kelly93

have a finewoven case... saw some preliminary reports of issues, gave it a quick spray of DWR, I actually thought I might end up being ok with it.  Couple things ruined it for me

the combo textile back and cheapish plastic on the sides isn't a winning combo.  In fact, any case that goes for "premium" back and then has cheapish plasticky sides, just doesn't work.  Nomad goods comes closest to pulling it off but tbh I don't care for theirs, as nice as it is, because of this. 

second complaint, the fit/finish is disappointing.  It's not rampantly loose on the phone, but there's a decent amount of flex/creak that feels anything but premium.  Hard pass.

My favorite case... Vaja.  Their grip case is crazy expensive, like $100, but it's basically perfect.  full wrap leather, no cheap exposed plastic sides, openings vs cutouts for buttons, raised lip for front protection, fit is great (as you would expect for the price).  Their 14 pro max grip case actually fits the 15 pro max, which is surprising based on the size differences.

My point is... that's a tiny company.  Someone that can offer that quality, that number of customizations, etc... Apple should be able to match the basics at a discount.  Apple embraces watch bands.  Embrace cases just a touch more.  Do what they do with a wool blend.  The finewoven case effort makes you feel like they are denying a case is a thing for most people, which is about the dumbest thing ever.

mobird said:

I don't recall ever seeing mentions or reviews for the Vaja brand of iPhone cases. Have I missed something?

I have the basic Vaja case (iPhone 11 Pro Max) in a tan perforated leather (don’t recall what they call it).  Same as usual for Vaja... over priced but pretty nice.  The perforated leather gives it a leather basketball kind of texture.  I would call it slippery, but a little more slick than the Apple leather case.  Seems like it will get a nice patina, maybe a little bit less even than a non perforated case.  Thumbs up so far.