Review: Caudabe - The Sheath for iPhone 7

Following these instructions, I had no issue installing the case on my iPhone 7.

When I first reviewed the Caudabe Stealth for the iPhone 6/S (link), it was a case that looked good but was a pain-in- the neck getting on and off the iPhone. The fit and finish of that first generation case was good but I had issues with alignment of the holes for the camera and flash with the red version of the case which improved with the gray version I ordered a couple months later the second time around. The one thing I do know about Caudabe is that they listen to their customers and evidence of that attention shows in their new, improved Sheath case for the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus. This review is for the black Sheath case for the iPhone 7. Caudabe was also kind enough to provide a grey case as well but this review will focus primarily on the black version.

The changes for the Sheath for iPhone 7 are subtle but overall they combine to make a good case even better. The first thing Caudabe did to improve the user experience getting the case on to the device was to actually include an instruction insert in the packaging. Putting the case on was a non-issue, unlike my first go around. I wonder if Caudabe included these instructions with the earlier version of the cases whether or not I would've had issues putting the case on, or did Caudabe improve something in the manufacturing process to assist the process with these new versions? Regardless, installation was pain-free.

If you didn't read my initial review of The Sheath, the case is a svelte .90mm thick, full coverage case.  Caudabe calls the material ShockLite, a soft gel-like flexible polymer with shock protection. It's not quite silicone in feel, as opposed to the sticky Apple Silicone offering, but it does add relatively good grip to the iPhone when it's on. The grip has actually been improved since the first model of the case.  Caudable modified the manufacturing process to make the case feel a bit more "grittier" in the hand.  It's the best way I know of to explain the difference between the older and newer Sheath.  I actually prefer the new feel over the older one and am glad Caudabe made this change.  As an added bonus, the material, even in black, seems to resist fingerprint smudges. That's certainly a good thing!  In terms of overall look of the Sheath the accent faux antenna lines on the first generation have been reduced to one on the top part of the newercase.  The area around the camera and flash have also been redesigned and have accent lines as well.  The new patterns makes for a much cleaner,classier look to the overall design.  The bottom of the Sheath now includes dual speaker cutouts and eliminates the headphone jack area to accommodate the newer iPhone 7 design.  The area around the lighting port is reinforced to reduce the amount of wear and tear on the case from plugging in charging cables and docks. I had no issues with the Apple stock lighting cable nor the several charging docks I have both at home and at work. The volume and sleep buttons are easily pressed and have excellent tactile feedback.  The side mute switch is also easily accessed as well. The Sheath offers a lay-on-table design that allows for putting the iPhone 7 face down without the screen touching the surface you are placing it on.  If you plan on using The Sheath with a tempered glass or other screen protector, I would recommend getting in touch with Caudabe customer support prior to purchase and verifying that the protector will work with it.

Besides Black, The Sheath is also offered in Gray, Navy Blue, and Red. Having a (matte) black iPhone 7, the black version of the Sheath looks spectacular on my phone.  Combine that with the quality of this case, the slimness,  and the overall fit and finish, I highly recommend this case to anyone looking for the aforementioned qualities in a great looking iPhone case.  I struggle to find anything negative to say about this case.  It might just be the perfect combo of protection and feel out there in the market. The Sheath has become my everyday case and I think it will be for the forseeable future.  

Oh, btw, did I mention how great the black case looks on a black iPhone? :) 

Caudabe The Sheath (iPhone 7) - $19.95 USD 

Pros

• Thin, shock resistent case
• Feel of case improved over previous generation. Adds additional grip, repels fingerprints
• Tight fit  
• Separate camera and flash cutouts gives a classy look
• Great tactile feedback for button presses
• Lay on table design
• Multiple colors available

Cons

• None

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