Element Case Sector 5 Case for iPhone 5 Review

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We are fans of Element Case’s various offerings. The company puts out iPhone “protection systems” that keep your phone safe while also giving it a style that is immediately identifiable as something coming from the originator of the CNC-machined iPhone case. Their latest creation, the Sector 5, is probably their best ever. At $139.95 the Element Case Sector 5 for iPhone 5 isn’t cheap. Still, the Sector 5 is a complete protection kit that offers Element Case’s signature style.

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Before we go on camera with the Sector 5, let’s see what the company has to say about their latest creation.

From Element Case:

The Sector is the most extreme case we’ve ever created. Extreme because every detail of the Sector’s design has exceeded our steep design and engineering standards. The Sector has a sleek ergonomic shape that is comfortable and easy to grip. The CNC “Trussed” design makes the Sector super strong and extremely lightweight while the Multilink fastening system allows the case to be installed or removed in seconds. The modular design will allow for upcoming add-ons and upgrades, and like our famous Vapor Case, the back will allow for removable back-plates in a variety of flavors!

Here’s a video look.

The Sector 5 comes as a ring of metal and plastic. What the Multilink fastening system means is a level of simplicity when putting on or removing the case. When Element Case says this system can “be installed or removed in seconds”, they mean it.

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The case comes with…

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The transit case for complete protection. Simply put your iPhone inside and, from there, you can throw it into your bag knowing the phone is completely protected.

The Sector 5 also comes with a handy tool for opening and closing the case. In the past, the tool was made from aluminum and was as refined as the case itself. The Sector 5 comes with a tool made from plastic. I get the cost-cutting decision, but I am slightly bummed by it.

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The Sector 5 also comes with two sets of edge/side guards. These decals look good but serve a more important function — especially if you have the Black iPhone 5 — which, in my experience and according to numerous other reports, scratches easily. Personally I think Apple should be including a few of these with each iPhone 5. That will, of course, happen when hell freezes over.

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The Sector 5 also comes with a screen protector and a suede back plate. The end result is a case that offers 100% protection. And… it looks good in the process. Here’s a break down of the Sector 5’s features…

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As Element Case explains,

The Sector SE (Standard Edition) will come in a Gun Metal Grey, Silver, or Black and all feature our satin Flux Finish. The Sector case is designed and CNC Machined in the USA with US made T6061 aluminum. Every case is covered with full 1 year manufactures defect warranty, and each component of the Sector case will soon be available in the Element Case parts department should you need a replacement.

You can find details and order yours on the Element Case website.

MSRP: $139.95

What I Like: The quality and style you expect from element Case; Complete protection system including front, back and side protection; Transit kit gives extreme 360 degree protection; Striking appearance that will get comments and attention

What Needs Improvement: Takes the refined iPhone 5 and makes it far more rough and rugged in both looks and appearance; Priced higher than some might like but for just under $140 you get complete protection with style

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.