If you want to be able to throw your phone into a wall, or safely lend it to a toddler there are not that many options available. The main name for such occasions is definitely OtterBox, and their Defender series has held the throne since the iPhone 3G. This summer I have tried out the competition in the maximum protection category. Gumdrop is quite cheeky, and provocative stating that their Drop Tech series beats even the Defender. After a summer of abuse I have to conclude that Gumdrop is correct, and the Drop Tech is in many ways the best option available.
The case consists of three pieces. A back, and a front piece made from hard polycarbonate. These latch closed with six latches located at the corners, and long sides of the case. Once shut the case will not fall apart, and even massive impacts won’t open in. It is quite easy to take apart if you want to by opening one latch at a time. The front piece also holds a thin plastic screen protector. It is glued on to the edges, but is quite loose. When a phone is inserted it doesn’t matter though, and the screen protector stays put. The last layer to the construction is a sturdy thick piece of rubberized silicone. Three indentations on the back hooks into three prongs found in the back of the inner shell. It hooks up around the latches of the inner hard shell. The front of the case connects by inserting the silicone into a thin groove that goes around the case. Furthermore a cut-out for the home button has a piece of silicone protecting it.
It is a quite advanced construction, and most of it works really well. I am not a fan of having the home button covered, and it is tricky getting it inserted properly. Having thin grooves to insert the silicone in doesn’t work that well either. I never feel that I have finished putting the case on.
For protection the Drop Tech series is number one in my book. The thin screen protector works really well in that regards. It does however create watermarks underneath it. These can be removed by squeezing the case, or using baby powder underneath it. These screens are also replaceable. The impact protection is top notch, and it can withstand a lot of force. Having flaps covering the charge, and headphone socket means that the phone is almost completely drool, and gnaw proof. It is not a waterproof case by no means, but at least your toddler can gnaw, and drool on it.
The case adds a lot of grip using rubberized silicone with tire threads on the sides and back. It feels really good holding it, and the added weight makes the phone feel secure. The silicone attracts a lot of dirt, but can be cleaned easily using a damp cloth. On a positive note is the fact that the case still looks cool, and Gumdrop has managed to create a cool range of looks for it.
A holster comes with the case, and it is convenient to use. The phone is inserted screen inwards, and hence you have to remove it to use it. It is not that easy to insert, or extract since the holster has a prong that has to line up with a side latch on the case. Other manufacturer have made sure to create holsters that can double as stands. This is certainly not the case with the Drop Tech. You get a decent holster, but it is in my opinion a missed opportunity.
The Drop Tech is the new king when it comes to maximum protection for the iPhone 4. Some drawbacks in the shape of a limited holster, hard to get perfect silicone insertion, and watermarks on the screen limits the final rating. Still this is the one to get if you plan to go hiking, lend the phone to a child frequently, or if you have anger management problems and know that the phone will be thrown about a lot.
Final Rating
Drop Tech at Gumdropcases.com $44.95
