No matter if you are an avid gamer or only use your iPod Touch for music playback grip is important. For the gamer long sessions need to feel comfortable, and a fairly large grip able surface is needed. When using the Touch at the gym you don’t want the device slipping away due to moist hands. Speck has created a niche product aimed at the gaming market. This is a too narrow target audience for the result, and I really hope to see a CandyShell Grip for the iPhone 4 as well.
The Grip is loosely based upon the classic Speck CandyShell design available for most devices. A hard outer shell acts as an exoskeleton making the case rigid. Rubberized silicone on the inside acts as dampener, and holds the iPod Touch securely inside the case. On the back there are four zones of rubberized silicone acting as grip material for your fingers. So far the case is already suitable for gaming, but the best is yet to come. Initially I didn’t even notice them, but for some reason my thumbs stayed in place when playing. Small bumps of silicone sit along the sides of the front. When playing games your thumbs gain a foothold onto these, and this really helps holding the thumbs in place. No more loosing the controls sticks in Nova or Modern Combat. This is definitely a brilliant design choice. The bumps are small enough to not be in the way when not in need of use.
For protection the Grip is almost as great as the original CandyShell. The dual layered design absorbs most impacts, and seeing as the iPod Touch is quite light it is definitely enough for everyday slips. The front is protected by a small lip of the case, and the four bumps.
All functions of the iPod Touch are usable within the case. Volume controls, and silent button are covered by silicone, but still highly responsive. The bottom cutout is large for the sync cable, and headphones.
Even bikers play Angry Birds.
The Grip looks really cool, and even though it is unisex I would call the design masculine. Available in DarkLord Black, and MoonSicle White the initial color run is quite limited. I predict that other cool colors will be available if the Grip is a seller. And quite frankly I see no reason for it not to be.
The CandyShell Grip combines the grip of a silicone case with the rigidity and strength of a hardcase. The thumb bumps add an extra level of gaming usage. If you are a serious gamer, and want both good protection and excellent grip this is a no-brainer. I really, really hope that this will become available for other devices as well. It is hard to do a final rating for the Grip, as it is one of those products that is un-missable. If I had an iPod Touch as my primary gaming device this would never leave it.
Final Rating
CandyShell Grip at Speckproducts.com $34.95
