Review: iPhone 4 Ballistic HC series case
Monday, August 9, 2010 at 3:12PM 
By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
The Ballistic HC Series case for the iPhone 4 provides industrial-grade protection for users who want a tough case without hindering access to the device's key ports and controls. With four levels of protection, an integrated screen protector and a holster, the Ballistic HC series case offers users a three-piece dynamic solution to protect their spanking new iPhone 4's.
The iPhone 4 is a great looking premium smartphone. The scratch proof glass enclosure surrounding the stainless steel ban which serves as the device's frame as well as a housing for the antenna work together to create a truly sleek handset. The problem is that, like any portable device, it is all to easy to drop or scratch the iPhone 4 during everyday use. We've had phones slip from our fingers and do cartwheels before slamming into the floor and ending up with cracks, scratches or dents.
If the iPhone 4 is Tony Stark, all brains and good looks but with a shadowy secret and a touch of frailty, then the iPhone 4 with the Ballistic HC case is Iron Man - big, imposing and incredibly durable in nearly all situations.
You can see from the picture above that the iPhone 4 is snugly encased in Ballistic's hard plastic shell, which is in turn protected with the molded hard rubber. The rubber ridges make it easy to hold the iPhone 4 and are very grippy, as is the rear rubber that covers the camera and LED light which has a nice hard rubber texture.
Using the main case is already a great way to protect the iPhone 4 without adding significant bulk or weight. This is how we prefer to carry the iPhone 4 as it feels substantially protected but doesn't have much added weight and thickness.
Its great that a screen protector, which is made of high quality transparent plastic, is integrated into the case. Saves you the trouble of having to install those screen protectors which are terribly difficult to install properly.
The beauty of the iPhone 4 Ballistic HC case is that its' three-piece solution allows you to add or remove layers of protection as needed. A thinker rubber sleeve can be fitted on to the main case, this fits tightly and reinforces all the ridged bumpers while encasing most of the sides and back with rubber. You still get access to all of the ports as well as the cameras but these are thoughtfully covered by rubber seals which give it some form of limited weather-protection.
The third component, which can be used with either the main case plus the rubber or without the rubber sleeve, is the holster. This allows you to pop in your iPhone 4 facing in so that the rear is the exposed area. In the event that something knock your phone, you are at least assured that your precious screen is facing inward.
Having all the components together does bulk up the iPhone 4 but at least you are sure it is safe. For people who work on the field, engage in a lot of outdoor activity or are just a little rough with their devices, this case is a no brainer.
The only worry we would have with a tight case such as this one is the possibility of moisture and humidity getting trapped in but this would only be an issue in certain climates. Otherwise, the only think you have to look out for is dust and debris getting in between the case and the iPhone.
To open the case, which is locked tight, you need to pry it open with a small coin. Ballistic has built a really strong and rugged case that's perfect for the iPhone 4 and extends its functionality immensely just because with this case, you can take your iPhone 4 to places and situations where you'd otherwise think twice.
Layers of rubber and strong plastic can absorb impact if the phone is dropped and these same multiple l surrounding the device make it impervious to scratches.
The Ballistic HC case for the iPhone 4 can be found stateside at AT&T stores as well as online at www.goballisticcase.com for $49.99, available in a variety of colors and finishes.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Reader Comments (3)
DONT BUY THIS CASE!!!!! I had the case for approximately two weeks not and it is a piece of junk. On the YOUTUBE video's it looks great but in real life it sucks. After two weeks of use the lip area where the ear piece is at the exterior cover is located at is stretching and becoming loose. With this in mind I dont put it in the holster anymore since I am afraid the phone is going to fall. Also when I received my case it was damaged I emailed and never got a response, I then called spoke with some guy and told me they would replace the front cover since it was damaged and they never did. I told the guy at balisitc I would send him a pic of the damage screen cover and he never sent confirmation email of receiving it. Balistic hasp oor cust service,I have now ordered a otter box case. I have one my work phone and had one on my iphone 3gs. Otter box has great cust service and 50 bucks is a lot of money for a phone case. Let me see balistic gives me a refund.
Had the case a week. Does great except it does get moisture trapped in it on the screen. Hadnt figured out how to get it out. Case is to difficult to re-open (which is good I guess). Any suggestions?
About the moisture, put a bit of baby powder on the screen and this should do it. The case has an issue with the front camera hole. When taking a picture the light reflects into the case front hole and the pictures comes out with a glare on the bottom. If the case is white, the glare comes out white. I email a costumer service representative with a receipt and they send me a replacement case. The problem persist so I think is more a design problem than anything else. Now I understand why the white iPhone 4 has so many issues and I think is the camera. Protection is excellent.