I like both the DLO’s HipCase and myIncipio’s Ranger, but upon close inspection, I favor DLO’s HipCase more – by almost a yardstick.

The objective of owning this particular case – a holster type is to provide a safe means to carry the iPhone around. The moment you take it out of the holster, it’s no longer responsible for the iPhone’s well being. The top three things I examine: craftsmanship, type of leather used and design. Both cases are well made, so there’s no arguing there. However, I favor the shinier leather on the HipCase over the Ranger.

With the iPhone being so damn sexy, you don’t want to just use any old case, right? So the design piece is crucial since most manufacturers will strive to use the best material available. That being said, The HipCase is much sexier than the more boring looking Ranger. HipCase is slimmer, offers a tighter fit (we all like that) and provides better protection because it covers more of the iPhone.

I commend myIncipio for using magnetic strips (image below) to hold down the flap; while DLO uses Velcro (image above). I prefer magnetic over Velcro.

The placement of the belt clip is also very important to me because I prefer my case to remain as low profile as possible. I love how DLO placed the belt clip towards the top of the case. When the belt clip is placed lower on the phone, it raises the case above the waistline. That’s annoying and uncomfortable when you’re sitting down. Bravo to DLO.

The HipCase really contours to your body, while the Ranger sticks out a lot.

My Ratings:

Craftsmanship: HipCase 4/5, Ranger 3.5/5
Leather: HipCase 4/5, Ranger 3/5
Design: HipCase 4/5, Ranger 2/5
Overall: HipCase 4/5, Ranger 2.8/5

I’m proudly carrying around the HipCase!

You’ll pay a little more for the DLO HipCase, but it’s worth it. The HipCase runs $34.99 while the Ranger will only set you back $24.99.

Which case do you prefer?

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MY iTablet Online Store

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The first problem I encountered relates to the sensor located right above the earpiece. If this sensor is blocked, the screen will not know to turn off when it’s being held up in proximity to your face. Click over to watch demo video.

Of the three cases I tested, the Jam Jacket for iPhone by DLO has the best layout.

Even though myIncipio’s dermaSHOT case blocks the sensor, it still functions properly because the material wasn’t completely opaque. My apologies to myIncipio! I had the case upside down, can you believe that? Anyways, the incorrect image is replaced by the new one below.

The Boxwave case didn’t work for two reasons, there is no cut out for the sensor and the material is too thick for the sensor to penetrate through.

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I hope this helps!

[UPDATE per Boxwave representative]

We actually know about the issue and already pulled that particular FlexiSkin case from our website previous to your posting. That particular style of case is not even available at all anymore. We’ve replaced it with another FlexiSkin case. We’ll also be having another styling for the FlexiSkin available soon, as well. These cases will have the sensor uncovered, so that the iPhone will work properly.

[Second UPDATE per BoxWave's director]

BoxWave strives to design the best iPhone accessories and we will actually be shipping everyone who has our older FlexiSkin design, the newly designed one for FREE, in addition, we will be sending them the completely redesigned ClearTouch at NO additional cost.

The new case is shown on the right hand side and you can also view more images of the FlexiSkin here. Thanks Abe!

MY iTablet Online Store

Marware SportGrip Backwinder for Apple iPhone Maximum versatility Just $24.95

Speck Products Skin Tight 2-Pack for Apple iPhone Sleek and interchangeable Just $29.95

Speck Tough Skin for Apple iPhone Ruggedly Built Just $29.95

The Incipio Bikini only covers the bare essentials; and by bare it doesn’t even cover the crotch area of the iPhone! There are 14 different colors to pick from. Colors range from camouflage to argyle dyed.

The design is thin and slim, hence staying true to the iPhone’s kick butt design. It’s made from premium high quality leather. Unfortunately, this design does not allow for a belt clip. Check out the Executive iPhone case if you need a belt clip.

The price of the Incipio Bikini is $19.99. (MY iTablet should be getting a bundle of Incipio products in for review shortly.)

Related: Apple iPhone cases and accessories

Incipio Bikini Case for iPhone / myincipio.com [via Gizmodo]