Nomad Sport Case Review: Is This Actually Worth the particular Money?
I've been rocking this thing upon my phone intended for about a 30 days now, and if you're looking for a nomad sport case review that cuts through the marketing hype, I've obtained some thoughts. Choosing a case usually seems like a compromise—you either get a brick which could survive a nuclear blast but ruins your pocket silhouette, or the paper-thin skin that will does only appear pretty. Nomad claims their Sport Case is the middle ground, offering a "minimalist" vibe with serious protection.
I'll be honest, I'm picky as to what I put on my phone. We hate bulk, but I additionally have the habit of dropping my device whilst trying to manage a coffee and also a set of tips. After putting this particular case through the particular wringer, I think I have a strong handle on who it's for and where it falls a little short.
First Impressions and That will Glossy Back
Right from the container, the first factor you see is the finish. Unlike their leather cases, which Nomad is most likely most well-known for, the Sport Case includes a high-gloss polycarbonate back. It looks incredibly sharp—almost like the finish on a high-end sports vehicle. I opted for the Lunar Gray, however they have got a few colors like Ash Environment friendly and a classic Black that just about all look pretty advanced.
The rear is smooth, that i initially worried would make it fly from the hand, but Nomad added these TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) bumpers around the whole perimeter. These bumpers possess a matte, somewhat grippy texture that will balances out the slickness of the back again panel. It feels high quality. It doesn't feel like a cheap plastic shell you'd find at the mall kiosk. There's a weight and a density to it that makes the phone feel more substantial without which makes it feel like the tank.
The particular Buttons Are Truthfully want to know the best part
In the event that there is something I want to yell in the roofs in this nomad sport case review , it's how much I really like the buttons. Most all cases use plastic or plastic "nubs" which make pressing the particular volume or power buttons feel soft and unsatisfying. A person end up pushing way harder than you should have to.
Nomad used metallic buttons for the Sport Case, plus they are glorious. They're independent parts that sit in the frame, therefore they have the tactile, clicky response that feels just as good as—if not better than—the actual buttons upon the phone itself. It sounds such as a small details, but when you're taking a screenshot or adjusting volume a large number of times the day, that tactile feedback really issues. It's among those "once you try it, a person can't go back" features.
Defense Without the Extra Bulk
Let's talk about the particular "Sport" part of the name. Generally, that implies it could handle some sweat, some dirt, and some impact. Nomad prices this case with regard to 6-foot drop protection. Now, I didn't go out and chuck my phone onto the sidewalk to keep things interesting, but I did possess a few of accidental "oops" moments from waist height onto hardwood and once onto a sidewalk.
The TPE bumpers did exactly what they were intended to. They absorbed the shock, and the particular phone came out there completely unscathed. There's also a somewhat raised lip throughout the screen, which is definitely a must-have for me. It indicates I can set the phone face-down on a table without having to worry about the cup getting scratched simply by a stray crumb or some dust.
The digital camera cutout also offers a significant rim close to it. With how much phone cameras stick out these days, that will extra millimeter of protection is generally mandatory. It retains the lenses away from the ground, which is a huge relief if you're someone who doesn't make use of a lens defender.
MagSafe Performance and Daily Make use of
If you use MagSafe components, you'll be joyful here. The magnets in the Sport Case are amazingly strong. I use a MagSafe wallet and a vehicle mount every individual day, and I've had zero problems with things slipping off. In reality, the magnets feel a bit stronger than the ones in Apple's own silicone cases.
Getting works perfectly, as well. Whether I'm making use of a standard MagSafe puck or the generic Qi cellular charger, it hits the sweet spot each time. I haven't noticed any weird overheating issues possibly, which can sometimes happen with thicker plastic cases.
One particular thing I discovered throughout daily use is how easily this slides in to a pocket. Because the back again is glossy plus smooth, it doesn't get "stuck" upon denim like silicone cases do. You know that feeling if you try to draw your phone away as well as your entire wallet lining comes with it? Yeah, that will doesn't happen with the Nomad Sport Case.
The Elephant in the particular Room: Fingerprints plus Scratches
It wouldn't be a fair nomad sport case review if I didn't mention the downsides. The glossy back again looks amazing for the first five a few minutes once you wipe this down. After that will? It's a fingerprint magnet. If you're the type associated with person who gets annoyed by smudges, you're going to find yourself wiping this thing on your own shirt constantly.
Because it's the hard polycarbonate, it's also prone to "micro-scratches. " Within the 30 days I've used it, We can see a few tiny swirls when I hold it up towards the lighting. They aren't deep gouges, so you can't see them through a distance, but they're there. If you want a case that looks brand new permanently, the glossy finish off might frustrate a person. Nomad does offer some matte versions in certain colors now, which We suspect would hide problems much better.
Also, the particular grip. As the edges are grippy, the back is definitely not. If a person have particularly dry hands, you might find the device feeling a bit "slippery" if you aren't holding it by the edges. It took me a couple days to get used to the hand feel, but after that, it wasn't a dealbreaker for me personally.
Who Ought to Actually Buy This particular?
I believe the Nomad Sport Case is perfect for the person who wants a clean, modern aesthetic but in fact lives a somewhat active life. It looks professional plenty of to sit on a boardroom desk, but it's hard enough to go on the weekend bike trip or a walk.
If you're coming from a good Apple Silicone Case, this is a massive upgrade in terms of durability and button quality. If you're from a massive "rugged" case, you'll appreciate how much thinner your phone feels while still having enough safety for the typical drop.
It's priced in that will "premium" bracket—usually close to $40 to $50 depending on to buy it. Is it more expensive than a random The amazon online marketplace case? Definitely. Yet between the metal buttons, the MagSafe strength, and the particular overall build quality, I think it justifies the cost tag.
Last Thoughts
All in all, the Nomad Sport Case is one particular of the almost all balanced cases I've used in the long time. It isn't perfect—the finger prints can be irritating and the back can be a little bit slick—but the positives far outweigh all those minor gripes. The buttons alone allow it to be worth considering in case you're a stickler for tactile comments.
If you want something that looks sleek, works with all your MagSafe gear, and won't drop apart after 3 months, this will be a really strong bet. Just maybe keep a microfiber cloth handy in the event that you're enthusiastic about maintaining that glossy back looking pristine. It's a "sport" case that doesn't appearance like it belongs in a locker room, and with regard to me, that's precisely what I was looking for.