First of all, thanks to everyone else for the reviews which helped me to purchase this.
Now here's what I have to say about it:
First of all, I'd like to give a good description of the item and how it works because the detail in the item listing isn't that great (including the pictures). The case is actually 3 pieces (not counting the holster).
-There's a hard plastic case which has a soft rubber like coating on the outside and a velvet like material on the inside which protects the outside of your phone from getting scratches. Some cases are hard plastic which gets sand and dust inside and then small vibrations scratch the phone to pieces. The velvet in this case should prevent most/all of that. The hard case is in two pieces and which slide onto the phone (one piece from the top and one from the bottom). They meet in the middle and 'snap' together for a snug fit. This is basically the same case you see by Seidio sold separately for $21 or so (Seidio Innocase II Surface Case for HTC ThunderBolt (Black). Note that the link here is to a case which does not have a holster. The holster is included in a separate item so you can purchase with or without the holster). This case can be used independently, but does NOT fit properly in the holster without the rubberized layer.
-Next there is a rubber layer which is very flexible and the phone simply slides into it and the corners stretch around the phone. It has rubber covers for all the holes in the phone except mics and the rear speaker/stand.
-Lastly there is a hard plastic backplate that fits over the rubber case to reinforce the corners and sides to protect from falls. It also holds the rubber camera "door" in place. If you wanted to use the rubber without the reinforcing plastic, this rubber camera door would simply flap around, so I don't recommend that. The only thing I don't like about he plastic backplate is that it is hard so laying it on a flat surface such as a table will cause it to slide. The only thing that prevents sliding is the rubber camera door which also causes it not to lay perfectly flat. I sometimes lay the phone case down so it won't slide. The rubber case fits nicely into the holster.
- The holster fits a 2 inch belt, so it's a bit loose on my belt, but it would be virtually impossible for it to fall off and due to it's wait and snugness it only moves if I move it myself, so this is a non-issue for me. The phone goes face into the case and you sit the bottom of the phone in the case then lift the "hinge" at the top which hinges back down over the top of the phone to hold it in place. There is a lock on the back side of the hinge that will prevent the hinge from opening if you lock it. This is good for very active people or if the case could get caught on something opening the hinge causing the phone to fall out.
I read another review of someone cutting all their rubber doors off because he could not open them without finger nails. I don't have long nails either, but the camera door is easy to open, and the door above the headphone jack and the charging (USB) port can be easily opened without nails be simply pinching the pliable rubber which cases the door to 'pop' open. Because of this I'll keep my doors to protect from dust, dirt, and if a liquid were to splash it could not easily land into these ports which could fry the phone.
There is also a plastic screen protector which isn't the greatest quality, but if you are able to roll it on smoothly, it will protect from most light scratches and smudges. ZAGG.com has the best shields in my opinion, but after spending so much on this case I decided to try this protector out first. Seems to be ok so far and it fits pretty well. I got no bubbles by "rolling" it onto mine. Don't remove it from the plastic backing completely. Roll it off the backing and onto the phone at the same time starting with one corner and going to the opposite one.
Also a small note, if this phone were laying in a thin puddle of water, it should survive with the rubber case because it gives the screen a few millimeters of separation on the front side which should keep it out of liquid, and the back is raised even more, so unless it is submerged a drink spilled near it on a desk should not harm it.
Pros:
- Very sturdy case
- Very snug fit
- Increases grip on a phone that is very difficult to grip (for me) without a case
- Protruding volume/power buttons are very easy to press but not really easy to accidentally press
- Multiple protection levels (light to rugged)
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only able to use it in the holster with both cases on it, the first case fits but is very loose and may fall out.
- Very large and bulky on an already large phone. May not fit well in some people's pockets.
- The kick stand is a bit difficult to get to especially with the rubber case if you don't have fingernails.
- Will not fit an extended battery (this is not advertised, just a note)
All in all, this is an excellent case. It protects my phone better than any case I've ever had and I hate spending money on cases, but if you really need the protection this is the case to go with. If you can do with a little less protection you can go with the other Seidio case which is the internal hard case only. But I think this one will handle the shock of a fall much more easily.
Sorry the lengthy review, but I'd rather be thorough and give all the information I was looking for when I purchased mine. Hope it helps you. Seidio CONVERT Combo for HTC Thunderbolt - 1 Pack - Retail Packaging - Black'
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