The Impact Band cellphone case for the iPhone 5 from Tech 21.
The Tech21 Impact Mesh case for the Samsung Galaxy S4.Tech21 has a lot of confidence in its smartphone cases, so much so that it trademarked Impactology, its term for “the science of protection.â€
But Impactology is more smart innovation than marketing gimmick. The cases made by Tech21, a London-based company, contain a polymer material called D30 that protects devices by absorbing and redirecting the force of an impact. The latest offerings that come with Impactology assurance include two cases, the Impact Mesh and the Impact Band for the iPhone 5, both available at Apple stores in the United States.
The cases have a slim design that is easy to grip and protects the phone while still providing access to all buttons and ports. The Impact Band case, which costs $30, is basically just a bumper that fits around the rim of a smartphone. But a separate hard plastic back makes for an awkward fit.
Much more accommodating is the $35 Impact Mesh case, which has an integrated back made of flexible plastic. The one-piece design makes the case easier to use and provides better protection.
The D30 is visible as orange goo in the ring in both cases, offering a striking look in the smoky and clear designs. Colored cases are also av! ailable.
Both cases have a raised bezel that provides ample screen protection. For those who want an extra guard against scratches, Tech21 makes Impact Shield, a $35 multilayer screen protector that is easy to apply, but not so easy to smooth out, leaving bubbles on the screen.
Tech21 also makes cases for a wide variety of other mobile devices, including the Galaxy S4, the iPad and the MacBook, available directly from the company, although the cost is a little higher across the Atlantic.
A lot of case manufacturers assert that their products can protect the phone from a knock or drop, but I’m always reluctant to test those claims. With my iPhone encased in Impactology ware, I was gleefully showing off to my co-workers by rapping the phone on my desktop and tossing it to the floor.
