Cases Body Skins ZAGG Invisible Shield
 

ZAGG Invisible Shield

 
Editor rating
 
4.2 User rating
 
3.5 (11)
Manufacturer Shield Zone
Model Invisible Shield
Colors Transparent
Price 24.95
Shieldzone Full Body invisibleSHIELD for Apple iPhone
Compatibility iPhone • iPhone 3G

invisibleSHIELD for the Apple iPhone is a clear film that helps protect your iPhone from normal, everyday wear and tear.

It is made from plastic polymer that was originally designed by the military for the leading edge of helicopter blades. Since then, ShieldZone has perfected this film and launched its proprietary patent-pending application process and the invisibleSHIELD product line.

Editor review

Best Solution To Keep iPhone 3G Scratch Free

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

If you are unfamiliar with the Invisible Shield, it's a film that gets applied to devices that offers industrial strength protection against scratches. Have the Invisible Shield installed on your iPhone or iPhone 3G, don't forget to submit your review today.



I've used the Invisible Shield on other products in the past. Years back, I installed it on my iPod Video, but this was my first go around with installing the Shield on an iPhone.


Installation


I have to say that some videos on the Internet show this as being a pretty easy process. Despite the install video being around 9 minutes, the actual install time was 40-45 minutes. This was in stark contrast to installing on a MacBook Air. The corners of the iPhone 3G were quite difficult to adhere. I used quite a bit of the provided solution, but that was also a detriment when I went to squeegee out the bubbles and excess solution. While the corners were tricky, the end result provides protection on the corners, an area that is very susceptible to scratches. With the Invisible Shield installation, you need the following:



  • Clean environment: Avoid any areas where you might have dust or pet hair

  • Flat surface: Area where you'll install the shield

  • Paper towels: You'll need to clean up the mess afterward, but don't keep them near the Shield for risk of it applying to them

  • Included accessories: Shield solution, squeegee

  • Soft cloth: The included iPhone cloth or a microfiber cloth will suffice.


Protection


The Invisible Shield for iPhone 3G does an excellent job of protecting the iPhone 3G back from scratches. It does not however offer full coverage of the chrome. Expect partial coverage of the chrome areas of the iPhone 3G. The Invisible Shield comes in two parts, one for the back and one for the front. For the purpose of this review, I chose not to install the Shield on the front. With my experience using the first generation iPhone, I found the glass on the iPhone to be scratch resistant. That in mind, there have been reports in our forums of some people scratching the glass of the iPhone 3G. Honestly, while it's not currently installed, I will probably install the front shield. If my ability to use the iPhone 3G is in anyway impeded, removal is very easy. As I noted above, I installed the same product on a MacBook Air. I ended up returning the MBA, so had to remove the Shield. With a fingernail, you simply get under a corner and peel away. There was no residue or marks as a result of the Shield.


I did the familiar key test with the Shield. This simulates the iPhone 3G being in a pocket and accidentally coming in contact with keys. As promised, the Shield did not scratch and the iPhone 3G was safe as well. I will say that Invisible Shield itself is not scratch-proof. I was able to produce fine lines in the Shield by using my fingernail. Lesson here is while the Shield will protect the iPhone 3G, you do not want to "try and scratch the Shield". I had my iPhone 3G for about 2 weeks before installing the Invisible Shield. Despite it being in a case with a cloth, I still managed to get to small scratches in the middle of the iPhone 3G. As you'd imagine, it's not that hard to scratch the plastic casing of the iPhone 3G, so the Invisible Shield product offers you the peace of mind that your iPhone 3G will remain scratch-free.


While the Invisible Shield protects against scratches, it will not protect your iPhone 3G if it's accidentally dropped. For some, there is the option of both a case and the Shield. This is the absolute best solution against protecting your iPhone 3G against drops and scratches. The Shield does not add much, if any, bulk to the iPhone 3G. However, there have been reports of some cases not fitting with the Shield installed. If you purchase a case to fit on top of your Shield, be sure to check compatibility and if the store has a good return policy.


Overall


The Invisible Shield attracts two camps. The first camp is looking for the least amount of bulk, but offer protection against scratches. The second camp is looking to get the maximum protection for their iPhone 3G and will probably bundle the Invisible Shield with a case. Both will find the Invisible Shield delivers on it's promise of protecting the iPhone 3G, while retaining the looks. When you put a stock iPhone 3G next to one with a Shield installed, it's hard to tell the difference. I also found the gummy feel of the Shield provided me with an improved grip on the iPhone 3G. At $24.95, it's a bit pricey, but they do offer a lifetime guarantees and there is a difference when compared to sub-$10 body skins. Zagg offers either the front or full-body options, but you cannot purchase just the back. It would be nice to see the company revise their product selection, as the back would easily be a best seller. If the Invisible Shield is part of your "ultimate iPhone 3G protection strategy" or you are simply looking for bulk-free protection, it's hard to beat the Invisible Shield.

Overall rating: 
 
4.2
Design:
 
4.0
Build Quality:
 
4.0
Fit:
 
4.0
Usability:
 
5.0
Value:
 
4.0
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Reviewed by Christopher Meinck
July 29, 2008
Top 10 Reviewer
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User reviews

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Average user rating from: 11 user(s)

 

Overall rating: 
 
3.5
Design:
 
3.5
Build Quality:
 
4.0
Fit:
 
3.5
Usability:
 
3.4
Value:
 
3.3
 
 

Good product, needs some refining

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
I purchased and used full body IS about two months ago. My iphone usually stays in my pocket but is often times placed in environments that are prone to scratching such devices while i'm at work.

what sold me on the IS was "replacements for life", i figured why not give it a try.

The shield is great, indisputable scratch protection for front, back and bezel of the phone. It adds the least bulk of any 'case'. Its durability is unquestionable.

After two months of use im starting the process of returning the back part and sides of the shield for a new one. Im not sure i will install the replacement or not, i may just go back to using the Air Jacket for rear protection.

The biggest problem i had with IS is because it fits the sides and back using multiple 'parts', the edges of the shield collect dirt, much like collecting dirt under your fingernails if you were gardening or working on a car. It can become very unsightly. Subsequently the edges of the bezel and corners of the protectors began to peel up. Once this started happening I removed the back and side IS.

Great value, solid product, but i think the implementation and design needs to be more streamlined.

Front IS has been great. no problems. Excellent clarity, protection no peeling, and no signs of showing any dirt.

-note- my IS was installed at a IS ZAGG kiosk in the mall 'professionally'
Overall rating: 
 
3.8
Design:
 
3.0
Build Quality:
 
5.0
Fit:
 
2.0
Usability:
 
4.0
Value:
 
5.0
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Reviewed by ATR42
October 07, 2008
Top 500 Reviewer
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Good...but not great.

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Well...it's a great shield for the iPhone 3G. However, I would not call it invisible...I would call it BARELY visible. I own a white iPhone 3G 16 gb. The shield gives the phone a "less white" appearance and the edges of where the shield ends is VERY visible.

I installed only the back shield as I have a Power Support Anti-Glare protector on the screen. No fingerprints are left on this protector and I like the "matte" finish it gives my screen.

I didn't have too much trouble installing the shield. If you use enough of the shield spray, you can slide the shield across the phone and into the correct position. I have a feeling that the shield looks better on the black iPhone I have a 3 year old daughter, so there's nowhere in my home that is completely dust-free. EVERYTHING shows up on the shield. It gives your phone a "less slippery" feel...but it also attracts some lint. On a white iPhone, this shows ALL lint. Also...any particle that gets under the shield during install will show on the white iPhone. I assume the small particulate that will inevitably get under the shield during installation would not show anything significant with a black iPhone.

Much care needs to be taken as you install the shield. It will cover from chrome bezel to chrome bezel, but you MUST pay attention to what you're doing. Keep your fingers COVERED in the shield spray...this will prevent fingerprints on the underside of the shield during installation.

The corners can be hard to get to stay down. Just stick with it. I used the cool setting on my wife's hair dryer and let the corners dry. Once they were a bit "sticky" the application went fine. I also used the two small strips of shield to apply to the top and bottom chrome bezels.

All-in-all, I'm pretty impressed. I think it's a great option so that the iPhone user can go "naked." I've missed what my iPhone actually looks like. I "got sexy back." :) Putting the phone in a hard case will offer shock protection, but with the shield will protect against ALL scratches (pretty indestructible) and the shield gives great grip when using the phone. If you don't have any other screen protector, the shield will do a GREAT job. I just really like the coverage that the Power Support Anti-Glare gives. Had it on the phone since I owned it. The cost is a little steep, but the lifetime warranty pretty much makes it worth it. Google Zagg coupons and you can easily find a 20% off coupon...I did and it worked like a charm.
Overall rating: 
 
4.0
Design:
 
4.0
Build Quality:
 
5.0
Fit:
 
4.0
Usability:
 
3.0
Value:
 
4.0
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Reviewed by Josh Yates
September 20, 2008
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Meh, not worth it

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

I ordered the full fit and wound up keeping the back.It took about an hour to put both on. The front piece made the screen look like crap. I took it off.


The back piece is good for keeping scratches off if it's on a table or you decide to throw it in your purse. I'm a dude and don't slide mine around on the table so neither apply.



It makes your iPhone look ugly up close. The corner start to peel off and get dust under them and look like crap.



Not happy with this. Will be purchasing yet another case. Incipio is good.

Overall rating: 
 
2.8
Design:
 
2.0
Build Quality:
 
4.0
Fit:
 
3.0
Usability:
 
3.0
Value:
 
2.0
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Reviewed by Ryan
August 11, 2008
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very hard to install full shield

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful

I ended up sending it back for a refund.

Overall rating: 
 
1.8
Design:
 
3.0
Build Quality:
 
3.0
Fit:
 
1.0
Usability:
 
1.0
Value:
 
1.0
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Reviewed by David D Dick
July 29, 2008
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Invisible shield: not so invisible

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

I bought the invisible shield for my 'original' iPhone; it was easy to fit, and has worked well at protecting the phone. However, the black colour from the leather case holding the phone has 'bled' into the shield making it a mottled grey all over the phone. The screen is much harder to read, and the glorious silver back has a dirty black tinge. Has anyone else had this problem? Do Zagg recognize it? Let me know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . I'm not sure if I'll replace the film when I finally manage to get a 3G iPhone. Sorry about the spelling, we speak real English in the UK!

Overall rating: 
 
3.8
Design:
 
4.0
Build Quality:
 
4.0
Fit:
 
5.0
Usability:
 
3.0
Value:
 
3.0
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Reviewed by Jonathan
July 29, 2008
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