Ben Allen Collaborate Hard Shell iPhone 4 review

The art created by Ben Allen is wicked cool, and now two of his original designs are featured on hard-shells manufactured by Proporta. The Ben Allen designs are made much in the same way, as earlier designs featuring Quicksilver artwork. The only real difference lies in the fact that the new Ben Allens have artwork continuing around the sides. This is a great improvement, and affects the entire impression of the iPhone 4. This feature is also seen in the Ted Baker line of hard shells.

The hard shell is flexible, and easy to insert the phone into. It is equally easy to extract it due to the flexible nature of the material. The case hugs around the metal parts, and extends almost to the level of the front glass. This leaves no protection whatsoever for the screen, and this is perhaps the only real negative aspect. Had there been two millimetres more edge it there would have been good basic screen protection against minor bumps.

What the shell adds is really good grip, and a sleek sensation to the skin. Compared to the naked iPhone 4 it is a treat handling it with this case.

The artworks are well made, and seem to last quite a while. It comes in two different versions: zebra, and skull. The union Jack skull design is edgier, and has a masculine aura. It does not however benefit from reaching around the edges, and hence it feels a bit like an opportunity has been lost. The zebra is more feminine in subject matter, but I still find it works for men as well. It benefits from stripes going across the sides, and to me this is way cool. Both has the Ben Allen name, and logo inside the case. There is no indication otherwise that this is a Ben Allen piece, or that it has been manufactured by Proporta. To me that is a bit of a shame, as now it can easily be taken for a cheap case found at a market stall.

Ben Allen is an extreme sports star, and multitalented artist with a nice urban modern vibe. If you are into his art, or performances these cases are great options. The protection is limited to back, and sides only. The grip added makes it more secure than a naked iPhone 4. Definitely recommended to those looking for slim protection, and vibrant artworks.