iSkin Revo for iPhone

[beau_wilcox]

Just got mine in the mail. Will post a full review later, but my initial impression is that this could be iSkin's best case yet. I've owned three eVos for my iPods in the past, and have a Claro on my current 5.5-gen 80GB device, and have always felt the quality of these products is second to none.

The Revo already appears to be the most protective skin on the market, with full body coverage save for the dock connector/speaker/mic area. Buttons are protected and the headphone jack is as well. There is an optional acrylic visor that protects the screen when it is not being used, but there is also a thin, tinted screen guard that allows full use of the screen and offers a privacy function--this is probably the most innovative development among the early iPhone cases.

No belt clip, but that's not an issue for me. Also doesn't have any kind of stand for you to angle the device to watch videos. The biggest omission or oversight, it seems, is the ability to dock the iPhone, but then again, no case that I'm aware of has provided a docking solution yet, either. I can still fit it in my Belkin universal dock.

[trip024]

Please post pics. Im very interested in this case. Hows the thickness?

[beau_wilcox]

Please post pics. Im very interested in this case. Hows the thickness?

Thickness is quite appreciable, but it's not bulky by any means. The silicone is thickest on the colored portions at the top and bottom of the front side (I purchased "Blade," which is a light blue color tinged with a bit of purple), and on the textured areas around the buttons.

The only exposed areas are the proximity sensor and earhole, where there is a small half-circle cutout, and the dock connector area aforementioned. However, the revo packaging includes a small rubber plug that can be inserted into the dock connector itself, so when that is in place, only the speaker and mic are left uncovered. Obviously, there are cutouts for the camera lens and the vibrate switch, but the volume slider and sleep button are covered by the silicone completely, and they function normally by pushing the embossed area on the case. The headphone jack, as I noted earlier, can be revealed by simply flipping back the scored silicone "trapdoor."

Easily the most exciting addition to this case is the privacy film, which is a slightly tinted piece of plastic that adheres to the screen. Some bubbles are visible beneath it, but once the screen is illuminated you won't see them at all. The film is much more substantial than I expected, and is not akin to the cheap, smudge-prone stuff that you see protecting the screens of PSPs and other electronic devices with LCD screens. Considering its thickness, you might wonder if the functioning of the touchscreen remains intact, and I'm happy to report that it does perfectly. All of my taps, pinches, and swipes were detected without incident, and thankfully the film is very conducive to these motions--in other words, the surface is still pretty slick and receptive, not all that different from the iPhone's actual screen.

At $40, it's more expensive than other options, including the DLO Jam Jacket I officially retired, but you get what you pay for. The level of protection is second to none, the privacy film and the optional VISOR (which can be affixed to the screen when the iPhone isn't being used) are welcome additions, and the iPhone's functionality isn't obstructed in any way. And considering that the Jam Jacket's low-quality silicone tended to stretch and wear easily, I'd much rather pay a premium for this fancy anti-microbial stuff that iSkin uses. It's very grippy and substantial, and definitely the antithesis of cheap.

I'd give it a solid A for craftsmanship, a B+ for value, and an A- for features. Again, the lack of a belt clip option might bother some folks, but I don't feel comfortable toting my iPhone on my hip anyway. I should also mention that if you order the company's lanyard, which attaches to the dock connector of the iPhone or any dock-capable iPod, and the microfiber cleaning cloth, you get the revo shipped for free. Considering that these items added $15 to my tab, and that shipping was going to cost me about $8 or so anyway, I decided to splurge.

I will post pictures later when I get home and have access to my digital camera.

[trip024]

Thank you for the detailed review. I currently have the BSE protecting my Iphone, It does exactly what I need it to do which is prevent scratches for the back of the iphone. My main reason in my interest of the revo is that I am paranoid that I will drop it one day. I think this will help cushion any potential drops as my other iskinned ipods have survived plenty. I am somewhat hesitant though as I think the revo design sort of takes away from the slickness of the iphone.

Cant wait to see the pics.

[trip024]

Pics pls :D

[beau_wilcox]

Sorry, trip024! For whatever reason, I can't do attachments. And I can't even look at your profile--I was going to PM you for your email address so I could send pics, but I'm told that I don't have permission to view your profile.

Don't know what gives, but my account's activated and I haven't broken any rules.

[bc008]

just upload them then post the urls, im getting halfway interested.

[beau_wilcox]

Okay, here's a couple of pics. The privacy film is in place on the screen but not the VISOR, which is the acrylic protector that snaps onto the front when the iPhone isn't in use.

[infinitespecter]

What color is that one? I want a blue one, but the iSkin site shows either very light blue or what appears to be a dark blue or purple one.

[beau_wilcox]

What color is that one? I want a blue one, but the iSkin site shows either very light blue or what appears to be a dark blue or purple one.


That is called "Blade." I would call it a slightly purplish blue. The pictures may not give the best impression of the actual color--it's a nice color, probably along the lines of what you're looking for.

[trip024]

Looks good. I like the fact that it almost covers the iphone completely w/o taking away too much from the aesthetics. Ill be waiting for these to pop up on ebay as there was a couple of listing for these last week at $30 shipped.

[infinitespecter]

Just got mine, also in Black/Dark Blue and I am very impressed thusfar. It doesn't have a rubbery feel like a lot of other silicone cases, so it doesn't attract lint as much. It holds the phone better than my other two cases, the Case-Mate Signature and the Incase Protective Cover.

[shelhed217]

I just got mine yesterday as well. My only complaint is that the visor piece seems loose, it keeps coming off in my purse (which is really where it needs to stay on and protect!!!). Has anyone else had this problem? I am wondering if this one is defective? It pretty much just lays on top of the case, doesn't snap or click on securely.
Otherwise it seems to be a very protective case, which is what I was looking for.

[beau_wilcox]

shelhed217, I think the "snap-on" effect of the VISOR is somewhat lacking. Mine doesn't seem to lock into place, either, but I can't say that I've had the problem you've had with it detaching. Then again, I simply haven't used it very much, and I don't own a purse. ;)

Like infinitespecter mentioned, the quality of the revo is generally exceptional. Compared with the flimsy, all-too-pliable Jam Jacket, this is far more secure and form-fitting. I hope iLounge's impending review will do it justice, because there are some pretty mediocre iPhone cases out there right now.

[thoang77]

how smooth is the screen protector to slide your finger across?

[MyND BeNDer]

After much searching I have decided to order an iSkin Revo for my iPhone. Can't wait till I get it.

[biggdmd]

where did you get your iskin revo from? Just went to apple store in NY and they dont have it?!

[trip024]

im actually selling mine. Its the Nighthawk all black one. Used once....yours for $25 shipped via paypal.

[mattmainster]

I will take that off your hands..let me know.

[angelo r74]

the problem with i revo cases is that the case hudgs the phone too tight and causes scratches only telling u guys from my experience. i just bouhgtb a countour showcase and i love it

[honeybee1236]

When using any type of silicone case always use a shield or BSE to protect the product first. I have the Diablo and a BSE and have no scratches.

[angelo r74]

DONT BUY THIS CASE FOR THE IPHONE GUYS IT HUGS THE iPHONE TOO TIGHT AND WILL LEAVE SCUFF MARKS

[yankeeland]

When using any type of silicone case always use a shield or BSE to protect the product first. I have the Diablo and a BSE and have no scratches.
I too have BSE on mine & ordered the Diablo, but I'm not sure if I should apply the film to the back of the Iphone 'cause once I do I'll have issues fitting the phone into a different case, like the Contour case. one thing I didn't realize that the Revo doesn't have a belt clip. Can you provide a few shots of yours?

[photolas@mac.co]

I bought my iPhone and the sales person at the store sold me the iSkin saying it was the best cover.
After one day I am throwing it away. First..........it dulls the sound of the ring....you'll never hear your phone sounds. Dirt, after one day, started collecting under the silicone. The protective cover for the screen was dull and dark and had air bubbles that I could never get rid of. Everytime I wanted to charge the phone I had to take the skin off........when I put it back no it sometimes turned the phone sound off ! I'm going without a cover for now. It's not worth it. The iSkin is definitely not the cover to go with.

[photolas@mac.co]

After much searching I have decided to order an iSkin Revo for my iPhone. Can't wait till I get it.
NOOOOO. don't buy it. You'll hate it. You will not be able to hear your phone ring because it muffles the sound. It will occasionally turn off your sound button all together. It collects dirt and dust and the protective shield is dark and makes everything look scratched and dirty when you are looking at the screen. What is the point of having such a beautiful screen only to have it look dull and dingy. This is the worst cover of all !!!!!

[photolas@mac.co]

After much searching I have decided to order an iSkin Revo for my iPhone. Can't wait till I get it.
Hahah......I just saw that someone is selling theirs. I would do the same except the clear protector in the center is scratched already. If you don't care about that you can have it for $18.00

[yankeeland]

I'm amaze how some people hate this case, I love mine. I like the way the silicon feels on my hand, it doesn't feel ruff or sticky. I don't have any of the issues mention above with mine. I also have a Speck Toughskin but I prefer the Diablo better. If the iskin Revo had a removable belt clip It would be perfect. If for some reason the case pick dust it can be remove by just blowing it. These comments are for the Diablo not For the Speck case. Here are some pics

[yankeeland]

here are more

[Yogaesq]

I have the ISkin Revo and the separately sold Revo Clip, and love both! IMO, the case is the perfect combination of protection and slim design. I love how the case feels smooth, yet grippy enough to prevent it from slipping. I haven't had any problem with it picking up lint, and I feel comfortable that the rubber will protect the phone from most typical drops. Unlike most covers, I like that this phone covers the headphone port, and I like that ISkin included a docking plug -- I don't use it, but I'd rather have more options than less. The Revo Clip (sold separately) is really high quality, although I wish it was included with the cover because it's pricey. It's very well made and sturdy. The phone will not fall out of this holster. It can also be used as a viewing stand in case anyone looks for that feature. Also, I love the clear protective cover for the face of the phone -- it stays on my phone when I put it in my purse, and I don't worry about scratches to the screen -- I also have a anti-glare film on the screen, but I like that there's something thicker and hard in between my screen and my keys! When not in use, I put it on the back of the phone. It's never come off the front or back of the phone, but to be honest, even if it did, I like having the option of a face cover -- again, I rather have more options than less. I would recommend this case to anyone!