The monCarbone Hovercoat is one of the lightest and classiest iPhone 5/5S cases available. Made from carbon fiber, the monCarbone Hovercoat is “basalt enhanced” to help make sure the case doesn’t destroy your signal reception. No, this case won’t protect your iPhone 5/5S when it is dropped, but it will keep it scratch-free and looking amazing. Check it out.
The monCarbone Hovercoat is compatible with both the iPhone 5 and 5S. A simple snap-on case, it fits perfectly on the phone and all but disappears when you look at the screen. That’s a mixed bag, since it also means the case provides zero lay-on-the-table protection. Yes, this is a case that is more about the look of your iPhone than anything else. A soft-touch internal lining helps prevents minor scratching of the iPhone when it is placed into and removed from the case.
As you can see this case is thin… and light… and awesome.
One change monCarbone has made to their carbon fiber cases is the addition of strategically positioned Basalt fibers intermixed with the carbon fibers. The company did this to improve antenna reception and add strength and durability. I’ll have to take them at their word, since I didn’t see their previous cases killing reception, and I don’t see this case giving much of a signal boost. In other words, the addition of Basalt fibers may have a positive impact, but it certainly doesn’t have a detrimental one. And it does make for a good marketing angle. 🙂
The monCarbone Hovercoat is more akin to a carbon fiber skin than anything else. Like a skin, the Hovercoat protects the iPhone from being scratched. Like a skin, the Hovercoat adds virtually no weight to the phone. And, like a skin, the Hovercoat will do little to help protect your iPhone in the event you drop it. Unlike a skin, the monCarbone Hovercoat isn’t some cheap decal you slap on your phone. The monCarbone isn’t super-protective, but it is totally awesome. Get it here.
MSRP: $59.99
What I Like: Looks amazing; Remarkably light; Fits like a protective skin; Basalt fiber promises improved reception
What Needs Improvement: Not protective in a drop; Pricey; No included screen protector
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample