iPad Case Review: OtterBox Reflex Case for iPad 2 Reviewed by Tom Slayton
Editor's Ratings (1-5): 4.5
What's Hot: Solid drop/bump/scuff protection without a lot of bulk. Screen cover doubles as a viewing stand. Cleverly designed audio port makes your iPad sound louder than without the case.
What's Not: MSRP is a little spendy.
Overview
The OtterBox Reflex is a very good case for those who don’t need the protection of the Defender Case, and/or need something sleeker and lighter.
Size and Fit
The Reflex Case installs in seconds, and hugs your iPad 2 like an old friend. Ports and buttons are available via cutouts, except for the home button and the volume buttons, which have thick rubber pads over them. The docking port is still available. However, it’s quite narrow, and will likely not be wide enough for anything but the smallest of charging cables. Fortunately, the case uninstalls in seconds rendering this issue mostly moot. Unlike the Defender, the Reflex Case consists of a single layer of protection, making it much less bulky and heavy.
Features and Quality
The Reflex eschews the armored housing of more rugged cases, opting instead for clever design to protect your iPad. According to the manufacturer, strategically placed air pockets between the device and the case serve as shock absorbers in case of drops and bumps. This is good news for anybody who has had nightmares about dropping their iPad on its edge (shudder). The case features rubberized gripping points on the sides, top, and bottom that are bonded directly to the case. which will nicely eliminate the chronic stretching/sagging problem associated with silicone covers. The Reflex also features a clear plastic screen cover that has a flexible joint that allows it to fold in half, and double as a viewing/typing stand for your iPad. Lastly, your iPad’s speaker will likely sound better than ever in this case due to the thoughtful inclusion of an well-designed audio pathway.
Style
As I’ve said before, OtterBox has somehow managed to make “rugged” its own style. However, the fact that the Reflex Case is slimmer and sleeker than its older brother means that you can achieve that ruggedly functional look without turning your iPad into a doorstop.
Summary
The OtterBox Reflex Case for iPad 2 does a great job of balancing protection against portability. It’s clever “reflex zones” (air pockets) theoretically provides significant drop protection without adding a lot of weight and size. Unless you’re toting your iPad into inhospitable climates or are tossing it around like a Frisbee, The Reflex will likely provide you with enough drop/bump protection for everyday use.
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