[q] carbon fiber! Now! - Epic 4G Accessories

I would like to buy a Carbon Fiber case for my Epic.... I will pay millions for it... MILLIONS I SAY!!! Good quality i should specify is a must, non of that carbonwanabe plastic toys r us mumbo jumbo crapola shmapola. Anyone heard of or seen or will develop this for me, i will fund it! Thanks peeps .

i will make you a custom carbon fiber case for the epic for 1 million dollars
save you the potential multiple millions you offered, half cash up front, pm if interested
EDIT: i have no idea what I'm doing, but for a cool mil I'm sure I can figure it out.

You could use google and search for one
http://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Fiber-Protector-Samsung-SPH-D700/dp/B0045DXC30

FFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!
there goes my million dollars! THANKS BUDDY!

goddimus said:
You could use google and search for one
http://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Fiber-Protector-Samsung-SPH-D700/dp/B0045DXC30
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Hmmm.... Doesn't look like true CF, looks more like Di-noc but no option to enlarge photo. Plus the technical specs state synthetic cloth weave.
Is the million dollar bounty still there? I have a roll of actual carbon fiber 2X2 weave material and resin. Was going to use it to wrap parts on my car but for a million bux.... Hmmmmm.......

Thats a Carboncopy not the real deal guiZ! Im waiting for Lexus to reply for my request for a custom weaved case (they have thir own carbon fiber waving machine). Im also waiting on reply's from Tag and Porscha.... I want to Carbonafie my life. Next step, carbon fiber condom and carbon fiber toilet paper. (lighting my cigar with a Million dollar check) mu hu hahahahwhahwaawh.
EDIT: I would prefer 4v4 Octavian Carbon Fiber in a hexweave pattern if available.

notoriouspyro said:
Hmmm.... Doesn't look like true CF, looks more like Di-noc but no option to enlarge photo. Plus the technical specs state synthetic cloth weave.
Is the million dollar bounty still there? I have a roll of actual carbon fiber 2X2 weave material and resin. Was going to use it to wrap parts on my car but for a million bux.... Hmmmmm.......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn this thanks button! I keep hitting it going for quote -.-
Anyway, yeah it looks like DiNOC, but that **** is pretty epic. It may not be easy to apply to the oddly contoured Epic back cover, but I put it on my Evo & Zune HD a while ago and it turned out pretty great.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/[email protected]/sets/72157624285299861/
Some shots of both. I used the silver weave for the Zune, since that matched the original color scheme. It's badass.

Related

Modding my Fuze

I haven’t seen anyone with any posts about this all though I really haven’t search, but has anyone tried painting their phone? I love my Fuze, it has been one of my best investments but I HATE the gloss black. I know I have seen some posts about getting another branded battery cover but that’s not enough for me. So, I’m going satin – Blue or Navy Blue, I haven’t decided yet. I used to be a pretty good model builder in the day (yea, geek) so I’m gonna give it a shot. I have heard a lot of positive info on the spray paints branded for plastic. I’m going to do the battery cover and front face. That will leave a section of black around the main body. I’m not sure that I want to tangle with the area around the keyboard and port. I would mind doing that silver but will just leave alone for now. Any thoughts (or your crazy’s)
look here its alot easer than painting ur fuse
http://www.google.com/products?q=to...esult_group&ct=title&resnum=4&ved=0CBwQrQQwAw
Thanks for the idea but they look like they area all for the touch pro. The fuze has the dimond shapped back and a different camera opening, do you think they would still work?
good idea
always hated just all gloss black
i wanna do a yellow carbon fiber finish
krylon fusion works good min sanding min prep
but does anyone know a good clear coat ?
edoka said:
always hated just all gloss black
i wanna do a yellow carbon fiber finish
krylon fusion works good min sanding min prep
but does anyone know a good clear coat ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just stick with Krylon clear coats since you will be using the fusion (my plan also). What are you gonna use to get the carbon fiber pattern?

Carbon Fiber Nexus

So i got this idea from one guy who put the 3M carbon fiber skin on EVO, But the problem was the curvy shape of my beloved Nexus. So I tried a few things and wasted some Vinyl but finally i bought Best skins ever skin for $8 and used it as a stencil and cut out the vinyl with my xacto. here are the pics. I liked it a lot so i thought i'll share with you guys.
That.....Looks.....AMAZING! Do tell....
Wanna give me the skin you didn't use? ;-)
Sent from my Nexus One
looks really cool ive been looking for a carbon fiber cover
That looks so sexy!!!
hmarcus said:
that looks so sexy!!!
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+ 1
im sorry, but thats looks horrible!! I dont like it at all!!
Its awesome =) Do mine!
Do not like, sorry
zok-star said:
im sorry, but thats looks horrible!! I dont like it at all!!
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Click to collapse
Agreed, you've 'riced' up your phone.
i dont think its any more ricing up than putting on a case. isn't ricing up to give it some sort of performance enhancement that doesn't really enhance anything?
Well I know why some of you don't like it. as my wife does not like it too she also has a nexus and she likes the feel of 'naked phone' if i may say .
My only problem with cases is that if i use them then my desk-dock becomes useless. plus i dont like always to be super careful about keeping my phone anywhere and scratch it.
you know what, it looks pretty good but the only problem is the weave is too large. maybe get a smaller weave vinyl.
care to share the stencil?
Rusty! said:
Agreed, you've 'riced' up your phone.
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I second that. It looks like a bad Honda Civic ricer lol
My_Name_Is_Neo said:
Well I know why some of you don't like it. as my wife does not like it too she also has a nexus and she likes the feel of 'naked phone' if i may say .
My only problem with cases is that if i use them then my desk-dock becomes useless. plus i dont like always to be super careful about keeping my phone anywhere and scratch it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sell me your desk dock.. Please please please please!!
FYI you guys can get overstock Carbon fiber sheets and m3 adhesive strips like used above from a guy named racingjeff on ebay. What this stuff is microthin carbonfiber with m3 adhesive on the back. They use it to make the CF dash boards in teh bling bling honda's you see on the road. I've deal with Jeff for years buying real overstock 3mm CF sheets. Guys a really good guy.
Personally I don't think it looks bad at all. I wouldn't do an entire phone in carbon fiber but it looks nice enough to me.
I'm going to cover my HD2 battery door using the same carbon fiber sheet. I'm also considering buying a couple of battery doors from ebay and experiment a little. I want to polish one battery door to a "mirrior finish" and I want to try painting one using Krylon just to see how it will come out.
I've painted all sorts of crap like Blackberry housings, golf clubs, furniture and I have the technique and prep work down to a science so we'll see how it goes and I'll make sure to post pics when complete.
I applaud dude for having the balls to experiment!
zok-star said:
im sorry, but thats looks horrible!! I dont like it at all!!
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Click to collapse
agreed :\
/10chars
I like it but the CF grids are a little large. I would like a tighter patterns. Heres the guy I use. Granted its not going to be $8 because its real CF.
http://shop.ebay.com/racingjeff/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25
Email him and tell him what your planning to do, he's super cool and will send out samples and all his stuff is the real deal, not look alike CF.
Is there a ay you help me out, on how to make the vinyl go so nicely around the corners? specially on the curvy parts... ive tried b4 with other vinals, and i cant get it to go nice on the curves, i always get extra stuff

[Q] The most suitable case for protection when phone drop?

Hi!
What is the most suitable case for protection when phone drop?
Definitely Case Mate
http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Ga...ung-Galaxy-S-T-Mobile-Vibrant-Tough-Cases.asp
victor79 said:
Definitely Case Mate
case-mate .com/Samsung-Galaxy-S-T-Mobile-Vibrant-Cases/Case-Mate-Samsung-Galaxy-S-T-Mobile-Vibrant-Tough-Cases.asp
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or this case is better? (otterbox)
otterbox .com/Samsung-Galaxy-S-Commuter-Series-Case/SAM4-GALXS,default,pd.html?dwvar_SAM4-GALXS_color=20&start=1&cgid=samsung-galaxy-s-cases
demandware. edgesuite .net/aaez_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-otterbox_us-Site/Sites-masterCatalog_OtterBox/default/v1295635693828/pdfs/sam4-galxs-info.pdf
how do you think?
+1 for Case Mate, I'm using one and it is very solid and durable, not sure about the otterbox but the Tough Case of Case Mate have many good reviews. Only one down side of it is that switching in/out battery more difficult but I see that the thing I have to pay for the good protection
Case Mate rocks!
Even a Case Mate "Barely There" is good enough for a drop on a even surface. No contact with the screen and the frame if dropped. Happend to me very often.
Saves a lot of money: http://www.amazon.de/Silicon-Samsun...9MU6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1295719519&sr=8-2
It looks a bit luxury at the backside, like juwels. It's glossy but not slippery at all. Very handy as the Galaxy without any case is extreme slippery. It doesn't collect any dust and the screen is protected by the overlapping flange at the front.
Doesn't look like an old truck tire like Case Mate but it's a quiet well protection as I experienced when dropping my Galaxy often enough in my workshop.
How are the Cheap silicon cases ?
In india we dont have Anycall or otter cases.Could only find Case-mate tough and barely there on ebay.in.
Superuser_x said:
How are the Cheap silicon cases ?
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Click to collapse
Mine fits absolutely satisfying. No spaces between phone and cover, but you can rip it off by one turn with the hand.
The only thing where you feel that it is cheap: there is a (very small) welding seam around as it's made of two halfs. You can use a razor blade to get rid of, very easy.
In india we dont have Anycall or otter cases.Could only find Case-mate tough and barely there on ebay.in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately...
http://shop.ebay.in/i.html?_nkw=(i9...ilicon*&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313
Some others are available, but very soft. But better than a crashed phone.
Maybe you can try to order in US or China. But there is absolutely no warranty to receive it...
How is this one, let me know your comments on this please - amzer.co.in
(iam sorry i cant paste the exact link due to new user restrictions)
if u can browse thru this website and look for the- silicone jelly case for samsung galaxy.
Mentioned one of these?
http://www.amzer.co.in/Amzer-Silicone-Skin-Jelly-Case-Grey-P88766.htm
http://www.amzer.co.in/Amzer-Luxe-Argyle-Skin-Case-Clear-P88794.htm
It's round about 5 bucks, so worth a try. At my point of view they will fit like many others.
One thing I would care about - hopefully feeding the paranoia troll only: in Germany we have very strong investigations in materials. Most cheap plastic are somehow unhealthy. Certain substances (lets name it flexibilizer) are able to leave the plastics and join thru your skin and might be able to damage genome or chromosome set and might cause something like growing boobs where non have to be or what ever. Especially if you are holding that plastic lots of time in sweaty hands.
Kind of a rule: more soft -> more "unhealthy". Depends on material quality.
So, when playing around a long time e.g. while flashing and configure it at home: pull the cover of.
Could not help laughing on that " Growing Boobs" thing.
But on a serious note, well i think you are right as Ive heard about cancers arising from long use of cheap quality plastic.
But i think i will try this.Going for the Green one
Going for the Green one
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Click to collapse
Would be my choice too. Like the eye catcher same as luxury style.
Recommended fashion which meets that style...
http://www.burlington.de/de/men.html
*SCNR*
This might protect the phone from a small drop. But might create a small bulge in your pants (...not in that way).
http://www.easydevices.co.uk/products.asp?partno=OTTBOX26SAMGS&model=
stepsch said:
Mentioned one of these?
http://www.amzer.co.in/Amzer-Silicone-Skin-Jelly-Case-Grey-P88766.htm
http://www.amzer.co.in/Amzer-Luxe-Argyle-Skin-Case-Clear-P88794.htm
It's round about 5 bucks, so worth a try. At my point of view they will fit like many others.
One thing I would care about - hopefully feeding the paranoia troll only: in Germany we have very strong investigations in materials. Most cheap plastic are somehow unhealthy. Certain substances (lets name it flexibilizer) are able to leave the plastics and join thru your skin and might be able to damage genome or chromosome set and might cause something like growing boobs where non have to be or what ever. Especially if you are holding that plastic lots of time in sweaty hands.
Kind of a rule: more soft -> more "unhealthy". Depends on material quality.
So, when playing around a long time e.g. while flashing and configure it at home: pull the cover of.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You got it half right - the man boob thing actually happens, but that's not because it goes through your skin. The chemical used to soften plastic are structurally similar to estrogen, which is the hormone responsible for puberty development in females. Prolonged exposure to the chemical can sometimes induce side effects. But that's usually through the mouth instead of through the skin. Human skins are quite resistant against foreign chemicals.
I've read some tests about plastic grips at construction tools, same at childrens toys (similar tests at adult toys). There is clearly written: contact with skin is able to damage whatever.
However, I still prefer estrogen in women.
So, whenever I am home I pull the covers from the phone. (It's also much prettier without any additional cover.)
I am just thinking of a kind of self-adhesive lamination - maybe clear like glas - on the battery cover, so that the phone will be less slippery. That wouldn't make it more stable when hitting the ground, but it wouldn't slip so easy out of your hand.
Unfortunately the round desin of the housing at all isn't very safe to get a good grip. (That's much better at iPhone4.)
I've been looking to buy a CapDase Soft Jacket 2 Expose. (Kindly Google it, as I cannot post external links yet)
I'm yet to find a webshop that will ship it to the Netherlands. Anybody knows one?
Today i recieved my Amzer silicone gelly case.
Looks good, feels good and doesnt burns a hole in my pocket.It has a nice rough finish on the sides for a good grip.Also my SGS feels more sturdy to hold.
Otterbox just outed the commuter for galaxy s
looks better than the casemate toughcase
Definitely Case-mate Tough!!
...omg... you don't really want to pay 35 bucks for a piece recycled truck tyre...
Greetings to India, I like the fresh green. ...and none of the truck tyre fans will steal it.
I do not believe that all those 5 times-more-expensive-protectors are 5x better in use, not even more than 1,1x.
Save your money, buy some nice apk instead.
Btw: ... in a few month there will be a new phone available and it doesn't matter anymore if yours is scratched or not.

Bought a new carbon fiber back battery cover

I purchased a carbon fiber look battery cover from ebay and so far I'm pretty satisfied with it. Even though the 4 is roman numeral that's not really a big issue to me. It adds a more premium look and feel to the s4 so that's a big thumbs up! Below are a few pics taken from my iPad. Please have a look. Thanks! :laugh:
l0ngxnguyen said:
I purchased a carbon fiber look battery cover from ebay and so far I'm pretty satisfied with it. Even though the 4 is roman numeral that's not really a big issue to me. It adds a more premium look and feel to the s4 so that's a big thumbs up! Below are a few pics taken from my iPad. Please have a look. Thanks! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
more pics
l0ngxnguyen said:
more pics
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's pretty nice / unfortunately, I have to wait till the end of the month (Verzion) plus I'm getting it off contract (full price).
-- I'll most likely be getting the UAG Case; not sure of the color yet
(but would consider if going sans case 'aka naked')
l0ngxnguyen said:
I purchased a carbon fiber look battery cover from ebay and so far I'm pretty satisfied with it. Even though the 4 is roman numeral that's not really a big issue to me. It adds a more premium look and feel to the s4 so that's a big thumbs up! Below are a few pics taken from my iPad. Please have a look. Thanks! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice, how is the fitment? Like factory? Any gaps?
Does the back have a texture feeling, also does it add bulk or is it like stock size
Looks veeery nice, but how's the workmanship and termination along the camera, flash...etc?
Aye, very nice case. Does NFC work? Any effect on wireless connectivity, such as call reception, WiFi, etc.
Dan37tz said:
Very nice, how is the fitment? Like factory? Any gaps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fitment Is surprisingly like stock with no gap. It snaps on perectly!
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
strossus84 said:
Does the back have a texture feeling, also does it add bulk or is it like stock size
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does has texture leather type of feeling with no added bulk.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Will T said:
Aye, very nice case. Does NFC work? Any effect on wireless connectivity, such as call reception, WiFi, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nfc does work and any type of signal is as strong as ever.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
I hate to be the only negative one here but I've had these on the Galaxy S III and unfortunately I was very very disappointed. These are clearly cheapo chinese-made when you feel them, and the back is not even close to carbon fiber, it feels like tightly stitched cloth strings (which is most likely what it is). I know it's supposed to imitate a carbon fiber look but when you know what carbon fiber is supposed to feel like (Motorola smartphones, car mods, the actual material, etc..) it just ruins the whole experience feeling a knock-off every time you pick up the phone. But I guess that's what you can expect when you pay $10 for it. I am constantly looking for a legit expensive TRUE-carbon fiber cover (let it be even $60-70+ if it has to), it will be worth every penny in the end. I have seen a few projects done for the Galaxy S III and I will say these are the real deal here. Links below:
Post and Full Thread
Another Example
Once again, no knock against the look here but just remember you get what you pay for. Real Carbon Fiber is not a cheap material.
EDIT: If you guys want to look at a few other Carbon-like products for the Galaxy S4, here are a few more I found (some of these are actually not too bad):
http://www.skinomi.com/sk12646-samsung-galaxy-s4-carbon-fiber-skin-protector.html
http://www.bodyguardz.com/armor-carbon-fiber-skin-samsung-galaxy-s-4-iv.html
http://us.cygnett.com/urbanshield-black-carbon-fiber-galaxy-s4-pc-cf-case.html
http://www.case-mate.com/Refined-Ca...se-Mate-Black-Carbon-Fiber-2769_9666-opt.aspx
open1your1eyes0 said:
I hate to be the only negative one here but I've had these on the Galaxy S III and unfortunately I was very very disappointed. These are clearly cheapo chinese-made when you feel them, and the back is not even close to carbon fiber, it feels like tightly stitched cloth strings (which is most likely what it is). I know it's supposed to imitate a carbon fiber look but when you know what carbon fiber is supposed to feel like (Motorola smartphones, car mods, the actual material, etc..) it just ruins the whole experience feeling a knock-off every time you pick up the phone. But I guess that's what you can expect when you pay $10 for it. I am constantly looking for a legit expensive TRUE-carbon fiber cover (let it be even $60-70+ if it has to), it will be worth every penny in the end. I have seen a few projects done for the Galaxy S III and I will say these are the real deal here. Links below:
Post and Full Thread
Another Example
Once again, no knock against the look here but just remember you get what you pay for. Real Carbon Fiber is not a cheap material.
EDIT: If you guys want to look at a few other Carbon-like products for the Galaxy S4, here are a few more I found (some of these are actually not too bad):
http://www.skinomi.com/sk12646-samsung-galaxy-s4-carbon-fiber-skin-protector.html
http://www.bodyguardz.com/armor-carbon-fiber-skin-samsung-galaxy-s-4-iv.html
http://us.cygnett.com/urbanshield-black-carbon-fiber-galaxy-s4-pc-cf-case.html
http://www.case-mate.com/Refined-Ca...se-Mate-Black-Carbon-Fiber-2769_9666-opt.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i am a carbon fiber nut as well. thanks for the links. I actually have a Cygnett carbon case on the way!!! looking forward to it!
open1your1eyes0 said:
I hate to be the only negative one here but I've had these on the Galaxy S III and unfortunately I was very very disappointed. These are clearly cheapo chinese-made when you feel them, and the back is not even close to carbon fiber, it feels like tightly stitched cloth strings (which is most likely what it is). I know it's supposed to imitate a carbon fiber look but when you know what carbon fiber is supposed to feel like (Motorola smartphones, car mods, the actual material, etc..) it just ruins the whole experience feeling a knock-off every time you pick up the phone. But I guess that's what you can expect when you pay $10 for it. I am constantly looking for a legit expensive TRUE-carbon fiber cover (let it be even $60-70+ if it has to), it will be worth every penny in the end. I have seen a few projects done for the Galaxy S III and I will say these are the real deal here. Links below:
Post and Full Thread
Another Example
Once again, no knock against the look here but just remember you get what you pay for. Real Carbon Fiber is not a cheap material.
EDIT: If you guys want to look at a few other Carbon-like products for the Galaxy S4, here are a few more I found (some of these are actually not too bad):
http://www.skinomi.com/sk12646-samsung-galaxy-s4-carbon-fiber-skin-protector.html
http://www.bodyguardz.com/armor-carbon-fiber-skin-samsung-galaxy-s-4-iv.html
http://us.cygnett.com/urbanshield-black-carbon-fiber-galaxy-s4-pc-cf-case.html
http://www.case-mate.com/Refined-Ca...se-Mate-Black-Carbon-Fiber-2769_9666-opt.aspx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the information but this is solely based on users preference. I for one like the look and feel of it because the stock battery cover is worst then this eventhough it's from a Chinese maker. I like mine thats why I see decided to share my purchase. Once again it's based on my opinion. Thanks for your input
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
How can u say no added bulk when on stock back cover the camera lens stands out further than the cover and on your first photo it looks flush or even recessed?
DJsCrIBbLe said:
How can u say no added bulk when on stock back cover the camera lens stands out further than the cover and on your first photo it looks flush or even recessed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had one of these for my S3 (Best $10 I ever spent!). It does add a very small amount of thickness to the case (less than 1 mm and less than any case I've seen). I am glad it is that way because since camera lens is recessed, it is protected from being scratched.
i agree the camera recessed is better for protection just had to throw out that the case obviously differs from stock and does "add" thickness as clearly seen in the first pic..
DJsCrIBbLe said:
How can u say no added bulk when on stock back cover the camera lens stands out further than the cover and on your first photo it looks flush or even recessed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its exactly like the sview from the looks.
l0ngxnguyen said:
I purchased a carbon fiber look battery cover from ebay and so far I'm pretty satisfied with it. Even though the 4 is roman numeral that's not really a big issue to me. It adds a more premium look and feel to the s4 so that's a big thumbs up! Below are a few pics taken from my iPad. Please have a look. Thanks! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which seller on eBay? Do you have a link to share? Thanks.
l0ngxnguyen said:
I purchased a carbon fiber look battery cover from ebay and so far I'm pretty satisfied with it. Even though the 4 is roman numeral that's not really a big issue to me. It adds a more premium look and feel to the s4 so that's a big thumbs up! Below are a few pics taken from my iPad. Please have a look. Thanks! :laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just one of these also. I am also pretty happy with it: It has more grip than the stock back cover, also, as you can see in OP's post, it has a tiny ridge to protect the camera lens. Also, it is well made, fits well and I think it looks better than the stock cover.
wmaden: I got mine on amazon. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CILXESE/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
wmadan said:
Which seller on eBay? Do you have a link to share? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GeorgeP already posted a link. Thanks
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app

Cruzerlite Skin review (x-post from general accessories)

Full disclosure: The guys over at Cruzerlite helped out Carbon when no one had heard of use by donating a few free cases so we could run some giveaways on our social networks. We went to them because we liked their product and the way that they interacted with the Android community. They were so excited about their new skin product that they arranged to ship a MotoX and one of their skins to me so that I might review it and give them, and you, my honest feedback. The device and skins have been since sent back to them. I was not paid or otherwise compensated for this review. Mostly I just wanted to check out a new product, have an excuse to play with a Moto X, and play with the lightbox I built last week.
I hate cases. To me, they've always been a necessary evil. I generally go with the thinnest TPU case I can find so I know my phone will be protected, and try and find one that actually looks cool. Which is why I've always liked the Cruzerlite cases. Very android friendly, and there were always lots of looks to choose from - android themes, art, etc. My favorite was the Tardis case. I was always very careful with my device. But scratches and things happen, and like many of you I never plan to stay with one device for more than a year or so. That means you gotta keep it looking like new so you can sell it later.
To me, that's the niche that the Cruzerlite skins occupy. If you drop your phone all the time this product isn't going to keep you from denting it or smashing the glass. It's vinyl, not TPU. If you're a purist who insist on rocking a totally naked phone, this product also isn't for you. If you're one of the many who hate cases but want to protect the phone in some way, or are confident in your ability to not drop your phone but want a custom look, then this product is where it's at. It'll protect your device from light damage, give you any look you want, and preserve the size and feel of your device.
The product comes in the form of thick vinyl stickers. As it's a brand new product they don't yet have a set of instructions on the site. They tell me they have that in the works and we should see them soon. With that in mind, I'll overshare my installation process and what I learned for you folks. Cruzerlite clearly wanted to make sure that you'd be happy with the installation of this product, so they've given you a single sticker for the back, two sets of stickers for the sides, and three sets for the front. You can screw this up and try again without ordering a new set. Note that I say stickers, but this is actually vinyl of a nice thickness, not some elmo sticker you'd get from the doctor after a checkup.
So having checked out both the vinyl and the Moto X I setup my lightbox and got down to business. I applied the back vinyl, taking great care to align the camera and microphone. It worked, after a fashion - it looked like a sticker slapped on a phone. A phone with a lot of curves. So far... meh. I stuck the sides on as well. It looked... like a bunch of stickers slapped on a phone. They didn't conform to the curves of the phone at all. So I called up Joel at Cruzerlite and told him that while I thought he had a nice idea, this was probable something that would only work on a phone with simple surfaces like an iphone. I showed him how it looked and he asked me when I was planning to finish the installation. Finish the installation? What? Heat. You apply heat after installation. Ohhhhhh. For a guy who was just told that his half-installed product wasn't very good, he was pretty cool about it. Thanks Joel.
Ok, so with that in mind, I dug out the hair dryer and got to heating. It looked a lot better. With a bit of heat and some pressure with my fingers, the vinyl conformed to the curves of the device and started to look like they belonged there. That said, because I installed them like they were stickers, there were gaps. Teal gaps. It didn't look great - but that was on me.
You might want to color match better than I did. Teal and
wood grain aren't known for being a classic combination.
So the first install didn't look so great. The vinyl was curved to match the phone, but I had ugly gaps that ruined the look. When I put the sides on, I aligned things like I would with regular stickers - not heat shrinking vinyl. But Cruzerlite clearly anticipated that, so I had more! Off came the vinyl on the sides and and back to square one. This time, I made sure there was some overlap so that when heat was applied, it would properly fit. Here's what it looked like:
You can already tell it's going to come out better this time. Out comes the hair dryer!
Now we're talking. No gaps, all the buttons are nicely cut out... it looks great. Again, the color combination shows why I'm not ever going to be a graphic designer, but it certainly highlights just how well the product fits the device. There's a slight edge where the vinyl on the sides and the back overlap. It's not unpleasant, but I'd like to play with this product some more to see if I could even avoid that. I've asked Cruzerlite to send me a few more and another phone, and hope to have a follow up on this in the future.
Yes, it has front stickers. The great thing about this product is it's up to you what you apply - if you don't want the front stickers, don't put them on. You could even mix and match them if you wanted. Get different colors and make the phone version of this:
Yes, that's a real thing. It's a Harlequin Golf and comes
that way from the factory. Please don't do this to your phone.
So after installing and playing with this, I like it. The vinyl is thick enough to feel like a high quality and durable product and on the whole I found it to be easier to apply than a screen protector. Sure, it's a bit tricky to align, but you don't have to worry about dust and the use of heat makes this a relatively forgiving product. I'm certain that I didn't do a perfect job with this, but I don't hate it the way you'd hate a screen protector with a bit of dust under it. I did manage to tweak the back a bit when applying it, and you can see the bulge from it. Again, this is something that I'd be able to differently now that I know how the product works so I'm not particularly concerned about it.
Cruzerlite has a whole range of vinyl to choose from too - 57 at the time of this review. There's wood grain, antibacterial colors, metallic, and leather skins. We're spoiled for choice and if you can't find something you like you might want to ask yourself why you're so picky.
I'd say this is a buy. They look great, feel great, and will do a fantastic job of protecting your phone from light damage. They're easy to apply, and at just under ten dollars you can't beat the price. For those of you who picked up a Moto X before Motomaker was a thing, this is a great way to change your phone's look without buying a new one, or get the look of wood without paying an extra hundred bucks for a single woodgrain option. (bamboo? seriously?) At the time of this review, the skins are available for the Moto X, Nexus 5, Note 3, Galaxy S4, and iPhone 5/5s.
I'll update this thread in the future if I can get my hands on another device and more vinyl. If possible I'll try something other than wood grain, too.
You can check out the rest of their skins at http://www.cruzerlite.com/skins

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