Review: Scosche Impresses with RAILkase for iPhone 4/4S

Aug 16th 2012 by Jay

A little more than two weeks ago, Scosche introduced a new sturdy iPhone 4/4S case called the RAILkase, and I have been using it for over a week. The RAILkase adds heft, strength, and security to Apple’s sometimes-delicate device.

Overview

The RAILkase is so named because of its strong, “aircraft grade aluminum” rail that surrounds the edge of a silicon case. Different colored aluminum rails are available – red, pink, blue, or silver – and the review unit I was provided was a brushed silver aluminum. The aluminum is also slightly curved inwardly and creates more natural, ergonomic feel for thumb and fingers. This widening and narrowing effect makes the square feeling of an iPhone more appealing and surprisingly comfortable – especially if the 4/4S feels a bit too small in one’s hand.

Each package also comes with two of these silicon cases – one in white, one in black – to match your iPhone. The silicon is supple, feels of high quality (it doesn’t smell or pick up fingerprints), and easily cradles the iPhone. There’s a flap that covers the mini-jack input on top, and the Scoche logo for the iPhone’s home button is a nice, textured touch.

The Good

After spending over a week with the case, I fell in love with this case and design! In my opinion, the overall look of a RAILkase covered iPhone 4S screams strength without going overboard (aquatic-furbearing-weasellike-mammal-box case anyone?). The black silicon and silver rail combination makes the iPhone appear more bold, virile, and downright manly.

Since I frequently exercise and want easy access to my iPhone to put in an armband, the push-button release of the rail (though not too easily released) is just the right touch to unwrap the aluminum edge without having to fidget. And, I experienced no dropped calls or noticeable signal interference from that metal rail either (there’s a polycarbonate bridge as part to of the rail designed to prevent signal loss).

The Best – How It Feels

Holding a RAILkase clad iPhone just feels good in the hand. It’s the right distinction in textures – soft and sometimes-textured silicon, and the smooth brushed aluminum. It’s an improved design of the sides of the iPhone by curving the sides and making a sleek, seductive silhouette. The added weight is noticeable, but as intended it makes the iPhone feel stronger and safer.

Needs Improvement

The only complaint I have about my experience is muting/unmuting the iPhone with the toggle switch.

The written directions are explicit (see below) and say to set both the rail and your iPhone to mute to ensure they are aligned. Despite that, sliding the switch both to unmute and back to mute takes considerable effort – and isn’t always successful. This is troublesome to find out in the middle of a meeting when one is sure the iPhone is set to vibrate. Although it did ease during the week’s use, the toggle switch remains obstinate and glancing at or feeling the toggle switch will not accurately inform you whether you’re muted or note.

Conclusions

I recommend and highly endorse Scosche’s RAILkase. It’s the right balance between hard and soft, sleek and strength, and ultimately the purpose of investing in a case – its protection (check out the video on Scosche’s website or here). Impressively, the RAILkase updates not only the look, it also improves the feel of holding an iPhone 4/4S.