Review: This protective PureGear case is slim, stylish and better than an OtterBox

For what seems like forever now, OtterBox cases have been the go-to option for many smartphone users looking for a little extra protection. I was an OtterBox user for a few years back in the era of iPhone 4 and 5, which was before the iPhone 6 came along and the company responded with cases like it’s Commuter series that do not fit well at all.

As a result, I’ve been using Apple’s leather case for iPhone 6 since I preordered the device the September it was made available. While it’s among the best fitting cases around, sporting something more protective with summer activities around the corner might be a wise choice.

That’s where PureGear’s DualTek Extreme Shock case for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus comes into play.

The basics: Protection

Coming in at nearly twice the thickness of an iPhone 6, you’d think the DualTek Extreme Shock would make your iPhone gain a lot of weight. But don’t let its size deceive you – this case offers much more protection than most will need in an extremely light package.

It looks like designers of this product were able to achieve this level of protection while keeping the product slim via the use of a few clever engineering choices. Most notably, this case uses a combination of plastic and rubber in all the right places. This means that, while it will slide in and out of pockets easily thanks to the mostly plastic soft exterior, the use of rubber for bumpers and side grips makes it feel reassuring.

Even in unusual places

There is one remaining location where rubber is used that might be questionable at first. Referring to the image below, do you notice that black rectangle that protrudes from the inside of the case? This soft, squishy material is the only part of the inside of the case that touches the back of your phone. This creates a separation between the majority of the aluminum and the interior of the case, allowing your iPhone to experience impulses of greater magnitude while keeping the case light. It’s like having an extra air cushion.

One downside that does come with this, though, is that the space created by the black pad allows debris to enter the case via the Apple logo and camera cutout holes. But you can rest assured that, with all that room in there, getting sand or something similar inside should not result in scratches like it might with traditional cases.

Style

Perhaps more exciting than the protective factor is the aesthetic appeal of the DualTek Extreme Shock case. The case fits super precisely and feels stellar in the hand. Besides the bright Kayak Yellow I got it in – which is the best option, in my opinion – you can also pick one up in Caribbean Blue, Matte Black, Radiant Orchid, or Arctic White. The yellow has a high-quality matte finish to it, along with a few of the other color options, while the remaining ones are glossy. Check out PureGear’s site for all of the options.

All in all, this is a bulky and protective case that I enjoy using. That’s a first, right?

The bottom line

In a world where OtterBox can no longer be trusted for quality or precision, PureGear’s DualTek Extreme Shock case is a winner in every department. Offering superior style and protection, there’s no case I’d rather put on my iPhone when life gets crazy.

What’s hot

• A perfect combination of rubber and plastic
• The space inside allows for more protection with less mass
• Great visual appeal and feel

What’s not

• It is bulky, but that’s needed
• Debris can enter easily, but should not harm the phone

Our advice and overall score

If the modest price of $34.99 for this ultra protective case isn’t an issue, I urge you to snatch one of these up from PureGear as quickly as you can.

• Aesthetic Appeal: ★★★★☆
• Wow Factor: ★★★★☆
• Build Quality: ★★★★★
• Value: ★★★★★

Buy it now: Available for $34.99 from PureGear for the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.