About a month ago I got a package with two Sena Leatherskin cases, one for the 2G and one for the 3G. I was pretty psyched about trying the Leatherskin case out since it was essentially the Dockable case I had reviewed (and loved) before, but without the cover flap and the the Dockable part (wait, so how are they the same?!).
Without those features, is it still worth purchasing a LeatherSkin for your 2G or 3G?
Absolutely, yes. 😀 And here ‘s why:
Design and Usage
Well, first off it ‘s another great fitting case from Sena. The leather is quite stiff at first, but really softens up nicely after a few weeks of use. The colouring (I got blue for both cases) is really great and isn ‘t too shiny or bright.
Like I mentioned earlier, I received two of the same case type: one for the 2G and one for the 3G (although I only own a 2G). My 2G was perfect in its Leatherskin, but I was actually surprised to learn that it fit relatively well into the 3G case as well, although the fit was a lot tighter at the sides. I ‘ve got a few friends who own 3G ‘s though and their iPhones fit right into the 3G Leatherskin perfectly.
I found the 3G skin sexier because it features a more stream-lined design. The clasp is smaller on the 3G and the sensor cut-outs at the top are a lot curvier to match the 3G ‘s form factor. You can see for yourself in the pictures below (3G on left).
But other than those minor changes, both cases are simple form-fitting skins. You put your iPhone in through the top and close the clasp to secure it in place. The pictures should show what is covered and what is left exposed so I wont ‘ go into that, but I will ask why the Leatherskin series isn ‘t dockable? I know it doesn ‘t say so in the name, but the Dockable series from Sena also has a cover flap that might not appeal to everyone “ but it seems easy enough to add the feature without sacrificing much protection. You can see the differences between the two types of cases below (dockable case on the left).
Basically, the only difference between these two base designs is that the thick piece of leather that composes the back of the case varies in length. If you make it a bit shorter then the case will fit right into a dock, and you only end up exposing the corners a little bit more than on a regular case since the bottom is still covered by a thinner, more flexible strip of leather. So what ‘s the big deal, you might ask? Nothing huge, really. But it would be cool to have Leatherskin dockable case choice, especially since it the degree of protection (as well as the overall look) would vary only slightly for the change.
In terms of usage, the biggest change for me was getting used to the lack of a flip cover. I had to put the phone to sleep before placing it back on my belt or I ‘d often end up calling people when I accidentally brushed the screen with my hand. In fact, I like the cover-less design more because it just means a little less hassle to me getting to my phone. I still love having the option, but overall I find I just want to press one button and use my phone and the Leatherskin let me do that “ and there ‘s nothing like leather for the grip and feel. Plastic and silicone cases can feel too slippery or just too gooey, but the thick back of the Leatherskin gives you something solid to hang onto.
I never had any trouble doing things simple things like typing or surfing since the case is thin enough that I could easily reach any soft buttons at the edge of the screen.
The last observation I have to share in this review concerns the belt clip. Sena uses a great plastic belt clip that ‘s anchored to the case by a metal rivet (which you can always take off ), but the belt clip itself can be just a little loose for me. Maybe my belts just aren ‘t thick enough, but the clip shifted around quite a bit along my belt. It ‘s just a small issue, but I would prefer a tighter fit.
Conclusion
In my experience thus far it has been ridiculously easy to recommend Sena to anyone interested in a leather case for their iPhone. The quality of the leather is always fantastic, but you ‘re not paying a premium at $42 for a LeatherSkin either. If you ‘re not interested in a Dockable case or a simple Slim Pouch, then the LeatherSkin might be just the thing for you. Its simple, classic design has all the cut-outs in the right spots and drastically improves the phone ‘s gripability (yes, that ‘s my new patented word).
What I liked:
- great, simple design with fantastic grip
- reasonable price
What could use improvement:
- could future LeatherSkin cases be dockable, too?
You can pick up a LeatherSkin for your 2G or 3G for $42 at Sena.com.
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