iPhone 5 Tech21 Impact Mesh Case Review

**LSglock89** · 02-20-2013, 10:06 PM

I am not one to generally switch cases very often. I usually slap an OtterBox on and go about my life. However with the iPhone 5 I have found myself bouncing from one case to the next. I have tried out 6 cases before this one and now we are on the 7th.

I found this case while browsing on the Apple Store and I was hooked just based on the look online. I finally got a chance to head to an Apple Store and found the case in store and it just felt right, so I ended up buying it.

It is the Tech21 Impact Mesh for iPhone 5 in the smoke color. It can be found at the or on the website.

It really has some nice packaging, which gives the impression of quality, stability and strength. I must say I got a bit excited over the packaging because generally a company that makes their packaging look good means they care just as much about developing a quality product.

The smoke color pairs up well with the black and slate iPhone, and while you are not able to see quite all the way through, you can still vaguely make out the Apple logo. Oddly enough the clear version made it even more difficult to see the phone (if that is something you are interested in).

Functionality

Everything works as it should and it works very well. I find the volume buttons as well as the sleep/wake button to be quite easy to operate. The case still retains that tactile responsive feel that many do enjoy.

Accessing the mute button is not overly difficult. I have very little fingernails to work with and I do not find it an issue to flip the switch.

This case has a very slim profile; therefore it has a very minimal “lay on the table” design. The picture below should help you see this.

As far as access to the ports – I only use Apple branded cords/headphones etc. so I can only speak from that angle. They work perfectly as you would expect, no complaints there at all.

One thing I like about this case is that it seems to retain its form. I have had and used the case for over a month now and it shows no sign of stretching out.

I really find it hard to place a complaint with this case at all. Perhaps the price is a little high? But honestly, I would buy it over again. I have dropped the phone on a couple occasions and it has taken the full brunt of the blow.

From the manufacturer:

“It's all about the molecules inside the revolutionary D3O® Impact Material. In everyday use, the molecules flow freely, but upon shock or impact they lock together - absorbing the impact force and spreading the shock evenly across the surface of the material. That means your device stays in one piece, no matter how hard the impact!”

All I can say is, so far, so good. I think this is a great case, if you are considering it, go out and buy it. I would definitely buy this case over again. It may lack the more complete protection of an OtterBox or a Lifeproof, but it provides a level of compromise that I am quite satisfied with.

**John Yester** · 02-20-2013, 11:36 PM

Nice review. I have heard good things about Tech21 cases from a few people.

**Alli** · 02-21-2013, 06:13 AM

Love, LOVE, LOVE Tech21. Check out what I have to say about them:

**LSglock89** · 02-21-2013, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Alli

Love, LOVE, LOVE Tech21. Check out what I have to say about them:

I am thoroughly impressed with the product honestly. It seems to be holding up well overall. Definitely have gotten a lot of nice compliments from people who have seen it while I am out and about.

**Slammers08** · 02-24-2013, 07:41 PM

Originally Posted by LSglock89

I am thoroughly impressed with the product honestly. It seems to be holding up well overall. Definitely have gotten a lot of nice compliments from people who have seen it while I am out and about.

I've had mine for about a month and it's my favorite case. And I've tried many of cases( speck flips,zoogue, ob commuter,belkins) to name a few. I really like the low profile and the look and feel along with very solid protection! Plus it's different! Highly recommend!

**ups925** · 03-07-2013, 08:43 PM

Ive had mine for many months now. Its amazing and despite being slim, it provides protection. Good stuff! Im looking for a new color though to switch it up.

**Slammers08** · 03-08-2013, 05:05 AM

Originally Posted by ups925

Ive had mine for many months now. Its amazing and despite being slim, it provides protection. Good stuff! Im looking for a new color though to switch it up.

I have the carbon one and Really like it! I wish they would make a all black one.

**Slammers08** · 03-08-2013, 05:07 AM

Originally Posted by ups925

Ive had mine for many months now. Its amazing and despite being slim, it provides protection. Good stuff! Im looking for a new color though to switch it up.

Wish they would make a all grey or black one.

**bgl321** · 03-10-2013, 09:07 PM

I saw a review posted on you tube today that shows the case has been revised to have supports under the home button on each side of the lightning connector to offer more supprort for the lower lip. This was the only reason I didn't purchase before. It was too flimsy. Hopefully my apple store sells this new version. If so I will be picking it up.

**ups925** · 03-10-2013, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by bgl321

I saw a review posted on you tube today that shows the case has been revised to have supports under the home button on each side of the lightning connector to offer more supprort for the lower lip. This was the only reason I didn't purchase before. It was too flimsy. Hopefully my apple store sells this new version. If so I will be picking it up.

I noticed that in a video where the bottom side had the extra support around the lightning connector. I recall seeing a video of the impact case with a zig zag pattern on it but I cant find it anywhere.

**Slammers08** · 03-11-2013, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by bgl321

I saw a review posted on you tube today that shows the case has been revised to have supports under the home button on each side of the lightning connector to offer more supprort for the lower lip. This was the only reason I didn't purchase before. It was too flimsy. Hopefully my apple store sells this new version. If so I will be picking it up.

I got mine about 45 days ago and mine has the added support. Got through apple.

**bgl321** · 03-11-2013, 03:25 PM

Originally Posted by Slammers08

I got mine about 45 days ago and mine has the added support. Got through apple.

I found one at Apple that has the extra support now on the bottom lip. They still were selling some without it as well. Great case. Love the feel. Got the "smoke". Looks great on the black 5. Hoping this will be a keeper... for at least a few weeks

**Slammers08** · 03-11-2013, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by bgl321

I found one at Apple that has the extra support now on the bottom lip. They still were selling some without it as well. Great case. Love the feel. Got the "smoke". Looks great on the black 5. Hoping this will be a keeper... for at least a few weeks

Can you post a pic of the bottom of the case?

**bgl321** · 03-11-2013, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by Slammers08

Can you post a pic of the bottom of the case?

Yes. I'll take one later on today when I get home.

**Slammers08** · 03-11-2013, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by bgl321

Yes. I'll take one later on today when I get home.

I'm assuming your talking about the to added pieces next to the lightning port right?

**Slammers08** · 03-11-2013, 03:37 PM

Originally Posted by bgl321

Yes. I'll take one later on today when I get home.

It's by far my favorite case enjoy!

**bgl321** · 03-11-2013, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Slammers08

It's by far my favorite case enjoy!

Somehow I overlooked this. But there's a pic of it in the original post.

**Slammers08** · 03-11-2013, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by bgl321

Somehow I overlooked this. But there's a pic of it in the original post.

Ok just seen it. It's the same case I have with the added support.

**Slammers08** · 03-11-2013, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by bgl321

Somehow I overlooked this. But there's a pic of it in the original post.

I bet you won't try another case now lol

**bgl321** · 03-17-2013, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Slammers08

I bet you won't try another case now lol

Lol! Always trying new cases. In fact the Tech 21 didn't work for me. Too wide IMO.

**Slammers08** · 03-17-2013, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by bgl321

Lol! Always trying new cases. In fact the Tech 21 didn't work for me. Too wide IMO.

Funny you brought this up I felt the same way after time. It was a bit wide for me and I ended up using a zoogue. Perfect fit and having AC+ I don't need a bulky case.

**LSglock89** · 03-17-2013, 06:10 PM

I guess it's not super thin...but I'll tell you what...it has been through some nasty drops on concrete and ceramic time...held up perfectly.

Whatever the material is...it sure disperses the impact of energy.

**Slammers08** · 03-18-2013, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by LSglock89

I guess it's not super thin...but I'll tell you what...it has been through some nasty drops on concrete and ceramic time...held up perfectly.

Whatever the material is...it sure disperses the impact of energy.

I agree with ya 110%! Mine dropped face down on concrete about a 4 ft drop and didn't leave a mark! I'm back using mine! Nothing beats the look/ feel/ protection of the tech 21!

**ups925** · 04-04-2013, 07:35 AM

After 3 or 4 months with the clear impact mesh the back and sides started to turn greenish blue. The back of my phone looked splotchy and i switched back to my old case mate case. I got the clear tech21 case bc i really liied the orange accents and was hoping they would release an all orange case similsr to their iphone 4 version.

I got the blue mesh case today from the apple store. I wasnt sure about it bc itlooked baby blue, but on my black i5 it looks like a darker sapphire blue. Very nice.

**bgl321** · 04-04-2013, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by ups925

After 3 or 4 months with the clear impact mesh the back and sides started to turn greenish blue. The back of my phone looked splotchy and i switched back to my old case mate case. I got the clear tech21 case bc i really liied the orange accents and was hoping they would release an all orange case similsr to their iphone 4 version.

I got the blue mesh case today from the apple store. I wasnt sure about it bc itlooked baby blue, but on my black i5 it looks like a darker sapphire blue. Very nice.

Can you post pics with the case on the phone?