The Kutu design has been on my wish list ever since I first saw it for the iPhone 3G. For some strange reason I never pursued it. Now years later I finally managed to get it for my iPhone 4, and it is a real looker. As pouch designs go the Kutu nails all the important aspects when it comes to functionality, protection and style.
The Kutu is a pull strap pouch compatible with all iPhone 4 models. The satin ribbon goes into the back of the pouch, and a tug at it hoists the phone up easily. It emerges to almost one third of the phone is free. When the phone is inserted the strap flows down inside the pouch again, and only the leather pull strap is left outside. It is a simple, but highly effective way of extracting the phone.
Once inside the Kutu the entire phone is protected well. The leather is thick, and has a good sturdiness to it. If it is empty it retains the box-like shape. For protection this is a good option, and the only vulnerable spot is the top of the phone that will probably smack in the ground first. This is due to the weight of the iPhone 4, and lack of friction inside the pouch. For smaller drops this is not an issue.
The inside of the pouch is covered in a soft velvet material with Sena imprinted on it. This gives a Sena pattern on the front, and back glass when the phone emerges. To me it is kind of cool, but it can be a nuisance to some users.
When the phone is inserted in the Kutu you only have access to the top silent button, and headphone socket. Volume controls are impossible to work due to the rigid walls. There are cut-outs for the speakers at the bottom. These allow for sound to be heard when the phone is inside it, and it also helps a lot in hearing the ringer. The pouch sadly limits the vibrations, and I have missed quite a few calls due to this.
The style is awesome, and it is really an eye-catches. Sleek lines, excellent workmanship and minimal bulk. I would have liked to see the credit card slot for the iPhone 4 Kutu as well. Now it is a bare bones pouch without any extra functionality. I am a huge fan of pouches, and Sena has really hit the mark with the Kutu.
Final Rating
