[UPDATE 5/16/12: Element tells us they have another run of the Vapor Pro Tactical lined up for this summer.]
Element Case's Vapor Pro Tactical is a limited edition case for the iPhone4/s owner that appreciates nice things. I hate huge, clunky phone cases. The iPhone4 is a sleek mini tablet that goes in and out of my back pocket about a million times a day. I don't want something bulking it up. I've been dressing my phone in a Magpul iPhone case because it's pretty slim, offers enough protection, comes on and off easily and is inexpensive.
And, I was happy with it.
'Till I saw the Vapor Pro.
Sure, a polymer case works. But, what about a metal case? Oh, metal, how I love your smooth and solid feel. For something that's in and out of my hand so often (don't say it) the Vapor Pro is a luxury to be appreciated. Add an understated camo pattern and the American made Vapor Pro becomes hard to deny. Element Case put together a limited edition series of Vapor Pro (and the less expensive Vapor Comp) with hydro-dipped desert, urban and arctic digi-camo patterns making them the hands-down, most high-fivingly exceptional father's day gift imaginable for the tacti-geek.
[nggallery id=550]
moreINSTALLATION:
The Vapor Pro is no snap-on affair. This is an extension of your iPhone. It's a two piece design that clamps together on two corners using a pair of small hex-head screws. The unit comes with a little hex-head driver and a pair of spare screws. I placed my phone flat on my desk, slid the metal frame in place and drove the four screws home. The fit is excellent. Not seamless, but the phone is 100% supported at the edges. There is a nearly imperceptible amount of play that I imagine helps absorb impact.
With the circumference of the phone protected from abuse, the case comes with a thick, ultra-suede sheet that sticks to the phones back and forms worthy bump barrier. The case comes with two sheets, so you can choose to dress the back of your phone in black or tan. The adhesive is pretty low tack, so it can by pulled off and repositioned or dumped without a gooey penalty. The cutout for the camera and flash line up perfectly.
Element also includes a screen protector and an ultra-suede section for the earpiece. I hate anything that goes on the screen. I have yet to find any film that doesn't scratch over time or distort the phone's display. I've carried my phone in my pocket with keys and a knife for a year without any noticeable affect on the screen. So, I passed on the front protection options.
PERFORMANCE:
The first time I brought my Vapor Pro equipped iPhone to my ear I noticed how great the case's CNC machined aluminum body felt in my hand. I can't help but sneer at myself as I write this. I know how this must sound. But, the smooth curves and subtle heft does make the phone more pleasant to hold. The ergos are further enhanced by the addition of a couple of thicker areas around the edge that give you a little something extra to hang on to. There's also a groove running along the right side that adds thumb traction for righties (or finger tip traction for lefties).
And, yes. I drop tested it.
I had my phone in my lap as I got out of my truck and the phone slid and fell about 3- to 4 feet to the asphalt. It hit with a scary sounding "tink" and I expected the worst as I looked down, expecting to see a shattered screen. Initial contact was on the case corner and it came to rest face-down. The phone was undamaged. The case edge had a little, tiny scar from the impact. Win.
The ports and buttons line up without issue. The dock port works fine with a few different iPhone cables I have, but docking is another story. Sadly, my speaker dock is out of service until I can find an adapter. The lower port is plenty wide enough for the speakers to work without compromise.
Up top, the audio port is wide enough to work with most headphone plugs. The Apple headphones fit easily, but I do have an aftermarket audio out adapter cable on my workshop stereo that had to be ditched in favor of a $10 replacement that has a slimmer overmolding.
I've been using the Vapor Pro for about 2 months and it's begun to do something a plastic case could never do. It's developing character. The little brite spots from drops and the worn areas around the edges are starting to make the Vapor Pro look and feel little battle worn. Whether you're running the $130 stock models or you can find one of the $160 limited edition camo models, I think the aluminum iPhone bumper will protect and serve your iPhone as long as you own it. Element tells us they have another run of the Vapor Pro Tactical lined up for this summer.
HITS:
Serious CDI factor
Admirable protection and durability
Wide headphone jack port works with most plugs
FLIERS:
Doesn't work with my bedside dock.
Expensive
More info: https://www.elementcase.com/Vapor-Pro-Tactical-Line-iPhone-Case-p/api4-1122-xx00.htm
[nggallery id=550]
