The sibling to the previously tested OtterBox Commuter Series adds TL to the name, and has got less polycarbonate. The two cases have got a lot of features in common such as headphone socket plug, charge socket plug and a host of vibrant colours. The lack of polycarbonate cover helping holding the silicone in place makes the original Commuter the clear winner for me.
The Commuter TL is based on three pieces of protection just like the Defender and the Commuter. The first is the included screen protector film. It seems to be a standard screen protector that sticks to the screen by self-adherence. It is quite easy to install with the included cleaning cloth and hard piece for removing air bubbles.
A silicone inner shell covers the back and sides of the phone. It has got a plug for the headphone socket protecting it against slobber and rain. Volume controls and silent/hold are also covered by the silicone, and they still function really well. The volume controls stick out quite a bit, and it is easy to accidentally lower or raise volume when the iPhone is carried in a pocket. A small flap covers the power connector at the bottom. It folds into the slot, and after several weeks of wear and tear there is no sign of the silicone being stretched or damaged.
The third layer of protection is an outer polycarbonate shell that covers the back of the phone. It doesn’t hold the silicone layer along the sides in place, and when playing games the silicone flaps along the sides. This is a real hassle for games such as Zombie Smash as it slows down gaming, and accuracy.The see through polycarbonate also covers the Apple logo, while still keeping it visible.
The Commuter Series TL gives added grip when playing games by the friction added by the silicone edges. It doesn’t add more than 22 grams/0.75 oz of weight. I used the Commuter TL for a brief amount of time due to being annoyed at the loose silicone along the sides of the phone. It stays in place for general usage, but for gaming it annoyed me. Furthermore the looseness adds vulnerability to slobber, and grit. If dust or small stones enter the backside of the case it might scratch the phone.
Summary
Pros
A decent protective solution.
Light weight.
Cool vibrant colours.
Cons
The silicone covering the volume controls stick out quite a bit.
Not dockable.
No belt clip available.
The silicone layer along the sides is a bit too loose, and annoys when playing games.
I felt a bit disappointed at the Commuter TL after having experienced the Defender and the Commuter. The TL offers a good amount of impact protection, but at the same time the un tethered silicone along the edges might leave the phone at hazard of scratching. With some tweaks to the design the TL might become as good as the sibling the ordinary Commuter.
Final Rating
OtterBox Commuter TL Series™ case at OtterBox.com $29.95 7 different colors available.
