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(More customer reviews)I spent a long time comparing the AGF Ballistic SG case (SG) to the dozens of other cases available for the Droid X. I was nervous to buy it because there were zero reviews on Amazong and virtually no other online reviews of it. However, I did watch a YouTube advertisement for it and as well as video reviews and comparisons of the OtterBox Commuter Series Hybrid Case for Motorola Droid X - Black - 1 Pack - Retail Packaging (OC), OtterBox Defender Case for Motorola DROID X MB810 (Black) (OD), and Brand-New TRIDENT KKN-DX-BL Trident Motorola MB810 Droid X Kraken Case Blue High Quality (KT) cases. I also read countless Amazon reviews. Based off the negative feedback I read on other products I came up with a list of concerns for Droid X cases and how the SG case deals with them.
Surviving drops and scratches from keys etc
The SG's silicone layer has a very thick and solid feel. I previously owned a Otterbox case for the Blackberry Tour that served me very well (although the phone, not so much) and the Ballistic silicone seems sturdier. I saw and felt the OC in store and it had much thinner silicone and the plastic backing seemed really flimsy. I am a total klutz so I really just wanted a case that would survive my purse and occasional ~4 foot drops.
Being able to take the covered phone in and out of your pockets easily
The hard shell on the back of the case greatly lowers the friction compared to all-silicone designs. The rubbery corners are worth the marginal amount of friction because it seemed to help the case/phone take falls better. The corners also keep the phone from slipping out of your hand too easily.
Exposure of BUTTONS, ports, and microphones
One of the big deciding factors for me was the exposure of the bottom buttons. I find them hard enough to push already without adding a layer of squishy silicone, so it was really important that they were exposed. (The OC, OD, and KT all cover the bottom buttons.) The buttons on the side are covered and they work great for me. The ports, camera, and microphones (there are 3 so the phone can filter out background noise)are all exposed. There were complaints about the fit of the OC port covers which made me a little wary. The SG has about a 1/5" of silicone surrounding them so if you were to accidentally lay your phone on a damp or wet surface you should be fine for up to ~1/5". The bottom left corner is really exposed because of the MicroUSB port (for charging), HDMI port (for media), and little hole which I assume is for a cell phone charm or something of the like. I wish they would have connected the top and bottom of the silicone layer between the ports, but I can see how that could obstruct the ports. Despite my worries, the exposed left corner strip seems adequately protected.
Bulk
Here's what it comes down to: What level of protection do you want for your phone? The really thin sexy silicone/gel/plastic/etc. covers will only give your phone minimal protection (scratches, fumbles, and small drops). The giant cases like the OD and KT are provide more protection and have the bulk to prove it. I have pretty thoroughly scratched up some of my past unprotected phones (mostly from dropping them) so I assumed that I would need really heavy protection. As I read more reviews, it seemed like a lot of the owners were people in pretty action-packed occupations (paramedic, fireman, heavy machinery operator on the docks) while I'm just a clumsy college student and part-time commuter. From what I've seen of the OC, I believe that the SG provides a higher level of protection with just a little more bulk. I have never seen the OD or KT cases in person, but I am fairly confident that they are bulkier. Either way, I feel that this is the perfect level of protection for my needs
The sides of the case getting stretched out and pulling away from the phone
The sides of the screen do not give very much room for the lip of a case to grasp. The SG overcomes this by using the hard shell to secure the silicone onto the sides of the phone. The only reason it doesn't cover all of the edges is because of the placements of the ports and buttons. It is possible to tug at the top and bottom a little bit, but I'm not concerned because the sides are so secure and the silicone is quite sturdy as described earlier.
Being able to move add-on shortcuts to other screens
I have had no problem with this feature. The case gives me perfectly adequate screen access.
Built in screen protector
This case does not have a built in screen protector. I didn't develop a very strong opinion on this issue. If you want one, check out the OD or KT. The downside is that they can be damaged and cutting them out voids the warranty on the case. I never had one before, but I suppose the they would be convenient.I intend to buy a screen protector soon.
Silicone picks up lint and dust
The silicone (which is only exposed on the corners) doesn't seem to pick up lint or dust easily. I've noticed a little flour (I enjoy baking) got into the little logo imprints on the top corners but it was a non-issue.
Being able to dock or prop up the phone
Since the DX comes with the free navigation feature, it's really handy to be able to dock it. The SG does not have any special groove to click into a holster, but a universal car mount holder should work just fine. This case does not have any way to prop the phone up or connect to a belt, so if that's what you're looking for, this isn't the case for you.
I would definitely recommend this case to the accident prone user who wants to be sure that their phone is well protected. If you work outdoors frequently you may want to go for the OD or KT. Or, if you're extremely careful with your phone, just get something pretty :)
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