Catching a big wave, riding the tide and generally looking cool doing it is the life of a surfer. While off the board that same surfer dude stays cool by having a spanking new iPhone 4. Gumdrop Cases wants that very surfer to have it protected by a Surf Slider case.
The Surf Slider is as the name suggests a slider case. Made from two pieces of frosted, but still transparent, plastic that slides onto the phone. It comes in four different colours: red, blue, smoke and transparent. The fit is excellent around the edges of the phone. 
That is if you don’t use any kind of screen protection film. If so the case crumbles the edges of the film giving air bubbles, and jagged edges. The Surf Slider is a standalone case that I have to say is incompatible with all available screen protectors for the iPhone 4. If you feel a need for screen protectors this case is not for you at all.
The case holds together quite well, but if you wiggle it too much it will become looser and looser. Much like the slider cases from incase it will work as long as you don’t fiddle with it. The antislip rubber strips on the back of the case holds the phone in place, but at the same time they deter somewhat from the otherwise clean aesthetic.
For protection the Surf Slider is quite good giving good protection for the back, sides and front edges of the phone. You still get access to all functions, and all ports. It is made from a polycarbonate that albeit slick still retains some friction. Grip is hence better than slick cases, but not comparable to that of a silicone case. For longer gaming sessions the case can feel somewhat plain, and devoid of structure to hold onto.
I am one of those iPhone users who wants to have a proper screen protection film on my screen. Having had some experience with dropped phones, and objects dropped on phones, I know how much woe that film can save. A surfing lifestyle with a lot of trips to the beach would also have benefited from a screen protector. Furthermore the case itself isn’t really sand proof. Once sand gets in it can cause some damage on the backside of the phone as there is room to move. I think that a surfing lifestyle is better off using the OtterBox Commuter even if it isn’t as cool as the Surf Slider. The Surf Slider is recommended to those who want an overall good protection, that still shows off the phone.
Final Rating
Surf Slider at Gumdropcases.com $34.95
