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Review of Sling Grips (formerly known as ThingSling) w/pics!!!

twister6

Android Expert
Jul 30, 2010
2,247
928
This is a review of Sling Grips, formerly known as ThingSling: Keep a secure grip on your iPhone | ThingSling

I have been told the name is in a process of being changed and new domain will be available soon. For now the review material and website reference is still with their old ThingSling name.

I don't have to go into explanation of how challenging it could be sometime to hold Note 2 securely in one hand, and how much some of us wished for an additional holding grip on the back of the phone or the case. From my previous reviews, this challenge has been tackled by a few companies already, although everybody had their own different solution. Sling Grips came up with something so simple and effective that it makes you scratch your head of how come you didn't think of something like that :)

The principle of this product is very simple. You have a thin piece of durable plastic shaped bow-tie (approximately 65mm length x 23mm wider / 13mm narrow x 4mm in thickness) with self-adhesive backside and 12mm wide elastic band on the top. Plastic piece comes in a selection of various colors to personalize your grip. Once attached to the back of your phone or your case - you have a very comfortable way to hold your Note 2 by sliding 1 or 2 fingers under the band. Elastic band is made out of very durable material with a secure attachment to the base of the plastic tab. It also feels like it can take a lot of wear'n'tear before stretching out. The whole profile of Sling Grips is very thin, it doesn't add too much bulk to the phone, and shouldn't be a problem for taking your phone in/out of the pocket. Personally, I'm very picky about uneven back surface of the cases because I keep my phone screen up most of the time. Obviously, with this attachment the phone won't be laying perfectly flat, but due to a low profile of Sling Grips - there is not too much wobble. Furthermore, the material of elastic band actually creates some friction with a surface so you don't have to worry about accidentally bumping into the phone to cause it's sliding.

To enhance flexibility of their accessory, Sling Grips took it to the next level with a very unique car and wall mount system. In principal its the same mechanism with a difference of base mounting. Car versions comes with a flexible gooseneck mounted to suction cup base, while the wall mounting system will have Command Strip type of attachment to the wall surface (my prototype sample in the picture had velcro) with a wire management area in the back to organize any of your loose cables attachment to the phone. What makes this unique is how the Sling Grips attaches to this mounting system. I tried to capture it in my picture below, but basically the plastic tab of Sling Grips has two narrow grooves, each at opposite end, and those mate with notches on the mounting base with elastic band stretched behind it. This attachment actually works really well and holds the phone very securely.

Sling Grips is actually not just limited to Note 2 and can be used with any smart phone or even some 7"-8" tablets. It's also re-usable where you can remove it, re-apply a new self-adhesive pad, and use it on another case/phone/tablet. The price is very reasonable for $8.95, and although I have seen some DIY with elastic bands, you can easily spent at least half of this price buying material for something that will not look as clean and elegant. Also keep in mind you might just take one of your cases and designate it for Sling Grips attachment so you can always have a choice of when to use it. I personally think its a really great product, with a great quality Made in USA.

Here are the pictures of Sling Slings (still with original ThingSlig reference on packaging):

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Since I have been asked (in other forum, etc.) how these compare to Fly Grip, you can checkout the whole write up and pictures in my signature link (for Fly Grip).

To be honest they serve a similar function. Both will help you to get a better grip on your phone with one hand, but one has a hard plastic latch that sticks out more from the case while offering a more comfortable grip and also converts in to a kick stand, while the other one is a very low profile elastic band attachment. There is also a significant price difference. There might be an issue with FlyGrip if you want to use car mount, while Sling Grips can either be used with a typical car mount or it's own car mount. Also, Sling Grips offers easier in and out of the pocket and more stable when phone placed on the back screen up. I really do believe these two are like apples and oranges and some will prefer one over the other.
 
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I have sling-thing. I like it so far. It goes well on the back of my Seidio Active case, which then all goes into my Built Hoodie case. Now with all three of those (and insurance and a tempered glass screen protector) I feel fairly secure when I'm holding it one handed.

I've giving up trying to fight my tendencies to over protect. As the all too fabulous
ScandaLeX says I need a lunchbox when I take mine out.
 
Upvote 0
I have sling-thing. I like it so far. It goes well on the back of my Seidio Active case, which then all goes into my Built Hoodie case. Now with all three of those (and insurance and a tempered glass screen protector) I feel fairly secure when I'm holding it one handed.

I've giving up trying to fight my tendencies to over protect. As the all too fabulous
ScandaLeX says I need a lunchbox when I take mine out.

Are you sure she didn't meant it as a suggestion to go have a picnic outside? :p
 
Upvote 0
Great review. I just wish they made this in a larger size. The Note 2 is big enough that you could attach an elastic band long enough to slip all four fingers into - much more comfortable for reading. But the wall mount is intriguing.

Email your request to them; the company is very open and welcomes any suggestions. You'll be surprised.
 
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