BestSkinsEver iPhone 3G Skin Review
With InvisibleShield asking $25 for their full body skin, the $7.99 (was $5.99 when I bought mine) that BestSkinsEver asks seems extremely reasonable. Combined with Zagg’s 2 week shipping delay (reportedly no longer in effect), the choice seems almost obvious. The question now is, are you sacrificing quality for cost?
The first difference I noticed is the three piece construction of the BSE skin. Instead of a single back piece like the Invisible Shield uses, it has two pieces, one for the top half and one for the bottom. I’m entirely unsure why they did this and I really don’t like it. It made application more difficult and made my final product look worse. This is a design flaw as far as I’m concerned.
Application was fairly easy, but not as easy as InvisibleShield. Instead of providing a spray bottle of the solution, you have to make your own. I put water in a saucepan and a thumbnail of soap in, as specified by the instructions. Following all the instructions, things went mostly according to plan. The corners were a real pain, because they didn’t want to stay down, but it shares the same corner design as the Invisibleshield so you aren’t getting out of that one no matter which brand you choose.
My front looks great, but I wish it wasn’t so glossy. That’s a feature, not a flaw, but I prefer the anti-glare/matte screen protectors. I will be purchasing one to replace the Bestskinsever front. The back was not so lucky, with several air bubbles. I attacked them with a credit card but they were persistent. That’s the nature of the product, so be very precise in your application to avoid this.
I will keep the conclusion fairly brief for those who have skimmed to this point. BestSkinsEver are made of the same material as the InvisibleShield and offer the same protection. Where they differ is in the design, presentation and ease of use. BSE requires you to download the application instructions in a PDF from their website and make your own solution, where Zagg sends an elaborate box with instructions, a little squeegee and the application solution.
Are these little perks worth $20 more? Probably not, especially since you’ll be waiting at least a month to get your Invisibleshield with the current delays. If you prefer a seamless back and somewhat easier application, go for the IS. If you’re willing to put in a little more effort to save $20, go with the BSE. They’ll both protect your new phone nicely.
Tags: bestskinsever, invisibleshield, iphone 3g bestskinsever, iphone 3g bestskinsever review, iphone 3g bse review, iphone 3g invisibleshield review Posted in
July 21st, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Disclaimer: This poster is an employee of Zagg (InvisibleShield).
Wow... really? There are a few things I agree and disagree with. Yes, with an 8 dollar screen protector, sure, you can get it for cheaper for those who really don't care for quality over cost. I tried a "best skin" and found out quickly that it was the worst skin. After letting the skin "cure" I put it in my pocket... whoops. The best skin makes a good pocket lint cleaner if that is what you are looking for. You get what you pay for with the invisible shield, design, install ease, overall coverage and usability. There was 16 some on pointy edges with the best skin. Wow. Invisible Shield had 4. I would rather deal with 4 edges to get to stay down vs. 16...5th paragraph is amazingly incorrect with what I just learned with my new invisible shield! Same film? Not a chance. To my surprise with my new shield, the paper backing was tiled in the invisible shield by zagg logo! I make a quick call to the customer service depo to see what the change was. The rep informed me that invisible shield signed a exclusive right for the film and that no other company can get the same film. Another reason I prefer the invisible shield, I know I get what I am paying for. Oh, and as far as the 2 week delay or whatever... nope, zagg announced they are fully caught up on shipping.
Meh, I am just a bit anal and a perfectionist when it comes to my devices... so 20 bucks more for a dope design, everything you need to get the job done. If its worth 20 bucks to loose all the quality... you prolly dont care enough about your device to notice the simple facts that make the invisible shield worth the cash...
July 21st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I have to disagree with this review on one point. They now offer either the two piece back or a one piece back. As for the previous post, BSE’s products are much better than IS. In fact, IS’s skin for the last iPhone browned horribly after just a couple weeks for a couple friends of mine. Trust me, Zagg horribly over-prices their products, and they have similar, or sometimes worse quality.
July 21st, 2008 at 10:31 pm
Again, just my thoughts here. When I ordered, there was not a solid back option. Its great to see that they have begun offering it, because its a much needed option.
“Tronnic” appears to be associated with InvisibleShield/Zagg so I would ignore his comments. He is just trying to stick up for his company.
Since I have not completely confirmed this (he has not said so outright), I’ve left the comment up but as soon as I get a solid response, I will be pulling it.. It is now confirmed that he works for Zagg. I’m disappointed, especially because he told me outright he did not.Yes, I have had poor experiences with Zagg as well. Their customer service is probably the worst in the industry.
I will be reviewing the “BodyGuardz” skin this upcoming week to I will compare that to both IS and BSE.
July 31st, 2008 at 2:34 am
I have bought other Zagg products because I thought it was the only game in town, that’s why I originally bought the skin for the iPod 3g from them. After trying to commit suicide trying to put the back on I went searching for reviews I found this one and I have to say best skins is not only easier to apply but a better less rough field. Since I had bought from zagg before I had 3 extra bottles of their solution, so I ended up using it with best skins ever along with their squeegie so that made it nice and easy. Seeing that it’s only mildly soapy water I am sure that didn’t make much difference.
I think BSE needs to update their site and add pictures of the products on the phone. They have a picture of Steve jobs as their picture for the iPhone 3g if it wasn’t for this review I would have thought it was some cheapo site that scams people.
August 1st, 2008 at 3:57 am
I ordered the Zagg skin 3 days ago and received it in the mail today. I think people are exaggerating the “2 week delay” nonsense
April 15th, 2009 at 8:08 am
After reading this article, I just feel that I really need more information on the topic. Can you share some more resources please?
April 23rd, 2009 at 5:30 am
great stuff
May 12th, 2009 at 6:56 am
I’ve used both brands and can unequivocally say that the film material used is the EXACT SAME material, if there is any difference it is in the thickness of the film, and is slight at best… The cut of the BSE skin is more precise than the Zagg IS product, and thusly has more small tabs to wrap around, but offers better overall protection.
I will say that had I not used the IS products before, I might have had a hard time applying the BSE product. For the novice, even with the added cost, because of the packaging, clear instructions, included solution and squeegee, and peace of mind with the lifetime warranty, the IS product is probably the way to go. For anyone who has applied one of these skins before, or is relatively handy and confident in their ability to do so, the BSE does offer a cost advantage.
I actually used the installation squeegee and spray bottle from my IS to install the BSE skin.
FWIW - I originally had the Zagg IS on an original iPhone, the skin was removed for service, then re-applied, the phone took a drop which bent the case enough to hold down the power button, and again the skin had to be removed and re-applied to disassemble the phone. After some time the phone stopped responding to touch, so I peeled the skin and applied it to a new iPhone 3G, which it protected for three weeks. I’ve now been rocking the BSE skin which I purchased because I could not find any 50% off Zagg coupons, and I’m convinced that it is the exact same stuff.
Newbies and those less confident: Shell out for the IS product and all the accoutrements to ensure an clean install.
Experienced Skinerators: Go for the BSE and get the same protection from a known product at an excellent value.
June 10th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Thanks for the review. Wanted to throw my two cents in here. I’m getting an iPhone and was looking for reviews. I’ve used BSE twice before on iPod Touches and been quite happy with them. I still wanted to shop around and see if anything else was out there. I’m still going to be looking but due to tronnic behavior I will never buy a Zagg product.
June 19th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
to tronnic;
so the rep told you they got EXCLUSIVE RIGHT? Oh..sure! Bollcks! Everybody knows Is the 3M Scotchgard paint protection film everyone can buy uncut from them, You just sound like a troll to me. IS and BSE may only have a deal for having the film shaped and cut done maybe.but the film IS the same, only made by 3M…
Good for you m8 spending $20 extra….
August 14th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Here’s my simple experience. My buddy had installed the IS on his 1st Gen iPhone. I had installed the BSE on my 2nd Gen iPhone. He said if he had to do it again he would install the BSE skin. There is no difference in the protective natures of both of these products! TAKE YOUR TIME INSTALLING! The BSE will give you better protection overall and save you a few bucks.
p.s. thanks to 3M for a great product. It serves the Army well in Iraq.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Do you have a twitter page too?
December 7th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I just received my IS Zaggskin after 5 business days of ordering it online. I ordered a customized one with my own photo selection. I used a 680X450 (or pretty close to that) resolution and the actual skin did not have the best resolution. I should have used something with a higher resolution. All in all, the Zaggskin product is a bit different than the Insvisible Shield. There was no solution or squeegee that came with it. The instructions just said to peel and apply (and you’re able to remove it and reapply to get it set right)… and low and behold, it went on very easily and nicely. The corners stayed put and it was a breeze. The material and protection is suppossed to be the same as the IS, but this material’s adheseve layer seems thicker… and maybe that’s why it applied to my 3G w/ no bubbles or problems.
If the corners peel off or if any problems arise with this IS Zaggskin, I’m going to try BSE.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Apple or nokia? I think this review helps to make that a bit clearer
February 15th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I purchased the Ipad. Is it predicted to easily replace the Ipod?
March 7th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Hiya! I don’t care what anybody says, the iPhone (and iPad) will always be on top for me.