Ballistic HC case, the wait is almost over!! - Page 3

Brodizzel · #21 (**permalink**) 01-06-2011, 07:03 PM

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.

**lkillen** · #22 (**permalink**) 01-08-2011, 08:09 PM

Got this for my daughter and she put it on and said no way. She said it looked like a car tire. We sent it back. She is now using Trident Cyclops with is much more sleek.

Brodizzel · #23 (**permalink**) 01-08-2011, 09:27 PM

Oh it's chunky for sure.

jglynn · #24 (**permalink**) 01-08-2011, 11:16 PM

I'm really tempted to get this case but if it's too big for my pocket it just won't work. Folks who have this, how do you carry your phone around? I'm not a fan of hanging my phone off my belt bit I like the durability of this one.

Brodizzel · #25 (**permalink**) 01-09-2011, 07:32 AM

I could honestly say that it would be totally possible to comfortably carry this in my pocket without the outer silicon layer. Even with it it wouldn't be too bad although just putting it in my pocket to pop out and smoke I've noticed it does collect a little lint. Not really a problem though. Still, one of the main reasons I got it was for the holster. That's my preferred method of carrying it.

marctronixx · #26 (**permalink**) 01-12-2011, 12:41 PM

a car tire? really? thats cute.. /s

this case is EXTREME!!!!!! it has always been marketed as such. its not a conventional case. its EXTREME. i knew this coming into it which is why i purchased all 3 colors. im not worried about the phone dropping or the kick stand breaking. it offers the best protection to date over any other case i have reviewed on my own.

i prefer the bulk..others wont. this case is not for everyone. no one should feel obligated to purchase it. yes its huge when its in the silicon jacket however when its out of that its comparable to the other cases in this category you are used to. it really buttons up the phone so you can drop this sucker several feet (theres a youtube vid on this) and it keeps rolling.

jglynn · #27 (**permalink**) 01-16-2011, 01:28 PM

Pulled the trigger and ordered the Black/Black case off Amazon on Wednesday. Received it yesterday. Pretty cool case! Upon first putting it together, I see that I am affected by both issues I have read about. The oil slick effect is there, I have a Zagg on there right now, not sure if I need to pull that off and use the protector that came with the phone or not. I see that there are tricks out there to deal with it so I'll give them a try. Any advice on this issue would be appreciated. Also, the proximity sensor is an issue. I took the case apart and tried realigning the phone a few times. On the third try I got it to work. So this obviously isn't a major issue as it is easily fixed by just moving the phone lightly in the case before snapping it together.

My big fear was that this phone wouldn't fit in my pocket. Without the rubber case it's not a problem at all, I think that for general day to day use I won't be using that layer anyway. Overall, only having been fooling around with the case for a little bit, I'm digging it. My wife commented that there was no way she would use one for her Evo, it's just to big for her. It suits my needs so I'm happy with the purchase.

marctronixx · #28 (**permalink**) 01-17-2011, 01:22 AM

yes its EXTREME protection so i dont expect many women to dig it...

the oil slick can be solved by using their screen protector or the baby powder. id do powder first to see if you can keep you zagg on ...

**lkillen** · #29 (**permalink**) 01-17-2011, 09:24 AM

This is a very masculine case and their is nothing wrong with that. One would assume that men are harder on phones but I no longer believe that to be the case. The answer is that we are happy to carry a phone on out belt rather than a purse. The girl at work dropped two phones ina week, breaking the glass each time. Both times were when she was fumbling to get her phone out of her purse in the parking garage.
She still can't go for the Ballistic!

**Karl** · #30 (**permalink**) 01-26-2011, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkillen

Got this for my daughter and she put it on and said no way. She said it looked like a car tire. We sent it back. She is now using Trident Cyclops with is much more sleek.

will the cyclops fit in your pocket?

you should do a review on it