Tech 21 Impactology Submariner iPhone case review: Tough Stuff

As someone who spends the majority of my time at the beach surfing, SUPing and windsurfing, having adequate protection for my iPhone is a must. If like me you want to protect your technology then check out this Tech 21 Impactology Submariner iPhone case review

A case that’s resistant to rain, flying sand, shingle and foreign objects that can cause damage to my phone is definitely worth investing in. What if the case can also turn my iPhone into the perfect water proof camera as well?

Tech 21 Impactology Submariner iPhone case review

This is just what Tech 21’s Impactology Submariner iPhone case allows you to do. A review found getting sick water shots has never been easier – and all safe in the knowledge that your phone is well protected.

First look at Impactology Submariner iPhone case

As I eagerly unwrapped my parcel, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’d done a little research beforehand online but wasn’t prepared for the sheer size of the Submariner case. It’s a bit of a beast to say the least!

Being roughly the size of a hand-held games console and manufactured from heavy duty plastic, the Submariner definitely looks up to the job of protecting your iPhone.

The case also comes with a heavy duty carabiner and lanyard for securing your phone round your neck – although it’s quite a weight meaning you’ll have neck muscles like Arnie in no time!

The Impactology

The submariner case comes in two parts – the Impactology bit and the actual waterproof Submariner protection part.

Tech 21’s Impactology technology works by encasing the edges of your phone in a plastic wrapping with a putty-like substance (D30 Impact Material) fitting snugly against your iPhone and the edges of the plastic casing.

After securing the Impactology surround (which can be left on for the duration of your iPhone’s life) your phone is then protected against damage if it’s dropped on the floor. The D30 Impact Material absorbs and spreads the shock across a broader area of your phone rather than having all the energy focused in on specific spot.

The magic putty cradles your phone and ensures that no damage occurs after clumsy hands lose grip.

To prove Tech 21’s claim regarding the protective elements of the D30 Impact Material, our test case was supplied with a funky little impact kit that included a mini hammer with which to give your case a good old bashing with!

The Submariner

As much as the Impactology technology was great (as a butterfingered iPhone owner I could definitely see the benefits) it was using the waterproof Submariner case I was most looking forward to.

As a water sports enthusiast I love nothing better than documenting my salty exploits by getting video footage and photos.

Normally I use one of the many action cams that are available nowadays, but the Submariner case offered the opportunity to get a different perspective from the water without fear of damaging my phone.

Tech 21 Impactology Submariner iPhone case review on the water

Unfortunately, trying to windsurf and take photos with my iPhone just proved to be an impossibility so in the end I reverted to giving my wife the phone so she could shoot from the water – no mean feat with the cold weather we’ve been experiencing in the UK of late!

(I have to give thanks to Fi for being patient enough to help with the testing and standing up to her waist in icy water, snapping away.)

From a performance point of view, the Submariner did its job admirably.

With a stiff breeze whipping up the surface of the water, trying to shoot pics without protecting my iPhone would have resulted in a damaged blower. But the Submariner protected against flying spray and salt water.

I was a little sceptical as to how responsive my iPhone would be with the thin protective film covering the screen, but I was surprised that my iPhone lost none of its touch screen responsiveness at all. The only real downside with the case was not being able to access the buttons on the top and sides of the phone, due to the plastic covering them – but this was just a minor issue.

Tech 21 Impactology Submariner iPhone case review: Conclusion

The Submariner, with its Impactology housing, is the perfect iPhone case for watersports enthusiasts who have a friend/wife/gullible individual who is prepared to stand/swim in the water and snap away while you perform for the camera.

Although Tech 21 probably didn’t design the case for anything other than general beach use, windsurfers, surfers, kiters or SUPers will love the fact that we can keep our phones safe while utilising the camera to capture our salt water exploits.

A real winner and definitely worth investing in if you spend any amount of time near water or at the beach.