Vaja ivolution stripes - user review

[thetonyclifton]

Vaja ivolution stripes - user review

I will keep this short but thought it might be useful for people who like the look of vaja cases but are unsure about the expense and have no way of seeing them before they buy.

First off some pictures of my custom selection:-

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/uu279/stewartfinn/3681439406_cbb483a8d9.jpg

click here for a couple more on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/thetonyclifton/sets/72157621178688204/)

Size
I have purchased previous vaja cases (for older ipods etc) so I had a good idea about how much bulk the case would add. For this reason I stayed away from the regular ivolution as similar styled vaja ipod cases had appeared puffy to me at the front - I thought the hard built in screen cover would be more streamlined.

I am happy with my choice - when closed the ivolution with the screen guard is more streamlined and offers greater access to the screen when open - obviously this is counter balanced by the fact that you either have to leave it flapping or fold it back when the phone is in use. To be honest I do find this annoying but am getting accustomed to it. I can open the case and use the phone one handed which might be important to people.

Build quality
Vaja cases are really built properly and the company have obviously given great care to this aspect of the business. It really does feel like a quality product as soon as you open the box - right down to the smell. With leather there are obviously variations as it is a natural material - so I will give you a run down of my specific case:-

The only leather which gives me any cause for thought is the turquoise blue colour (second from the right), the seam with the stripes beside it are not quite as clean as the others and it does pick up more dirt than the others (I thought the lighter shade would have been grubbier)

Overall I am happy with the quality of the case and ultimately I think it will break in and wear pretty well.

Cost
These cases are ridiculously expensive and depending on your country you may end up getting a customs bill as well - as I have done with previous vaja purchases.

However given that I like a good case and so many people have iphones, these cases really look the part and stand out from the crowd - they do literally reek of quality. What I would say is that if you want to buy a vaja - do so sooner rather than later! - I preordered mine to get it about the same time as the 3GS - you really need to use the case throughout the lifetime of the phone to get any value for money.

I have heard that the cases hold a decent resale value when sold on or alongside the phone itself when you upgrade.

I hope this might help some people - am happy to answer any questions you might have about the case.

[lady_bugz22]

What color did you choose for the outside? Is that the Provincial blue?

[thetonyclifton]

I believe so I will go and check the colours

[thetonyclifton]

Yes the bulk of the case is Provincial Blue, then Dark Blue, Baby Blue and Light Sky in that order left to right.

[Santa]

Thanks for posting this. Three questions:

1) how thick is it?

2) does it close securely? It's hard to tell from the pictures how the latch works

3) does it look like it's going to rub/wear against the phone?

[BrownGem]

Very nice color selections. Santa, the case has a "lip" on the top. A small amount of push/pull will close the flap or open it. It doesn't scratch as it is covered in leather. It does add a bit of bulk as the case is a hard shell covered in leather but I don't find it overwhelming or a detraction from the phones' silhouette.

[ericsinsideout]

thanks for the review, I'm starting to think about getting one, nice colors too!

[thetonyclifton]

BrownGem has answered most of this but...



1) how thick is it?

It adds slightly more than the plastic cases I have used but not enough to detract from the added value of it looking different and a quality product - If you want a guess (I am not great at this) I would say from the total size the phone itself would take up 3/4s - leaving the case with the rest.

2) does it close securely? It's hard to tell from the pictures how the latch works

Yes the screen flap part has a curved leather section on the end when pushed over the top of the phone hooks/cups it closed. This doesnt cause any damage as it is leather - If anything it will wear the leather but leather can cope with that sort of 'damage' it just softens and wears in.

3) does it look like it's going to rub/wear against the phone?

I think I answered this one above - besides the closing mechanism the rest of the case simply grips the phone - when open the case covers most of the back of the phone and grips around the edge of about 2/3rds of the outside (I can take more pics if you want). This makes the case look much smaller and gives you more room and more uncovered iphone as the case doesnt surround/engulf the phone.

[Santa]

Thanks!!!!!

[thetonyclifton]

No probs. If you need more pics just let me know.

Thanks!!!!!

[kokogirl]

No probs. If you need more pics just let me know.

Will you take a pic of it open also? I have been considering one of these cases for a long time. thanks!

[lady_bugz22]

Do you remember overall how long it took to receive the case? The website says 25 days so I didn't know how accurate it was?

[thetonyclifton]

no probs will do, just need to charge a camera battery first.

Will you take a pic of it open also? I have been considering one of these cases for a long time. thanks!

[dcom]

I've had an iVolution Top case on my 3G for about 10 months and it is by far the best case I've ever seen. True it's pricey but well worth the money. You can see it here:

http://www.everythingicafe.com/forum/iphone-3g-cases/post-pics-of-your-3g-case-here-31794-9.html#post346691

It looks as good now as it did then. The only thing I'd warn you about is that the darker color dyed leather tends to show rub marks. I don't think the black does because mine doesn't show any but my wife's is a dark purple and the color along the edges is beginning to wear. It doesn't look bad, it kind of adds some character to it. Also, the screen cover has a lip on the top that hooks over the phone, across the SIM card slot and it has held its shape just fine which makes it stay closed just like it was new.

The leather hinge that connects the screen cover to the rest of the case is holding up very well but the orange stripe in it is beginning to fade but just slightly. I don't have a belt clip for mine so it slides in my pocket very nicely. About the only thing I wish were different is that I have to keep the top open to charge it. There isn't a hole in the top hinge for the cable so you have to open the screen cover to charge it. You also can't put it in any docks without taking the phone out of the case.

If you're considering spending the money for one, you definitely won't be disappointed.

[topcat84]

I've had two of the Vaja iVolution cases mentioned in this thread and found them to be expensive but worth every penny because of looks and protection. My first one for the V1 is still looking good and I just received my case for the 3GS a few days ago. I chose black both times, w/o the clip, and have been extremely happy with the way it's held up and protected my phones. Vaja will say that it takes 20 days because they are hand made, but it generally is just a couple of weeks between ordering it and it arriving at your doorstep. It really slips easily into your pants pockets, even tighter jean's pockets. Although not really needed since it has a front cover, I have been very pleased with the Power Support Crystal Screen Protectors from Apple. The last one I applied to the V1 is still intact and looking good. As soon as I get another pack, I will be applying one to the 3GS. I don't think anyone would regret buying one of these cases for protecting your investment, and the good looks it gives you to boot. Cheers !!

[Get_Zwole]

good looking case for sure if it opened from the bottom up i would seriously think about getting one. I dont like how it opens from the top down.

[Santa]

good looking case for sure if it opened from the bottom up i would seriously think about getting one. I dont like how it opens from the top down.

I have a case that opens from the top. It drives me crazy because you can't really open it if you have headphones plugged in.

I'm not really thrilled with one that opens towards the bottom, but I think it works better with the iphone layout

[dcom]

I have a case that opens from the top. It drives me crazy because you can't really open it if you have headphones plugged in.

I'm not really thrilled with one that opens towards the bottom, but I think it works better with the iphone layout

The Vaja case can still be opened and closed with the headphones plugged in.

A top-opening case has some advantages because the top can help keep your conversations a little more private by using it to cover your mouth when you're talking.

It can also help direct sound from the speakers by angling it outward a little and there is less chance of it covering up the camera lens when you want to shoot pictures or video since it hangs down instead of over the top of the phone.

[Santa]

Oooops...

Let me try that again.

I've got a case that has a hinge on the top and opens from the bottom. It doesn't work well with headphones plugged in.

That's why I'm thinking a case with a hinge on the bottom and opening from the top might work better with the iphone layout.

[lady_bugz22]

I'm really wanting another one of these cases. I just don't know what colors I want or if I want the special edition brown case. Such a hard decision.

[Santa]

I'm thinking maybe just the stock black/red that cases.com has.

[Get_Zwole]

just saw the classic retro does open from the bottom i really like that. Good looking case for sure. Might save up and try that out. Anyone have any pics of what a graphic on the back of it looks like? Curious how they put it on there....

[Santa]

just saw the classic retro does open from the bottom i really like that. Good looking case for sure.

I'd stay away from the classic retro. The leather edges around the screen will drive you crazy. There are lots of apps that expect you to be able to reach the very edge and you won't be able to with the raised leather surround on the classic.

I'd normally just get the Piel Frama... they've always been my favorite cases, but they have the raised leather edges too.

[Get_Zwole]

I'd stay away from the classic retro. The leather edges around the screen will drive you crazy. There are lots of apps that expect you to be able to reach the very edge and you won't be able to with the raised leather surround on the classic.

I'd normally just get the Piel Frama... they've always been my favorite cases, but they have the raised leather edges too.
damn glad you said something though because that would bother me as well. Maybe in a month or so ill grab a custom one i really want and see if the top to bottom grows on me. I really like the full protection and the high quality leather jus tmakes it that much better.

If anybody did or is going to get a graphic it would be much appreciated if you could post a pic of what it would look like thanks.

[thetonyclifton]

I dont have a graphic on mine - I do have text.

The one case I have seen with a graphic was in one colour and was just engraved like my text - not sure if this is the same for all though.

My text was engraved into the leather - I presume some type of lazer cuts the text/graphic - therefore the colour is dependent on the colour of the leather.

Mine as can be seen is a blue case so out of the box the text was a lighter blue/green colour and I wasnt very sure if I liked it - but it has worn in and picked up some dirt etc and the text is now much darker - darker than the case.

Thats sounds a bit disgusting but it makes sense - that the leather recently exposed by the lazer will darken with time.

[Santa]

I just got the stock Vaja... Black outside, red inside. No cool stripes/graphics/text.

A very nice case. I like the way it feels. Fits the phone great. Case is far enough away from the edges of the screen to be able to run all apps. Not too bulky.

The only thing I'm having problems with, is that I frequently hit the ringer off switch when I'm opening the case. I'll have to work around that.

If anyone cares, I got it from cases.com with this 15% off coupon: 1196659237

[Get_Zwole]

how do you guys like the hook and how it closes? I think i would like the magnet better does the hook wear on the top at all?

[lady_bugz22]

I found a promo "spoilme" that gives you a 10% discount on Vaja's website.

[Santa]

how do you guys like the hook and how it closes? I think i would like the magnet better does the hook wear on the top at all?

I'd like a magnet better too. But the only ones I could find with magnets, also had the leather surround of the screen which is awful.

The hook at the top is OK. It's snug, so a bit harder to open than I'd like, but it won't pop open if you don't want it to. I don't know about wear. It's a soft material rubbing, but it will be rubbing alot. It wouldn't surprise me if a there was wear after a year or two. But if it keep the rest of the phone safe, I'm OK with that.

[dcom]

...The hook at the top is OK. It's snug, so a bit harder to open than I'd like, but it won't pop open if you don't want it to. I don't know about wear. It's a soft material rubbing, but it will be rubbing alot. It wouldn't surprise me if a there was wear after a year or two. But if it keep the rest of the phone safe, I'm OK with that.

The hook really only wears on part that rubs against the top of the phone when you close it but then, only the color on the leather and not the leather itself. The hook on mine hasn't lost it's shape or strength in the year I've had it.

[Santa]

Thanks. That's comforting.

[Get_Zwole]

cool thanks for the answers guys might pick one up next week. My slider is just too tight on the top part i actually have to push it out with a pen. 4 weeks and its still way too tight, might try sanding down the rubber dont know.

[millertime]

how do you guys like the hook and how it closes? I think i would like the magnet better does the hook wear on the top at all?
First off let me say that I have always been a big Vaja case fan. I've had them for my Palm Treos and and my original iPhone as well as the 3G. I do not recommend the iVolution Top case if you are a power user and are opening and closing this case frequently. The very edge of the curve on top that claspes the lid close will wear off the leather exposing the plastic mold of the case thus scratching the iPhone. They needed to better reinforce the leather wrapped around the edge knowing that this spot is going to get frequent wear.

Because your Vaja case carries a one year warranty they did replace mine with no questions asked. I didn't want this to happen twice so the replacement went on my wifes 3G the day I got it for her about 6 months ago. Well let me tell ya that she is definitley not the power user that I am but hers is now doing the same thing.

So just a word of caution, they are amazingly beautiful cases that are well crafted and expensive and your iPhone will look beautiful in it as long as its sitting on a desk with little usage. If I had to do it again I would stick with the iVolution Grip.

[rarity]

Thanks for the review, but I know the flap thing would annoy me. It looks sharp tho.

[Get_Zwole]

First off let me say that I have always been a big Vaja case fan. I've had them for my Palm Treos and and my original iPhone as well as the 3G. I do not recommend the iVolution Top case if you are a power user and are opening and closing this case frequently. The very edge of the curve on top that claspes the lid close will wear off the leather exposing the plastic mold of the case thus scratching the iPhone. They needed to better reinforce the leather wrapped around the edge knowing that this spot is going to get frequent wear.

Because your Vaja case carries a one year warranty they did replace mine with no questions asked. I didn't want this to happen twice so the replacement went on my wifes 3G the day I got it for her about 6 months ago. Well let me tell ya that she is definitley not the power user that I am but hers is now doing the same thing.

So just a word of caution, they are amazingly beautiful cases that are well crafted and expensive and your iPhone will look beautiful in it as long as its sitting on a desk with little usage. If I had to do it again I would stick with the iVolution Grip.
thank you for that i was thinking that might happen, youve made up my mind ill stick with the slider or something else. I wish it flipped around back and had magnets or something, may grab one of the new speck colors who knows.

[millertime]

No problem and glad I could help...

[BrownGem]

First off let me say that I have always been a big Vaja case fan. I've had them for my Palm Treos and and my original iPhone as well as the 3G. I do not recommend the iVolution Top case if you are a power user and are opening and closing this case frequently. The very edge of the curve on top that claspes the lid close will wear off the leather exposing the plastic mold of the case thus scratching the iPhone. They needed to better reinforce the leather wrapped around the edge knowing that this spot is going to get frequent wear.

Because your Vaja case carries a one year warranty they did replace mine with no questions asked. I didn't want this to happen twice so the replacement went on my wifes 3G the day I got it for her about 6 months ago. Well let me tell ya that she is definitley not the power user that I am but hers is now doing the same thing.

So just a word of caution, they are amazingly beautiful cases that are well crafted and expensive and your iPhone will look beautiful in it as long as its sitting on a desk with little usage. If I had to do it again I would stick with the iVolution Grip.
I checked under the flap on my case and it is starting to wear a bit. The plastic hasn't been exposed so no scratches yet. Bummer! I gotta have a case that covers the screen. I am going to email Vaja.

[Santa]

Well that's a bummer because I love this case.

[thetonyclifton]

The colour of the leather came off mine where it clasps - this is not noticeable as it is under the curve of the clasp and I dont think it is avoidable - there is no damage to my iphone and no sign of plastic being exposed. I would still recommend this case unquestionably.

Obviously I cannot rule out that mine may wear through too - but I use the case a silly amount and no sign yet.

I checked under the flap on my case and it is starting to wear a bit. The plastic hasn't been exposed so no scratches yet. Bummer! I gotta have a case that covers the screen. I am going to email Vaja.

[topcat84]

First off let me say that I have always been a big Vaja case fan. I've had them for my Palm Treos and and my original iPhone as well as the 3G. I do not recommend the iVolution Top case if you are a power user and are opening and closing this case frequently. The very edge of the curve on top that claspes the lid close will wear off the leather exposing the plastic mold of the case thus scratching the iPhone. They needed to better reinforce the leather wrapped around the edge knowing that this spot is going to get frequent wear.

Because your Vaja case carries a one year warranty they did replace mine with no questions asked. I didn't want this to happen twice so the replacement went on my wifes 3G the day I got it for her about 6 months ago. Well let me tell ya that she is definitley not the power user that I am but hers is now doing the same thing.

So just a word of caution, they are amazingly beautiful cases that are well crafted and expensive and your iPhone will look beautiful in it as long as its sitting on a desk with little usage. If I had to do it again I would stick with the iVolution Grip.

Millertime is spot-on regarding this particular case. The one I had on my V1 for two years did the same thing, although it took a year and a half for it to expose the white plastic underneath. However, the case is so good looking and protective, I chose to order another one for my 3GS and have begun opening it up on one of the corners instead of the curved part. I think the problem occurrred when opening from the curved top portion, you had to use your fingernail, therefore digging into the leather more. I'm definitely not a "power user", but the one for my V1 certainly did wear out, but after the warranty had expired. I actually was unaware that there was a warranty. Good to know, and I'll keep a watch out for premature wear and send it back if necessary. (Did they require you to return the worn one, millertime ?) Regardless, this is the best case I've used, (and I've had several), because of the great protection it gives the face of the iPhone and not affecting the touch sensitive areas of the 3GS. I dropped mine twice on concrete and it did no damage to the phone, but did abrade the corners of the Vaja case. That's really all you can ask of a protective case. I highly recommend it !! Good luck !!

[millertime]

Millertime is spot-on regarding this particular case. The one I had on my V1 for two years did the same thing, although it took a year and a half for it to expose the white plastic underneath. However, the case is so good looking and protective, I chose to order another one for my 3GS and have begun opening it up on one of the corners instead of the curved part. I think the problem occurrred when opening from the curved top portion, you had to use your fingernail, therefore digging into the leather more. I'm definitely not a "power user", but the one for my V1 certainly did wear out, but after the warranty had expired. I actually was unaware that there was a warranty. Good to know, and I'll keep a watch out for premature wear and send it back if necessary. (Did they require you to return the worn one, millertime ?) Regardless, this is the best case I've used, (and I've had several), because of the great protection it gives the face of the iPhone and not affecting the touch sensitive areas of the 3GS. I dropped mine twice on concrete and it did no damage to the phone, but did abrade the corners of the Vaja case. That's really all you can ask of a protective case. I highly recommend it !! Good luck !!

No they did not ask me to return it. I sent them an email with a picture and they ordered me a replacement. I still have the original and even thought of just cutting the front cover off making it a "Grip" version but couldn't bring myself to actually doing it. lol

I was doing the same as you when opening the cover. lol
Actually I had a tendency to lift up a little and then out as to minimize the drag of the edge against the SIM tray where it was rubbing and ultimatley wore off the leather.

But yes a do agree that they are very good cases. It was just this particular design that didn't work for me. I had the Grip on my V1 with a clip and a bumped it a couple of times on a wall corner or door frame which scratched the chrome bezel so when I was preparing for the 3G release I preordered this case prior to the 3G hitting the market thinking it would offer better protection for this exact situation, which it did but than was causing this issue.

[millertime]

Here are pics of my original Top and a pic of the replacement now on my wifes 3G.

[BrownGem]

I open the case using the corners also. I am not giving up on this case. I love the protection it offers in spite of this issue. I have dropped my phone twice, on concrete, and my phone didn't get a scratch. I bought my case in November 08 so it is still within the year warranty. I have many Vaja cases and this is the first time I have experienced a problem.

[topcat84]

Here are pics of my original Top and a pic of the replacement now on my wifes 3G.

Exactly the way mine looked. Still not bad, though. The looks and protection really make it worth it, in my opinion. Cheers !!

[topcat84]

I open the case using the corners also. I am not giving up on this case. I love the protection it offers in spite of this issue. I have dropped my phone twice, on concrete, and my phone didn't get a scratch. I bought my case in November 08 so it is still within the year warranty. I have many Vaja cases and this is the first time I have experienced a problem.

Stick with it, BrownGem. It's really a great case, even though it is quite pricey. It's the most form fitting case I've seen. Makes me feel a lot better that customer service took care of millertime in a timely fashion. I'll just keep an eye on it and if it develops an abrasion, I'll ask them to replace it.

Millertime, did you have to have the invoice or could they look it up from their records ? Cheers !!

[millertime]

Millertime, did you have to have the invoice or could they look it up from their records ? Cheers !!

I actually used the order confirmation email that I had received to email the complaint which gave them the sales order number and date. I'm sure that they have record of it anyways on their end. The only way to communicate with them is via email so it's a good idea to keep your email for reference.

[Santa]

Well, I've only had mine for a couple of weeks, so I could return it.

But I just can't. I love this case. It's exactly what I was looking for. Great access to the phone. Good protection. And a really good feel in the hand.

[BrownGem]

Well, I've only had mine for a couple of weeks, so I could return it.

But I just can't. I love this case. It's exactly what I was looking for. Great access to the phone. Good protection. And a really good feel in the hand.

Exactly Santa. I love the case and as long as they back it up with good customer service I am happy.
I also used my invoice email to report the problem but I am sure they would have a record of your purchase per your email address. I expect to hear from them today.

Edit to include reply from Vaja:
Hi
We will replace the case. Please confirm what is your current address.
This is how to proceed to get the replacement:
You should first send the case to be replaced in the same Vaja box as received via regular mail to Vaja Corp. 'Return Dept' , 8309 SW 142 Ave Apt. H 108,
Miami, FL.33183 USA
Once the defective case has been received and checked in our Return Department,
and once the new case is ready, we will send the replacement case to you.
Please print this mail, and send it with the case in the package, we cannot
accept cases without this information.
Bear in mind that this replacement authorization will expire in one month. We cannot replace the item after that time frame.

The email included some additional info to write on the return package. I have sent another email about the request to send the case back in the ORIGINAL Vaja box...wth??? Certainly a different procedure than was offered to Millertime. We shall see.

Edit: Reply concerning box
I can use another box. They replied within minutes. Now I will be without my case for about a month...maybe more. Good thing I have a nutshell case that will fit.

[Santa]

Oh... I don't know if it's better or worse, but I don't open with the corner. I grasp it from behind... thumb on one side, and three fingers on the other... and pop it open dead center with my "pointer finger".

It works pretty good because then I can swipe the unlock with my thumb so I can answer the phone with one hand.

I stopped using the corner because I kept on hitting the mute switch

[lady_bugz22]

BrownGem- I was just curious as to what color your case is? I'm thinking about getting another but I really don't want to wait a month so I may get the special edition brown case but then again it does cost more:dft006:unhappy

[BrownGem]

BrownGem- I was just curious as to what color your case is? I'm thinking about getting another but I really don't want to wait a month so I may get the special edition brown case but then again it does cost more:dft006:unhappy

My case is black with a brown stripe. It is a long wait for a custom case. I noticed last time I clicked on the "in stock" cases...it took me to an out of stock page lol. Guess you have to catch it at the right time.

[lady_bugz22]

My case is black with a brown stripe. It is a long wait for a custom case. I noticed last time I clicked on the "in stock" cases...it took me to an out of stock page lol. Guess you have to catch it at the right time.

Currently both cases.com & vaja has the brown limited one in stock...now I just have to decided if I'm willing to spend that much on it.

[Marximus]

Hi all,

Just got the 3Gs and can't believe how I lived without this phone before! I can't go a few minutes without a hit of my iCrack lol. Anyway, I have been looking at the Limited edition ivolution (black and red) flip and had a question for anyone that has used them. Has anyone had any issues with the lack of coverage in the camera corner? I've been also looking at SGPs illuzion version that has full coverage for the back but really want an excuse to get the Vaja. My overly anal protective tendancies keep twitching when I see the exposed corner of the iPhone peaking out of the Vaja case. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Marximus]

I put this in a new thread 'cause this one is old.

[martincooper]

I'm starting to think about getting onehttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2702309289_f80cb9550a_o.png

http://www.ilounge.com/assets/images/reviews_vaja/ivolutionstripesiphone/1.jpg




FEATUREShttp://www.iclarified.com/images/news/1098/5209/5209.png

[Santa]

That's pretty nice looking!

[billrobert]

http://the-gadgeteer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/vaja_bold-2.jpg

i am completely satisfied with my vaja

[jet66]

These look great, I think I'll be looking at them for my wife's and my phones. Any experience with the belt clips?

[waklee53]

The vaja cases are great. I got one from cases.com about 3 weeks ago and love it. Only problem is that it seems that on the sides of the case the leather is already showing signs of discoloration from normal use. I don't think this is normal as I had a vaja case for my blackberry and it never did this. I've emailed them to see about a replacement. Other than that a great case.

[BrownGem]

These look great, I think I'll be looking at them for my wife's and my phones. Any experience with the belt clips?
The belt clip is quite sturdy and will clip securely to just about anything. No worries about it failing.

Vaja's replacement policy is stellar as well. Had some wear on the leather on the "lip" closure area. They told to me to return the case and after inspection to determine damage I would receive a new case if warranted. I received the new case before I had even mailed my old case back to them.