Krusell Cabriolet Skin with Multidapt for Motorola Q9h

What’s the best case out there for your phone? The question is one that ranks up there with Ford or Chevy, Tastes great or less filling, and boxers or briefs. While some cases are of better quality, which is best usually boils down to an issue of personal taste. For many, at least with respect to the phone case question, skin cases are the preferred answer. These cases add little bulk to the phone while protecting it from scrapes. Krusell offers a Cabriolet Skin Case ($24.95) that they hope will stand out and meet the needs of those who prefer the skinned style.

The Krusell Cabriolet Skin Case comes discretely packaged in a wrap around piece of cardboard that magnetically closes. Equipped with Krusell’s multi-adapt clip, Krussel uses this feature to secure the case on the cardboard. I bring this point up because it takes a good bit of manipulation to remove the case from the packaging, much like a child proof cap on a medication bottle.

You have to insert a pen or pencil tip into a hole in the back of the packaging to release the multi-adapt base from a plastic hinge on the packaging. The plastic hinge is a little loose so you have to hold the case in place to get enough pressure on the base.

The case itself is well made with tight stitching and quality leather. Cut-outs in the skin accommodate the charging/sync port and side buttons on the Motorola Q9h. A recess in the backing of the case allows for the camera to be exposed.

One of the keys to any cases’ success is the fit. If the fit isn’t right, the case’s value falls like a rock. The initial fit of the Krussel case with the Motorola Q was tight, almost too tight. It took a considerable amount of effort to fit the case on to the phone. Granted the leather will stretch in time to make the fit a little more accommodating but I also found the case to be cut a little too short. The cross strap that should lay just above the center, four way button sits a little low, covering the top of the button and the top row of buttons. This made manipulating these buttons more difficult. I also had a few experiences where the case actuated the buttons.

I was hoping that after a few days of use, the phone would settle lower in the case but it didn’t. I was able to place and remove the Motorola Q easier but the case remained cut short.

Krussel uses their multidapt system with the cabriolet case. The multidapt system allows for the case to switch between swivel clip, arm band, vehicle mount, retractable clip, and stationary clip with a push of a pen/pencil tip. Without an attachment, the multidapt base is flush enough on the case to allow for comfortable pocket carry. The skin case comes with the multidapt’s swivel clip.

I think along with fit, the other key to a cases’ success is how it rides on your waist/carries in your pocket. The case rides comfortably on the hip but extends a good bit from the waist. While the swivel clip allows for the phone to rotate it swings freely, almost too freely. I would have preferred a ratcheted swivel to maintain some control over how freely the phone rotates. Another problem with the carry is that the case rides with the face of the phone outwards, minimizing the protection of the case.

Overall Impression

I can see where a skin case can be preferred over a horizontal or vertical belt case. If you find one that fits tight enough, is cut correctly, allows for unobstructed access to keys, rides and is well constructed I can see it being very appealing. Unfortunately, the Krussel Cabriolet Skin Case ($24.95) falls short on several of these points.

The fit is tight but cut short and obstructs access to the top row of keys on the Motorola Q9h’s key pad. There’s little doubt that the case is well constructed but if it doesn’t fit correctly, this only means the bad fit will last a long time. While the case does ride comfortably when worn on your belt, the swivel clip rotates too freely and carries the phone facing outwards. This exposes the unprotected portion of the phone too much.

To give the Krusell skin case credit where credit is due, the case does offer a good amount of protection to the phones back and corners. In removing the multidapt post, the case rides comfortably in your pocket. Otherwise, I’d have to give the case a pass and opt for something along the lines of Smartphone’s Side Pouch for more a more comfortable ride and better fit.