|
|
| ExtremePDA Reviews: Flexi Skin Covers
or Candy Skin Covers |
Greetings and welcome to another
ExtremePDA review!
In this review we will look at the new "flexi-skin" or
"candy-skin" covers that are now all the rage. I have
been in the pda and smartphone accessory business for over 7 years
now, and I've seen all kinds of cases - and from what I can see,
this cover is going to be around for a while.
I will be using the Blackberry Curve 8520 / 8530
for this review. Just so there is no confusion - the Curve
8520 and the Curve
8530 are exactly the same phone - just named differently
by whatever carrier happens to be carrying them at the time. If
you have a case that fits the Blackberry
Curve 8520 it will fit the 8530 and vise versa. Side
note: These new Curves are pretty sweet!
|
 |
I had a heck of a time trying to find
out what exactly these covers are made of. Some sites were calling
them "Flexi", others "Candy" and one was calling
it the "Slip". On all sites they were listed as silicone
- but silicone they are not. What they are is TPU gel. For those who
do not work in a chemical laboratory that translates to "Thermoplastic
Polyurethane" (say that 3 times fast).
Unlike silicone, which is semi-flimsy - the TPU case is more rigid,
while still remaining soft and flexible. Approximately 2mm thick,
these covers hold their shape pretty well. The cutouts are clean and
perfect with no jaggedness that can be found in some of the cheaper
silicone skin cases. They come in a variety of styles, colors and
patterns. They are now available for almost every Blackberry,
HTC, Motorola, Samsung smartphone or cell phone model there
is. |
 |
| In my opinion, the TPU gel cases offer
superior protection when compared to silicone. Don't get me wrong,
I love silicone skin cases. They are durable, easy to put on your
Blackberry
Curve, easy to remove and can be washed with soap and
water. The TPU gel case is a little more difficult to install because
the material doesn't stretch like the silicone skin case does - but
don't get me wrong - they are not so difficult that you will throw
your hands up in the air and cry "I give up!". No - you
will slip your phone into the cover, get 3 corners in without a problem
and have to use a little extra effort to get the fourth corner in.
But once on - they look great. |
 |
| As you can see, the patterns really
stand out once you get your smartphone
into the cover. All ports, charging jacks, camera and buttons are
fully accessible when the phone is in the cover. The TPU gel is not
a lint magnet - but still has a "grippy" feel like silicone
which will keep it from sliding accross your dashboard when driving
around a turn. They are easy to carry around in your pocket, purse
or briefcase. |
 |
As you can see, the cover fits very
well. It does not slide around. It adds practically zero bulk. It
offers excellent protection against scratches and accidental drops
or dings. It makes your Blackberry
or other smartphone easier to grip and hold on to while texting
or making calls. Although it offers no protection for the front
of the phone - this cover, paired with a quality cell
phone screen guard, should keep your Blackberry (or
other handheld device) looking new for years to come - or at least
until your contract runs out.
Questions? Feel free to call us at 1-888-379-9081 or shoot us an
email: support@extremepda.com.
|
|
