Today we will be looking at two new iPhone 5 cases from the Cygnett company. One of the cases is the AeroGrip Crystal which is a clear ergonomic case while the other one is the Carbon Fiber UrbanShield, as the name implies is composed of carbon fiber known for its high stiffness and high tensile strength. Both of these

  

   

 

The AeroGrip Crystal Slimline is a clear case with only a black ring surrounding the camera opening. Otherwise the case is completely transparent; letting the iPhone 5 show off its industrial design.

 

The top and bottom sections of the AeroGrip Crystal are totally open leaving access for the power button on the top and openings for the headphone jack, speakers and Lightning adapter.

On the left side of the case is an opening for the volume buttons and mute switch, while on the bottom right side is an embossed Cygnett name. Both of the sides of the case have golf ball like divots to help keep a sturdier grip on the otherwise smooth slippery polycarbonate.

 

The Carbon Fiber UrbanShield is all black with a 3D hologram square pattern on the back. Another Cygnett logo is found on the back of the case. The periphery of the Urban Shield is a rubbery material designed to help keep a firm grip on the iPhone 5 while housed in the case.

  

The same openings at the top and bottom are found on the UrbanShield as well as the AeroGrip Crystal Slimline.

Similar openings for the volume and mute controls are found on the Carbon Fiber UrbanShield; although the grip texture found on the AeroGrip Crystal Slimline is absent.

Both cases come with a screen shield protector for the iPhone 5’s touchscreen. This is dry application shield, which does not leave any residue on the screen when removed. Just be careful during application not to get any dust or dirt trapped between it and the iPhone 5 screen otherwise you will get the dreaded bubble which can be quite distracting to some users including myself.

Specifications:
 

At first glance a clear polycarbonate case would seem like it would be slippery in one’s hand; the divots on the sides of the case help alleviate this problem. The AeroGrip Crystal Slimline feels secure in the user’s hands. One concern with a clear case is that it will scratch and scuff up over time, but its main job is protecting the iPhone 5; I’d rather see scuffs and marks on my case than my iPhone 5.

The sides of the AeroGrip Crystal sit flush with the iPhone 5’s screen meaning that it is not advisable to rest the iPhone 5 face down on a surface unless you have installed the screen protector. Since I am using a Skinomi Shield, I skipped the application of the included screen shield.

All of the iPhone 5’s buttons and ports are easily accessible with the case in place.

   

The Carbon Fiber UrbanShield offers a different look from the Crystal model. In conjunction with a white iPhone 5 there is a stark contrast between the case and the phone. Used in conjunction with a black iPhone 5, the Carbon Fiber UrbanShield provides an excellent compliment to the Apple aesthetic. Like the Crystal, all of the controls are easily accessible on this case as well.

Physically the case is the same shape as the AeroGrip Crystal Slimline. The lack of divots on the side makes the Carbon Fiber model seems less secure in ones hands. Surprisingly I felt this

  

  

    

Conclusion:

Both of these Cygnett cases are great options for those who want a low profile case for their iPhone 5. If you want to showcase the appearance of the Cupertino created phone then the AeroGrip Crystal Slimline is a great option. The Carbon Fiber UrbanShield is for those who appreciate the look and weight of carbon fiber.

Either one of these cases adds minimal bulk and mass to the iPhone 5, keeping everything lightweight while providing protection. Neither case will be confused with an Otterbox, so if you are accident prone or work in harsh environments, then these Cygnett cases are not the best option. But for those who want to use the closest thing to a naked iPhone 5 then these cases are a good option.

 

The scores are separated for both cases for you:

Carbon Fiber UrbanShield

Pros:
+Lightweight
+Flexible
+Carbon Fiber composition

Cons:
-Slippery feel

Grades:
Overall
Design
Performance

AeroGrip Crystal Slimline

 

 

Pros:
+Shows off entire iPhone 5
+Includes screen shield
+Slim profile

Cons:
-Prone to scratches
-Top and bottom open

Grades:
Overall
Design
Performance

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