The Apple Watch is more of a mini computer on your wrist than a standard wristwatch. Since electronics are way more susceptible to damage than a mechanical timepiece it is a worthwhile consideration to use some form of protection for the Apple Watch.

THE BUMPER is one such accessory from the folks at Actionproof. It functions as a shock absorber for the Apple Watch as well as abrasions and other forms of trauma. Since Apple uses Gorilla Glass on the Apple Watch Sport rather than sapphire crystal this makes that version more susceptible to scratches. As an owner of the Sport version I jumped at the opportunity to review this accessory.

Unboxing

THE BUMPER arrives on a plastic blister card with the accessory displayed in the center of the card. The package is opened from the top and inside we find an instruction booklet, warranty card and anti-counterfeiting code along with the bumper itself.

 

 

Currently it is only available for the 42mm Apple Watch size. In terms of color selection, right now THE BUMPER is available in black, white and orange. For today’s review we will look at the black version.

It is composed of a hypoallergenic rubber material and measures 4.1 cm X 4.4 cm x 1.1 cm.

 

 

THE BUMPER has openings for the watch face, crown, speaker, microphone and watchband. There is a rubberized button cover for the side button.

  

Specifications and Features

Actionproof The Bumper

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SMART WATCH IS ALSO THE MOST PROTECTED.

The introduction of technological devices in sports and outdoor activities has changed the way we perceive them and live with them. User comfort and ensuring the device’s protection has become our mission. With the upcoming release of Apple’s new technology, our priority became to protect it without altering the product or the brand’s aesthetic. This is the first bumper-shock absorber for the Apple Watch. THE BUMPER is not a cover, it offers momentary protection making the Apple Watch ready for extreme use.

SAFETY WITHOUT SACRIFICING CONTROL.

Take control anytime:
– Full access to the screen.
– Full access to digital crown: can be rotated and pressed even while protected.
– Easy access to the side button

THE BUMPER is total protection at 360° for your Apple Watch. Your watch will be secure and its features will remain unobstructed. THE BUMPER is the only protective system that covers the digital crown and not just the sides of the watch. It’s produced in premium, hypoallergenic, ultra-resistant rubber. The design and shape minimize the dimensions and weight, so you can barely feel it on your wrist. 100% made in Italy.

UNPARALLELED PROTECTION

PROTECT YOUR 42 MM. APPLE WATCH FROM EVERY DIRECTION DURING YOUR TOUGHEST ACTION.

– 360º SHOCK ABSORPTION
– THE DIGITAL CROWN IS FULLY PROTECTED
– MADE WITH HYPOALLERGENIC MATERIAL.

EASY ON READY IN A FLASH

TIME IS PRECIOUS. THE BUMPER’S ULTRA RESISTANT RUBBER ALLOWS YOU TO INSERT IT IN ONE SIMPLE MOVE. NO TOOLS REQUIRED.

UNALTERED AUDIO FUNCTIONS

SPEAKERS AND MICROPHONE ARE FREE TO PERFORM AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL.

UNOBSTRUCTED HEALTH SENSORS.

SENSORS ARE ALWAYS IN CONTACT WITH YOUR SKIN.

Material: Ultra Resistant Rubber

Dimensions: 41 x 44 x 11 mm / 1,61 x 1,73 x 0,43 inch

Features:

-High resistance to UV radiation, ozone and outdoor exposure
-Temperature resistance: min. -40°C / max. 120°C
-Torsion and shock resistant
-Resistant to chemical aggressions
-Resistant to abrasion

Price: $35.00

 

The Review

To install THE BUMPER on to the Apple Watch you will need to remove the watchband using the release buttons on the back of Watch. Slide THE BUMPER from behind the Apple Watch starting with the digital crown then pull the rest of THE BUMPER onto the Watch. Once the bumper is in place reinsert the bands into the Watch

As you can see THE BUMPER adds some bulk to the Apple Watch Sport and makes the Apple device look more like an activity tracker in its profile. THE BUMPER does an excellent job of covering and protecting the sides, back and even part of the face with an elevated bezel. The sensors on the back of the watch remain in contact with the user’s skin allowing all of the Watch’s features to work properly.

 

 

THE BUMPER provides 360° shock absorption. It still allows full access to the screen and digital crown as well as the side button. The speaker and microphone remain unimpeded along with the health sensor, which stays in contact with the user skin.

 

 

Here is THE BUMPER housed Apple Watch Sport being worn. It does not change the feel or function of the Apple Watch and all of the controls and functions are easily accessed.

 

 

The rubbery material is similar to numerous iPhone cases out on the market. It is soft and designed to absorb impacts. One draw back to this material is that it tends to attract dust.

Conclusion

THE BUMPER is a great way to protect the Apple Watch during everyday use; especially if you are in environments that put the watch at risk from damage. However the trade-off is you lose some of the elegance of the Apple Watch by adding a bulky bumper. It changes the aesthetic of its form factor making it look more like a fitness device. So the choice is between appearances vs. protection when choosing to use THE BUMPER.

On the plus side THE BUMPER is easily applied and removed from the Apple Watch. For those who have the Apple Watch Sport it is definitely a good investment to help protect the non-sapphire crystal face. Personally I will use THE BUMPER more as a protective accessory when I feel my Apple Watch Sport is at risk for damage than on a daily basis.

Pros:
+Easily applied and removed
+Does not impede any sensors on Watch
+Hypoallergenic material

Cons:
-Limited to 42 mm Apple Watch models
-Attracts dust

 

Grading	Scores Out of 10
Overall
Design / Aesthetic
Value / Price
Performance / Usage

Disclosure: This product was given to us for review by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment for the review.

To learn more about our review policy please visit this page HERE.