Agent18 EcoShield Slider iPhone 3G/3GS review

I am not a green freak, not talking about the Hulk now, but I do appreciate recycling. Agent18 is a American company focusing on keeping a green profile when it comes to creating protection for the iPhone among other devices. The slider case I have in front of me is made out of recycled plastic bottles. This gives the case a special feel to the touch, and an even better feel to the heart.

The EcoShield Slider protects the entire back, sides and has got a one millimeter edge protecting the screen when placed screen down. The case has special rubber details giving extra grip along the edges, and for the logo and company text on the back. The volume controls, and silent/hold button have rubber protection that doesn’t interfere in any way with the functionality. The cutout for the mute switch is a bit tight, and can be hard to easily operate without decent nails.

The two-part slider has got some interlocking details that help keeping the pieces in place. I have had trouble with sliders sliding apart but that is not the case with the EcoShield. The only times it comes apart is when the iPhone is dropped on the floor. To disperse the impact energy and force the slider slides apart leaving the iPhone unharmed. It is still easy to take the slider apart by simply pressing the top half against the phone, and sliding upwards. There is silicone padding on the inside of the case keeping the iPhone in a snug grip without harming it. These pieces of silicone might wear off if the case is taken on and off too many times.
For playing games the case is great. It is lightweight, and the added grip from the rubber around the sides is great. The logo and company name on the back also add grip when the phone lies on a table. The logo collects some dust and grime though, but it can be easily cleaned using a wet cloth.

The case comes with a screen protection film making it a complete protective solution. You also get a small metal stand to place the phone in when watching movies. It works but I seldom remember these small stands, and they usually stay in the original packaging.

The looks of the EcoShield are great. It lets the chrome bezel to shine around the edges of the phone. The case adds a bit of bulk, but not in an extent that is annoying. It comes in three different colors: white, black and blue. Strangely enough it doesn’t come in the obvious plastic bottle green that I would like to have. The tree of life logo on the back is visible from a distance, and can definitely be a good conversation starter. Yes people like people that are green.

Summary

Pros
Lightweight sleek design.
Enhanced grip when playing games by soft rubber details.
Slider locks well.
Screen protection film and metal stand included.
Good impact protection, the energy is dispersed by the slider sliding apart.
Durable design.
Full iPhone functionality.
Feels good to be green.

Cons
As with most sliders there is a small gap between the two parts.
The plastic feels somewhat strange to the touch.
The cutout around the mute switch is a bit tight.
Not dockable in all docks.
No belt clip available.

The Agent18 EcoShield Slider is a great case for gamers, general iPhone users and the environment. It is well made, well packaged and I highly recommend it. Now I only hope that Agent18 will start selling the EcoShield on the European market, as all things green are good for our world.