PureGear has debuted several new cases for the iPhone 6 already, starting with the DualTek Extreme Shock Case ($35), a matte plastic and rubber case with a small piece of shock absorbing material in the shell. The HIP Case+ ($35) is a two-piece multi-use case. A simple plastic shell houses the iPhone 6, offering a kickstand, but little coverage. However, that shell can be inserted into a larger and more protective holster, which also includes two slots for ID or credit cards. Finally, the Slim Shell Case ($25) is a thinner one-piece case made from a mix of plastic and softer rubber, capable of flexing to accommodate insertion and removal of the iPhone 6.
The DualTek Extreme Shock Case is similar to the iPhone 5 version of the case — a plastic/rubber shell, it’s like a slightly bulkier version of Speck’s CandyShell, with added protection by way of a shock-absorbing material inside and extra rubber at the corners.
However, this time around, DualTek has added extra protection at the bottom of the case — leaving the ports open, rather than the entire bottom — and the price has also dropped by $5.
HIP Case+ is, at its core, a plastic shell which offers a kickstand but no button coverage. Both the top and bottom of the iPhone 6 are also left exposed. However, the shell locks into a larger two-slot holster that can carry two cards. Keep in mind, though, the phone can’t be used while holstered. Also, we found it quite difficult to remove the shell from the holster — simply answering a phone call might prove problematic.
Slim Shell Case is another revamp from iPhone 5.
It’s a simple, thin, one-piece plastic/rubber case. We were given the translucent model, though a number of colors are available. It’s an affordable option with decent protection, and this time around PureGear also covered the sleep/wake button. After a brief period of normal use, the back of our case somehow received an unsightly, permanent scratch, so we are a bit concerned about what the translucent Slim Shell might look like after a few months of use.
Though PureGear’s DualTek Extreme Shock Case does add a bit more bulk than we’d like to the thin iPhone 6, it should offer solid all-around protection. The matte look is nice, and the $5 price drop is an added plus, earning the case our strong general recommendation.
