If you have yet to purchase a case for your new BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930 and are looking for ultimate protection, you might want to check out the following review. Sent into us, is the ‘Built for BlackBerry’ Ballistic Shell Gel (SG) series case for the newest Bold, the 9900/9930. Let’s dig in, shall we?
Continue reading for the entire review
Throughout my BlackBerry owning career, I’ve never used a case. I’ve just never been into cases, holsters or sleeves of any sort. This has all changed due to two variables.
- The BlackBerry Bold’s thinness at 10mm making it prone to accidents.
- The Ballistic design is undeniable.
Upon arrival, you’ll get two separate pieces which contain 3 layers of advanced protection. Once piece is a soft silicone shell equipped with shock absorbing Ballistic Corners (Layer 1) while the other piece, consists of a tough impact resistant polycarbonate shell ( Layer 2) and Ballistic shock absorbent polymer (Layer 3). Inside the Layer 1 piece and outside of the layers 2 & 3 peice you can find the Ballistic signet confirming its authenticity. The case is designed so that you can feel safe with ultimate protection and still have access to the camera, speaker, ports and buttons.
This photo above has to be one of my favorites because it highlights my favorite element, the lay-on-table-feature. See, I’m a grab and go kind of guy so that means I’m constantly putting down and picking up my BlackBerry. Since I use my device extensively, it rarely goes into my pocket. If it isn’t in my hand, it’s somewhere placed on a surface ready to be picked up and put down again. With the lay-on-table-feature, I now no longer have to worry about my phone being scratched when the device is screen down. This is a huge plus for the case, probably the biggest selling feature for me.
In the photo you can also see the two port openings for the micro usb charger and the headset jack. This ‘feature’ is not highlighted by Ballistic themselves but I’m taking the pleasure to coin a new feature. I call it, the “port protection” feature. See, without the case when one of the following ports are plugged in, there is really no support so if you happen to lean, drop, or move it the wrong way some serious problems may occur. Either the charger can break or the ports themselves may become damaged. With the Ballistic Shell Gel (SG), there is now support between the case and the port so if you happen to lean or move, your usb & headset jack go untouched. Marvelous.
In case you’re unaware, Ballistic also has a Built for BlackBerry case for the PlayBook tablet, the Tough Jacket, which has already undergone a BBE Review (Review here). The case is similar to the SHELL GEL (SG) for the Bold 99xx so if you own both a PlayBook and a Bold 99xx, the luxury of having matching, durable cases is all there. From the signature Ballistic corners to all 3 advanced layers of protection, both cases are a match made in heaven.
If you’re wondering what “Ballistic Corners” do, they provide extra shock absorption, right where you need it most to all 4 corners of the device. Opposite side of the usb and headset ports are the volume keys and the one convenience key. These however, are not exposed like the usb and headset ports. The volume keys and the one convenience key are fully covered complement of the Layer 1 shell so you don’t have to worry about scratching your keys and dirt making its way in.
I leave you with these final photos which really shows off its 3 layer protection design.
Conclusion
The Ballistic case is truly undeniable. From its design to its build quality, anyone looking for advanced protection for the thinnest BlackBerry to date should highly consider the Shell Gel (SG) case for the Bold 9900/9930.
If you wish to purchase this case you can do so in all Black, Black & Red, and Black & Grey. You can purchase the Shell Gel (SG) casee here for only $34.99.
Once again, on behalf of BlackBerryEmpire, I want to give a big shout out and thanks to Ballistic for providing us with the opportunity to review the Shell Gel (SG) case for the Bold 99xx. If you feel you have any suggestions regarding the case or the review, feel free to drop a comment below! Head here to choose your different color options now.