Design
I like skin cases for phones, particularly slim phones, because they provide protection without sacrificing a slender look and feel (a quality known as "low profile"). True, they do not provide as much protection as hard cases, but they do offer shielding for the iPhone's sides, trim and backpiece, which -- to my continuing dismay -- continue to be the most scratch and scuff prone areas of any mobile device.
The Marware Sport Grip has a relatively simple but comprehensive design; it covers the iPhone 3G everywhere but the screen, ports, camera lens and earpiece (there are also holes for the proximity and light sensors). Unlike the aforementioned Rocketfish, the Sport Grip doesn't have clumsy cut-outs for the volume rocker and Hold button, but elevated nibs that make locating and pressing each control much easier (this is a suggestion I made for the next Rocketfish; looks like Marware was way ahead of me on this point). The Sport Grip also covers the Home Button, but provides a dimple for easier use.
The feel of the Sport Grip is far superior to its competitors. I would describe it as an almost velvety feel -- sturdy, but soft -- and the quality of the silicone material is more substantial than that of similar cases I've seen. The texture is also less slippery, which makes it that much easier to hold your phone.
Even small things about the case's design are spot-on. Rather than a conspicuous logo stamped across the back or other section of the case, the Sport Grip has the Marware logo embedded into a small area of the backpiece. There is no color, it's just an impression. It's a small thing, but I like that it's not festooned with logos.
My only complaint about the Sport Grip's design is that the flaps to the left and right of the screen are a bit looser than I would like. There's nothing like the floppiness I've seen on other skins, but it could use a bit of tightening up in my opinion.
Features
The Marware Sport Grip for the iPhone 3G comes in three colors: black, pink, and white. It also comes with a protective film for the screen (if you choose to use it) and a microfiber cleaning cloth. The case carries a lifetime warranty.
UPDATE 6/14/09: The Sport Grip also works with the iPhone 3G S. I'll post more details once we have the new iPhone in-hand.
Conclusion
With an MSRP of $20, the Marware Sport Grip is a bargain -- but at $12 or $14, prices you can find at many online retailers, it's an even better deal. More than that, it's simply the best skin-type case I've seen for the iPhone.
I'm looking forward to seeing if anyone can top it.
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