Pelican has made a name for itself as a maker of protective gear for industrial and military equipment. Last year, it enlisted outdoor adventurers to endorse ProGear, a new line of products aimed at everyday consumers.
Recently, Pelican expanded the ProGear line to include two cases for the iPhone 5, the Vault and the Protector.
The Vault is indeed a sturdy case; my iPhone would not feel more secure if it were locked in an actual vault. But it takes a bit of effort to attain that level of protection.
For starters, you have to seal your phone into the case with four tiny, stainless steel hex screws. Fortunately, Pelican includes a tiny hex wrench for the task. If I had tiny hands, I’d be set — but I have large, clumsy hands, so it took some time fumbling with the screws before I could close the case.
Once a phone is sealed inside, Pelican claims that the Vault’s elastomeric copolymer rubber provides impact protection from a drop of as much as 72 inches. The case’s design defends against wind-driven snow, rain and dust. A durable screen cover protects from scratches but does not interfere with the iPhone’s touch-sensitive technology. And the case is guaranteed for life.
All that security comes with a tradeoff: the phone is slightly heavier and a little harder to use. The case weighs nearly 3 ounces, and it covers all the buttons and ports. The ports are accessible by way of water-resistant caps, and the case incorporates an aircraft-grade aluminum dial and several buttons to control the iPhone’s functions. They worked well enough, but after a few days, my thumbs grew weary.
At $80, the Vault provides top-notch protection for outdoor enthusiasts. For iPhone owners not planning to scale the Alps, the $40 Protector case offers excellent protection but with less hassle. Cases for the iPad and Samsung Galaxy S phone are forthcoming.