[Brodizzel]

Ok. FINALLY got the stinking thing. I ordered over a week ago but with free shipping I guess you can't really complain too much.

My first impression of this case is WOW. Just WOW. I was surprised to see a new screen protector in the box with it. I had a Boxwave protector on my phone (that bubbled like a sono***un) but took it off and used they one they sent. I may be switching back to the Boxwave at some point though (more on that in a sec). Along with that was, of course, the case and holster. Both feel really sturdy in the hand and the silicon outer layer doesn't seem too sticky. Still the 'grip' you'd expect just not sticky grip. Could be a lint magnet but I'll probably never find out since this thing won't be going in a pocket. It just about doubles the thickness of the phone which to me is ok. I just think of it as going from a Bugatti to a Hummer...sleek to built like a brick ****house.

The screen protector went on smoothly, as expected. The only thing I don't really care for about it is that there is a cutout where the softkeys are at the bottom. And this really only causes a teeny tiny problem with the amount of pressure it takes to use the softkeys now. Probably something I can get used to but until I do and all is well I'm hanging onto the Boxwave. Every other part of the screen works just as well through the new protector and the built in protector of the case. I just think the small difference in thickness throws the consistency of pressure needed off. Not a deal breaker, just a small, personal annoyance.

The case snaps together tightly and the outer buttons are just as responsive as they were in my little eBay TPU case that's been on it since I got the phone. This was actually my main area of concern going in but all worries have been put to bed. Even with the outer silicon layer the buttons work well (volume keys are only covered by built in silicon on inner layer while power key has two layers; inner hard layer, outer silicon).

The holster is nice. The holster is VERY nice. It's so awesome to have a case like this with a holster that fits it so well. I totally miss having one from my BB days so this is friggin' fantastic. It seems to be made really well and within 10 minutes of using the holster I thought I broke it but alas, the fine folks at Ballistic apparently had the foresight to create a latch at the most obvious stress point...the belt clip. I sat down in my office chair and heard a loud pop. I freaked because I thought 'I've just waited over a week for this case and now I've broken it in 10 minutes'. Nope! Holster just seperated from the clip and you can see where if that happens, just slide the clip back into the back of the holster and it locks into place again. No broken clip. Genius! It's gonna take a little getting used to. I'm a wide guy and this new thickness is gonna cause a need for slight readjustment when I sit down. Other than that, A+ so far.

I've only had the case on for about thirty minutes but just checking signal strength there is only a nominal change with the added thickness of the case. I have pretty good signal in my neck of the woods so this is of no concern for me.

I saved the best for last...the looks. This case is suuuuuuuuper cool. It just screams 'tough and rugged' and the red accents are very nice. I'm not usually a red kinda guy but it just looks too cool.

Overall, aside of the fact that I ordered directly from Ballistic and could have gotten a better deal from eBay or Amazon, I feel (so far) that I've gotten a hell of a deal. The case is wicked nice, well built and super sexy. Well worth the 45 bucks.