Bike Mount, Element Case, Gear, iPhone bike mount, iphone case - February 8, 2014

Review: Element Case Rogue and Sector deliver high end iPhone cases to the bike market

Element Case delivers some trick and customizable bike cases.

Update: Feb. 6, 2014

Element case has produced a few versions of the Mtbr branded case in Enduro blue and yellow colors. We’ll be giving these away in our ‘social’ promotions starting next week. We’ve been using these cases for the last month and they have been excellent.

Element Case Rogue Side Plate is Made CNC’d.

Overview

The phone, has quickly become an indispensible tool for cycling. It serves the call of ride logging duties, camera, POV video, social, communication and emergency needs. But how does one protect it or mount it?

The Element Case Rogue addresses some of those needs as it provides a sleek and protective armor for the iPhone 5. It isolates the phone with rubber dampers without making it bulky. It provides access to the control buttons that are easy to operate and give good feedback. The phone is easier to grip and handle even with gloves or in slippery conditions.

Element Case Rogue and Mounts.

Best of all really is it looks good. The materials, fit and finish of these cases are similar to Race Face or Chris King Components. Design and machining is incredible and there’s some customization available with colors and labels.

Product Highlights:

For iPhone 5/5s
Rugged, compact design protects all sides of your iPhone
Chassis constructed of shock absorbing TPU and polycarbonate polymers
Additional rear protection provided by aerospace grade carbon fiber
Extreme side protection provided by CNC machined T6061 aluminum
Belt clip/viewing stand included
Designed in California by active designers and engineers
MSRP: $99.95

Element Case Rogue Back.

Useability

Installing the case on the iPhone reveals the quality and design of this component. All the machining of the aluminum and the molding of the plastics is absolutely dialed. It is really quite a revelation to see how well protected the phone is in this compact package.

Element Case Rogue Components.

Another great revelation is that the phone becomes much easier to grip and handle when in the case. The case has contours and textures that fit the hand really well, so pulling the phone out of your pocket to take a photo doesn’t need to be delicate and precise exercise. The buttons too are awesome, as they are big and they deliver a very good tactile feel when pressed.

Downsides

Of course, there are downsides as the case is $100 in base configuration. It just goes up from there as you add customization or add mounts which are typically $30 each. This is not the end of the world if it’s a long term investment. But as phones change, this case will become obsolete just like all other phone cases. The mounts however are modular so they will work with the next generation of phone cases.
And the other downside is there’s no waterproofing with this case. So keep it dry or experience the curse of moisture in your phone’s electronics.

Element Case Rogue Holder and Stand.

Mounts

Several mounts are available and they are world class. The car mount is cool, but some real thought has been given to the bike mounts. The founder, Jeff Sasaki did a bit of work in the bike industry with companies like Fox Clothing, then his own design firm with noteable protective gear clients. So a lot of thought has been given to the bike mounts. In fact, they sent us three options, a C-clamp, a bar mount and a stem mount. All worked flawlessly in our installation and test rides.