OtterBox: The Best Protection for Mobile Devices

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I decided to buy a new smartphone (Droid RAZR Maxx) to ensure another two years of unlimited data with Verizon Wireless; and with that came a decision on what kind of case to put on my phone.  At $49.95, I decided to purchase the OtterBox Defender Series case.  I had always been skeptical about high-priced cases for cell phones and other mobile devices, but I decided to go with the OtterBox this time since the front of the case is its own screen protector.  Another brand of case and a pack (they only come in two or three packs it seems) of screen protectors would have been almost as much money, but would also be a hassle to get a screen protector on without air bubbles and dust underneath.  After having the phone for two weeks, the screen has stayed clean (no dust / moisture underneath).  However, I decided to take some time and do a little more research on how durable these products really are.

OtterBox Background
OtterBox began in 1998.  As their website says, their "cases are dedicated to all the klutzy, spontaneous, chaotic, graceless individuals who have broken a device or valuable due to their active lifestyle."  Their original line of cases is said to be waterproof - just as an otter's fur is.  The two executives at the company founded OtterBox due to their active lifestyles - claiming to have destroyed devices of their own.  There are cases available for just about every smartphone, e-reader, or tablet.  While they can't insure full waterproof qualities for all of the devices, they are meant to protect them against small exposures (dropping in puddles, etc.).  However, they still produce a line of waterproof dry boxes that you can put your items in when you're out and about (or probably on a boat...).  Following is a summary of the different series of cases for your devices:

Impact Series
The Impact Series is the simplest of the protective cases offered by OtterBox.  It is made from compression-molded silicone and has an inner lining that helps to absorb impact.  One good quality about this material is that it is made to shield from lint and also isn't sticky feeling like other silicone solutions.  It is primarily intended to protect devices from the minor bumps that they encounter regularly.

Commuter Series
The Commuter Series would be the preferred solution for someone who wants a firm case that doesn't add much to the size and weight of their device.  It has a silicone mid-layer and a one-piece, molded polycarbonate shell that protects against scratches, bumps, and shocks - all while being able to slide in and out of your pocket.

Reflex Series
This series is both compact and lightweight, but is meant to protect your device like no case has ever done before.  "Surrounding each device with a cushion of air, the Reflex Series flexes upon impact and rebounds to its original form.  Focused on protecting the occupant, just like the crumple zone of a car, this case not only takes a hit but recoils and springs back, ready to protect again and again."  Amazingly, this case is still relatively small.  It also can easily be removed for users who like to dock their devices (such as the iPhone) to play music.

Defender Series
The Defender Series is the most durable of the cases offered by OtterBox.  It has a clear protective membrane, high-impact polycarbonate shell and durable silicone that surrounds the shell.  This "provides extra protection against scratches, dust, drops, bumps and shock."

One thing that I did immediately notice is the size of the Defender Series case.  The Droid RAZR Maxx is reputable for being one of the slimmest phones, but with this case on, it is actually thicker than my old Droid X with a traditional hard-backed case.  However, I am pretty confident that it will provide some ease of mind for the times (many) that I drop my phone.  This series is also the most expensive of the cases that OtterBox offers.  Like most other products, the added quality only comes for an additional fee.

Check it out!
Like I said, I was skeptical about the OtterBox being able to protect against extreme mobile device abuse.  As many other non-believers would do, I did a YouTube search to see just what the case was capable of protecting against.  The following video made me surprised - an iPad survived a two-story drop, twice!  Check the video out, and let us know your feelings towards the OtterBox.



Sources: YouTube, www.otterbox.com