Based upon the company’s earlier Cushi three-dimensional stickers and Cushi Band bumpers for the iPhone 5, id America’s new Cushi Plus ($25) steps up the original concepts by bundling redesigned components into a complete and improved set. We found the concept cool enough to warrant a Best of Show Finalist award at the 2013 International CES. More than 50 new designs are available, and we really like some of the art id America chose to offer this time.
The sticker part is an update from previous packages. Now you get get front and back protectors for your iPhone, covering the bezel, Home Button, and entire back surface with genuinely cool puffy plastic art.
A clear screen protector is included for the rest of the iPhone 5’s face, along with a cleaning cloth and applicator card to aid in installation. We found installation to be easy, especially since the adhesive material is rather forgiving if you mess up the first time.
Instead of running the complete width of the iPhone, the stickers stop a little short at either edge, leaving room for the bumper. The center of the band is clear plastic, while the outside is either black or white rubber. It’s just a little looser than we’d like; it’d be better if it hugged the body a little more closely.
Along the bottom are holes for the headphone port and microphone, speaker, and a very tight opening for the Lightning connector. Only Apple’s plugs will fit, so this may be an issue for some, especially as third-party cables begin to populate the market. The rubberized button protection is appreciated.
We’re don’t normally get excited about stickers or bumpers, but taken together, these elements provide almost complete and seriously distinctive protection for your device.