Speck Tough Skin Review

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The Speck Tough Skin case is a thick, rubberized case that offers a unique raised back for extra grip.  The rubberized skin wraps your phone in a thick layer of protection from bumps and drops.  The corners of the case feature even more padding and the bottom of the case is hinged allowing you to dock your phone while the case is on.

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If you’re hard on your iPhone you probably need something that keeps it safe.  A good quality case, one that’s made from impact resistant materials will hopefully help your phone survive the drops and bumps that just sometimes can’t be avoided.

The case itself comes only in black and consists of two pieces.  A hard plastic frame that in inserted around the outside of the iPhone and the skin itself.  Once you’ve placed the hard frame around your phone you wrap the skin around, over the frame locking it into place.  The frame adds stability to the phone.  The headphone jack port and the vibrate switch are left fully exposed while the volume rocker, power button and home key are covered by the case.  The covered buttons are fully accessible though and still retain a decent amount of tactical feedback when pressed.

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This case comes packaged with a belt clip style holster as well.  The holster has a ratcheting belt clip that swivels 360 degrees.  The belt clip on the holster measures 1-3/4″ and should be long enough to fit comfortably on most belts.  The phone can be inserted into the holster screen in or out but screen in is recommended when carrying your phone on your belt so that the screen remains protected.

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The clip of the holster locks in place allowing you to use the holster as a stand.  It is at this time that the phone should be inserted into the holster screen out so that the screen can be viewed.

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The bottom of the case is hinged which allows you to dock the phone while it’s still in the case.  Shown here with the Apple dock for the iPhone 3G.

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I’ve used a lot of cases for the iPhone and I haven’t come across many that offer the type of shock absorption that the Speck Tough Skin provides.  The skin is very thick and very soft and it’s that combination that allows it to handle shock so well.  If you’re looking for a super slim fitting case you should probably steer clear of the Speck Tough Skin.  But if you need case that protects your phone from bumps and drops as good as anything out there, it’s something you’ll want to check out.

The Speck ToughSkin is available directly from the Speck Products web site.

M.S.R.P. – $34.95

What I like: Ability to dock while the case is on, stability frame offers extra protection, raised pattern on back for grip.

What I don’t like: Home button can be hard to press, only comes in black.

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4 Comments on "Speck Tough Skin Review"

  1. Larry Greenberg | April 13, 2009 at 12:10 pm |

    My Speck Tough Skin Review Posted on Gear Diary – http://tinyurl.com/c32zld

  2. @speckproducts – Check out my review of the Tough Skin – http://tinyurl.com/c32zld

  3. slo2reactnfastpaced_xs | April 18, 2009 at 8:28 pm |

    I haven't gotten in to the Iphone but Speck makes one heck of a product and has saved my 160 GB Ipod many times (dropped on pavement multiple times). I pull my ipod out and it's in brand new condition.
    Plus they are a great company, they back their product up. I had emailed them that I had a clip that broke. It could've been my fault (although I don't this it was) but they never even asked me. I also had told them I'd somehow lost the ever important screen cover. I was expecting to hopefully be able to buy replacement parts. Instead a couple days later they'd sent me the clip & screen cover…..no questions asked. Boom -> Custmr4Life and Free Marketer;-)
    Their quality and engineering is great. It has a little clip that, in my case remains on my running shorts, and the back slides down and clicks into place. I trail run, run staircases, etc. and it's never fallen off. (It was user error when I've dropped it;-) Then at home I can stand my Specked Ipod up at 10 o'clock angle using the clip (hope that makes sense)
    Yes, it may look a little rugged but you want your costly stuff protected right? The rubber has more give and absorbs more jarring than acrylic clear products.

    I also have their acrylic case for my company blackberry curve and it has held up surprisingly well for how rough I am with it. If the BB wasn't employer paid for I'd have gone with their original rubber (if avail.). I am more substance over style when it comes to costly items I buy especially because I have a tendency for accidental abuse.

    If anyone from Speck reads this keep up the good work! I'd love to hear that your rubber is recycled or any other green programs your company is involved in. It will only increase your free marketing!

  4. slo2reactnfastpaced_xs | April 18, 2009 at 8:46 pm |

    I haven't gotten in to the Iphone but Speck makes one heck of a product and has saved my 160 GB Ipod many times (dropped on pavement multiple times). Everytime I pull my ipod out, it's in “cherry” condition.
    Speck from my experiences is a phenomenal company. They really back their products up! Example (true story):
    I had emailed them that I had a broken clip. It could've been my fault (although I don't think so) but one great thing was they never even asked me! I also had told them I'd somehow lost the ever important screen cover. I was really hoping that I could be able to buy replacement parts and not have to go with a whole new one. So 2 days later they'd sent me the clip & clear screen cover at no cost, no questions asked! R U Kidding Me? BOOM -> Custmr4Life and Free Marketer;-)

    Their quality and engineering are great. It has a little clip that, in my case remains on my running shorts, and the back slides down and clicks into place. I trail run, run staircases, etc. and it's never fallen off. (It was user error when I've dropped it;-) Then at home I can stand my Specked Ipod up at 10 o'clock angle using the clip (hope that makes sense)

    Yes, it may look a little rugged but you want your costly stuff protected right? The rubber has more give and absorbs more jarring than any acrylic clear products.

    I also have Speck's clear acrylic case for my company issued Blackberry Curve and it has held up surprisingly well especially considering how many times I've dropped it on the pavement or concrete (I'm not abusive, but I've never been told I'm the most graceful). If the BB wasn't 'employer paid for' I'd have gone with Speck's original rubber (if they make one for the BB). I am more substance over style when it comes to expensive technology I am purchasing especially because I have a tendency for accidental abuse.

    From someone who is cheap, never go cheap on protection, you'll regret it!

    If anyone from Speck reads this keep up the good work! I'd love to hear that your rubber is recycled or any other green programs your company is involved in. It will only increase your free marketing!

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