Element Case Skate Legends Series: Vapor Pro & Formula 4 For iPhone 4/4S [Hands-On Review]

Last week, we told you about the Element Case Skate Legends Series, an exclusive line of iPhone 4/4S cases developed in collaboration with skateboarding legend Powell Peralta. The lineup includes the three most popular cases from Element Case i.e Vapor Pro, Vapor COMP and the Formula 4, combined with high quality Skate Deck graphics. Today, we go hands-on with the Skate Legends Formula 4 and Vapor Pro iPhone 4/4S cases. Check out our full review after the break!

Features:

Skate Legends Series: Formula 4

• – Limited Edition Model
• – Two piece design for easy docking
• – Skate Legends™ backplate graphic
• – Composite body rubber tone finish
• – Fits Apple iPhone® 4 / iPhone® 4s
• – Includes Skate Legends Bio-Card
• – US $39.95 @ elementcase.com

Skate Legends Series: Vapor PRO

• – Limited Edition Model
• – CNC machined aircraft grade aluminum
• – Rugged, lightweight design
• – Skate Legends™ backplate
• – Fits Apple iPhone® 4 / iPhone® 4s
• – Includes Skate Legends Bio-Card
• – Made in USA
• – US $149.95 @ elementcase.com

Review:

The cases come in traditional Element Case packaging. You get all the signature Element Case goodies with both the cases. The Vapor Pro also packs a high quality screen protector, a cleaning cloth and an application card, a Skate Legend backplate of your choice, a black EVA zipper case and a Speed Wrench.

(Package Contents: Formula 4 Skate Legends Series)

(Package Contents: Vapor Pro Skate Legends Series)

All the Skate Legends series cases also come with an exclusive Bio-Card for one of the featured riders which include Andy MacDonald, Brad Bowman, Christian Hosoi, Doug Saladino, Duane Peters, Lester Kasai, Steve Caballero, Kevin Staab and Billy Ruff.

The Formula 4 case has a two-piece construction to allow for easy docking in just about any charge ‘n sync or speaker dock. The lower piece can be removed easily with a gentle pull and is as easy to snap it back on.

The case is composed of a high-quality impact resistant composite body which feels really nice in your hands. I actually enjoy the look and feel of this one even more than the Vapor Pro and Vapor COMP cases. However, the Skate Legends backplate is not removable in Formula 4 cases while you can easily swap it in the Vapor lineup.

The case is lightweight as well as durable enough to withstand routine bumps and falls. The grip is excellent on the Formula 4 case due to its a rubber tone finish and a TPE Element Case logo side grip. All the cutouts for camera, dock connector and headphones are precisely aligned. I did notice a minor flash washout with the Formula 4 case on, perhaps due to a slightly smaller camera opening.

Element Case claims that the screen printed graphics on these cases match the quality of the original skate deck of the Legend’s riders. I personally have no experience with skateboarding so I cannot compare. However, they do look neat and are sure to attract an extreme sports fan.

Coming to Skate Legends Vapor Pro, it is without a doubt the ultimate in stylized protection for an iPhone 4/4S. In our detailed review of the Vapor Pro, we told you about the bumper’s high-end machined aluminum build which offers excellent shock absorption without compromising on looks.

Unlike the Formula 4, you get a full screen printed reusable Skate Deck graphic backplate. You can easily remove the backplate to switch out with other Skate Legend or regular Vapor Pro backplates. Element Case is offering limited edition Skate Deck graphic backplates at US $17.95.

The installation is similar to the original Vapor Pro cases where you loosen up the 4 small hex bolts with included Speed Wrench, pop your iPhone in and tighten them up. To install the Skate Legends backplate, simply peel it off and stick it on the back.

Conclusion:

The Element Case Skate Legends lineup is definitely an attractive option for anyone who’s into extreme sports, especially for skateboarders. You can opt for the cheaper Formula 4 if Vapor Pro seems too expensive which is equally stylish, yet more protective than the Vapor Pro. And if you want the freedom of switching between backplates and want your iPhone to really stand out, you cannot go wrong with the company’s iconic Vapor Pro.