Kenu’s Highline is a case for iPhone 6 ($30) and iPhone 6 Plus ($35) that comes with a security leash to keep your iPhone attached to a zipper, belt loop, carabiner, or a strap during active use. The case itself is a textured polycarbonate case that curiously leaves open both the top and bottom of the iPhone. Lacking button coverage as well, it’s basically just a shell. The appeal of Highline comes from the leash — elastic with a Kevlar core, the leash’s Lightning Lock plugs into the phone’s Lightning port and clips onto the back of the case. Testing reveals the lock is very secure.
To us, Highline has a very specific use case. It’s worth looking at if you’re a person who uses your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus often while you’re high up in the air — possibly while dangling off the side of a mountain or a building. If you drop an iPhone while using Highline, the leash and lock will keep it from falling. While we don’t see a problem with properly securing the leash to a zipper or most other things, we don’t know how much peace of mind you’ll have if your phone is dangling about mostly exposed while you’re out hiking, skiing, rafting, etc.
As is, Highline is an interesting idea that could appeal to a very niche audience, and the price is reasonable. However, we’re not quite sure why Kenu couldn’t take the next step and provide further coverage for the top, bottom, and buttons of the iPhone, and design the leash and lock accordingly. It doesn’t make too much sense to design a case/leash system for active use while exposing so much of the phone, and Highline doesn’t offer enough everyday protection. If you use your phone that often in active situations — and you’re not prone to taking selfies while scaling skyscrapers — you’re better off with a heavy-duty or waterproof case.
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Company and Price
Company: Kenu
Model: Highline
Price: $30-$35
Compatible: iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus