One of the grippiest cases for the iPhone 6(s+) that we’ve come across
Nuguard KX Review – Great case, super grippy, if you can handle the bulk
Today we’re going to take a closer look at NewerTech’s Nuguards KX case. We’ll be honest with you, we like the Nuguard KX. Why? Because the case is “grippy” and velvety?
The only gripe we have with the case is the size. It may make the iPhone 6s Plus almost too bulky for people with smaller hands.
For our NewerTech Nuguard KX review, we’ve given this case a score of 4.4 Ehs out of 5. This makes it one of the higher rated iPhone 6 cases that we’ve reviewed over the last two years.
If you’re looking for a comparable case, check out the Thule Atmos X4 or the Rhinoshield Playproof, Rhinoshield SolidSuit Leather or the Patchworks ITG Level. The Playproof and SolidSuits are thinner but doesn’t have as much texture. The Patchworks ITG Level is much thinner and the Thule Atmos X4 is one of our favourites.
If you’re looking for other types of cases, check out what we think are the best products for the iPhone that we’ve come across in the last two years.
Design – The Nuguard KX is almost…fluffy?
The inside of the case is very spongy
For design, the NewerTech uses a smorgasbord of fluffy marketing words to describe the Nuguard KX. Fluffy words included “kinetic energy”, “revolutionary technology” and “x-orbing”. If you scroll further down, NewerTech even adds the words “Hyper-Advanced” to “x-orbing.
Now looking past all that fancy verbiage, you can actually feel the “x-orbing” gel that they use. The gel inside of the case is coated which feels like a velvety cloth. If our iPhone’s could talk, we’re sure that it would say “This is the most comfortable case ever”. Seriously, the x-orbing gel is like a memory foam mattress for the iPhone!
Yep, there’s the x-orbing gel!
The inside of the case is actually compressible so NewerTech wasn’t kidding about the gel. The outside of the case isn’t velvety but is covered with a lot of texture which GREATLY improves the handling of the iPhone. In fact, it is grippier than the Speck CandyShell Grip in our opinion BUT people with smaller hands may find it too big. The bulk of the Nuguard KX isn’t terrible on the regular 6s but it makes the 6s Plus feel like a brick.
Size is definately an issue with the NuGuard KX
All the extra texture on the NuGuard KX also means that it doesn’t slip around like an air hockey puck on a flat surface.
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Protection – Put on your blue lab coat and drop your iPhone from a ladder
When it comes to protection, NewerTech says that the NuGuard KX exceeds Apple 3 ft minimum drop height. NewerTech has several videos showing various iPhones being dropped from various heights but we always need to see for ourselves. Did it work out for our iPhone? Check out the drops in our review video.
The case fits the iPhone well so dust and debris shouldn’t be a big issue over the long term.
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Functionality – Sound is an oddity with this Pelican case
We didn’t come across any issues with accessing the iPhone inside the case. If we had to be picky, the buttons on the case could be a little easier to use but that’s us going out of my way to find something wrong.
It “sticks” to your hands!
The mute switch and ports are easily accessible through the thick case. One of the neat things about the “grippy” case is that despite being “grippy” in your hand, it won’t get caught in your pocket.
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Have questions about our NuGuard KX Review? Please ask them below, or on our Google+ page or our Facebook page or our About Us page. To stay up to date on everything we’re doing, check out our Twitter and Instagram feeds!
James Katt
September 26, 2016 at 8:47 am
Nice review.
However, I disagree about the “bulk”. The case is slimmer than many heavy duty survival cases. It is only 1/2″ thick. It easily fits in my front pants pocket – be it jeans, khakis, dress pants, cargo shorts, etc. The “bulk” you may be referring to is its weight. It is a heavy case when combined with the iPhone.
You did not drop test it very well. Why only 11 feet? Come on. OWComputing dropped it from 180 feet off their windmill tower. So at the very least, drop it from 30 feet.
After all, this is the only case that is 4x Mil spec for drops. And it is the only one which has a LIFETIME GUARANTEE. OWComputing (which owns NewerTech) has been excellent in backing up its warrantees.
James Katt
September 26, 2016 at 8:52 am
Also, the X-Orbing Gel is NOT the memory foam inside the case. It is the heavy rubber-like outer shell itself. This is a special material that absorbs the energy of a fall and keeps it away from the iPhone. The memory foam is there to protect the iPhone from scratches.
George
January 25, 2017 at 11:41 pm
I Like both this and this Ballistic Jewel. Do both work with edge to edge screen protectors? What would be your choice?