of rugged, extreme protection cases with their latest release, the DualTek Extreme Shock case for iPhone 4/4S.
Inside the packaging you’ll
find the DualTek case, and a front screen shield to give you 360 degree
protection for your iPhone. When you have the DualTek in your hand, you’ll
probably immediately notice that it’s a very, very rigid case.
The
DualTek is a multi-layer, co-molded construction case with a harder outside
shell fused to a soft inner rubber-like core.
As with
other cases of this hard/soft dual layer construction style, to install the
case you simply press your iPhone in from the front of the case until it snaps
firmly in place. Once installed, you can really see how this case was designed
with maximum shock absorption in mind. Inside the DualTek, your iPhone is
actually suspended between the 4 black shock-absorbing 3M E.A.R. impact inserts
located at each corner. These impact barriers actually protrude through the
corners of the case, and are the case’s primary protection mechanism against
corner drops. Along with these impact zones, the inner gray layer is a soft
rubber/TPU material to further aid in impact protection.
On the outside, you’ll find the hard,
matte finish polycarbonate outer layer that adds to the impact protection of
the DualTek. This is one of the firmest outer layers of a case this type that
I’ve ever seen. PureGear’s decision to go with a matte finish for the outer
layer is a good one. It should show much less wear and scratches over time, as
opposed to a glossy finish. Along the left and right sides of the case you’ll
find ergonomic palm and finger grips formed by allowing areas of the softer
rubber layer to protrude through to the outside.
These
grip areas are a really nice touch. Even though the case has a matte finish on
the exterior, it’s not the best for grip due to the firmness of the
polycarbonate used. These little grip patches counteract this. The front of the
case extends up vertically beyond the front glass, allowing a very good lip for
maximum lay on the table design. And since this lip doesn’t extend over the
front glass in any way, I see no reason why any screen protector would have
compatibility issues with the DualTek.
Overall,
I’m very impressed with the DualTek case. At its price point of $39.95 and your choice of colors, I have to give a
strong recommendation to the PureGear DualTek if you’re looking for a very
rugged case without transforming your iPhone into a rubber brick like most do.
