So you’ve managed to buy an iPhone and now you’re looking around to find the right case to carry it in. This article serves as a brief review of two similar holster type cases, but the underlying motive is to get you to start thinking about the features and design that fits your personality and lifestyle.
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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I bought the DLO about an hour after I got my iPhone….It is the perfect case for it.
Sleek, close to the body & the leather is very nice.
How hard is it to get the iPhone out of the DLO case? I am use to a vertical leather case for my Treo 700p, you grab it and pull up.
I don’t see it being as easy for this kind of case. Comments?
[quote comment="5035"]How hard is it to get the iPhone out of the DLO case? I am use to a vertical leather case for my Treo 700p, you grab it and pull up.
I don’t see it being as easy for this kind of case. Comments?[/quote]
It’s pretty easy. I’ve used the Treo 700p with a hip style case for years, so using this style of case on the iPhone is second nature.
I bought one and now all the people that i show it too, they love it, and they also want to buy one, but their hard to find. i got mine at the at&t store in Boston. at the apple store were i bought the iphone they don’t carry these cases, they have some rubber ones. This case has to be the Best built Leather crafted two tone case i have ever seen. for the investment i did on the phone the $30.00+ it’s worth it. expencive phone expencive case =.
Does the metal on the iphone become scratched if you use this case? It seems so tight-fitting.
Thanks