Review: Prima Black Crystal Lucite Hard Shell Case W/ Belt Clip

Review: Prima Black Crystal Lucite Hard Shell Case W/ Belt Clip
[rating:8.5] 8.5/10
Link: www.primacases.com
Price: $7.95!!!

The main strength of this case is that it offers pretty good protection for an amazingly low price. While it may not be as tough as an Otterbox this case really protects your BlackBerry. The case is a literally rough on the edges but a little sandpaper fixed that real quick. The case also features a holster clip that ratchets. I had to knock off a few points for the rough edges and stiff belt clip.

I will warn you that this case will hold onto your BlackBerry for dear life. It took me 10 minutes to pry it off once I had snapped it in place. Unlike other slim hard cases that fall apart after dropping them this case is a tight fit. When you first open the packaging the case feels very flimsy and thin but this “lucite” plastic is EXTREMELY durable. The case withstood two test drops from 4 feet to the ground. Check out the pics and full review after the jump.

At first glance this case feels extremely flimsy. Don’t be fooled by that. Once you put this case on you will have to seriously work to get it off. The case is pretty easy to install without the belt clip. If you want to install the belt clip you will need a mini screwdriver and 3 hands.  You will see why in the picture at the end of the review. Once installed the clip is very sturdy and ratchets! That has to be a first for a thin hardcase without a holster.

As you can see above the front of the case does a great job of holding on to your BlackBerry without blocking any of the essentials. There is also no retaining bar in the middle to block access to the trackball or top keys which is nice. The case does have a slight shine and reflect to it that may seem flashy to some. I wish Prima would give the option to have the case just be plain black matte.

The right side of the case has cutouts for the convenience key and volume control.

The left side gives you access to the headphone, USB, and second soft button.

You can see above the complaint I had with the sharp sides. They kind of dig into your hands if you hold the device tight. Nothing a little sandpaper and work wont fix but it would be nice if we didn’t have to.

The top of the case has cutouts for the speaker, mute, LED indicator, & ear piece.

The bottom is nice and rounded with a cutout for the microphone.

The back has cutouts for the flash and camera but not for the self portrait mirror. You can also see the raised area on the back where you can attach the belt clip.

Above you can see the parts required to assemble the belt clip. You will need a screwdriver and 3 hands to assemble this. One hand each to hold both sides of the case attachment and a third to actually screw it in. Once in, the clip holds the device in a sturdy and ratcheting holder.

Above you can see the clip in one of the ratcheting positions. The clip is pretty stiff to get the case in and out of but it seems to break in after time. The ratcheting function is nice and strong.

Pros:

• Surprisingly strong Lucite case
• Ratcheting clip
• Cutouts for all the ports
• Very low price

Cons:

• Sharp sides
• Hard to take off