Accessories Input on Skins: Phantom v. Zagg v. ???

[The Saucier]

Hey All-

I

 

[xceebeex]

Right now I have the Zagg and I am not so sure that I like it. It seems to add a lot of "thickness" to the display, which I guess is good in terms of protection but it seems weird. It still has a "sticky" feel to it as well making it a lot harder to do Swype and pinch and zoom stuff.

I would be interested in seeing what people think of the Phantom Skinz one compared to the Zagg as well. I really like those Chromatics as well. The one thing that I can't tell in the picture is if they would allow for removal of the battery cover without taking off the skin.

 

[gonzo143]

Try Stealth Guards..the price is right ! Pay for shipping only I think it was 2.85 for 1 and 2 for 4.85.

Stealth Guards

Samsung Fascinate Full Body Protection - Cell Phones

They seem equivalent to Zagg, which I love and have used on many devices. Comes in a plain white envelope...WITH NO solution ! I had some left over from a ZAGG install ( just added water to the bottle) and it worked well. Within 2 days the skin worked out the air bubbles/solution and it looks good. It might be slightly less "sticky" than a ZAGG.

Be careful on install. For ONCE I finally didn't get a speck of dust or fiber underneath during application, but during install i went over to the right a tiny tiny bit off the side and didn't notice until everything dried. I ordered 2 more...seemed cheaper than trying their "lifetime warranty" which was probably pay for shipping anyway.

 

[The Saucier]

Well I guess for that price (FREE?!?!) it's worth a shot. Thanks!

Still thinking I might want to take a look at one of the other skins I mentioned in my initial post. Especially since clear protection would not hide those scuffs I was talking about.

Anyone have any luck with the Chromatics from Phantom Skinz?

 

[The Saucier]

Try Stealth Guards..the price is right ! Pay for shipping only I think it was 2.85 for 1 and 2 for 4.85.

Stealth Guards

Samsung Fascinate Full Body Protection - Cell Phones

They seem equivalent to Zagg, which I love and have used on many devices. Comes in a plain white envelope...WITH NO solution ! I had some left over from a ZAGG install ( just added water to the bottle) and it worked well. Within 2 days the skin worked out the air bubbles/solution and it looks good. It might be slightly less "sticky" than a ZAGG.

Be careful on install. For ONCE I finally didn't get a speck of dust or fiber underneath during application, but during install i went over to the right a tiny tiny bit off the side and didn't notice until everything dried. I ordered 2 more...seemed cheaper than trying their "lifetime warranty" which was probably pay for shipping anyway.

Just did a little research on Stealth Guards and it looks to be a total scam.

Still leaning towards Phantom Skinz, but not sure. Anyone have any luck with these on the SF yet?

 

[Moonfire]

Just did a little research on Stealth Guards and it looks to be a total scam.

I'd have to agree with you on that one, the threat on AF about them isn't very positive.

Still leaning towards Phantom Skinz, but not sure. Anyone have any luck with these on the SF yet?

Not sure about those, but if you want my thoughts on the Zagg one, you can read em [here], with pictures of it on [here]. Or I can be unlazy and post them here if you want lol.

 

[Gevis]

Gelaskins have always been a favorite of mine. They don't have any for the Fascinate at the moment though :-/

 

[The Saucier]

Not sure about those, but if you want my thoughts on the Zagg one, you can read em [here], with pictures of it on [here]. Or I can be unlazy and post them here if you want lol.

Thanks Moonfire-

Looking at those pictures makes me wonder if I should even attempt to install a skin on my phone; my motor skills are dicey at best in regards to precise/intricate stuff like that.

For example, my wife kept beating my high scores on Fruit Ninja so yesterday we went to go get her own Fascinate (Free Phone Friday!!).

 

[Moonfire]

Thanks Moonfire-

Looking at those pictures makes me wonder if I should even attempt to install a skin on my phone; my motor skills are dicey at best in regards to precise/intricate stuff like that.

For example, my wife kept beating my high scores on Fruit Ninja so yesterday we went to go get her own Fascinate (Free Phone Friday!!).

That's a pretty funny reason for getting another one - not that I'm complaining, the more people that use this awesome phone, the better!

Honestly, not sure it takes that much skill to put it on. After being sure the camera (and possibly the speaker) parts line up, the rest is fine. I'd recommend using lots of the spray stuff, so you can slide it into place easier. Since the back protector is only on the back cover, you could just pop it off the phone, no need to worry about water getting on it.

 

[Retrokid223]

im confused right now lol. im not sure to get the Zagg invisible shield or this one.
Samsung Fascinate FULL BODY Screen Protector Case i500 - eBay (item 220673143467 end time Oct-22-10 14:23:08 PDT)

edit: NVM i just ordered the full body from ebay because of my ebay bucks so i only got it for 2 dollars . then i ordered the install kit from ZAGG for 5 bucks shipped. i used the code ZAGG20

 

[saps]

im confused right now lol. im not sure to get the Zagg invisible shield or this one.

Samsung Fascinate FULL BODY Screen Protector Case i500 - eBay (item 220673143467 end time Oct-22-10 14:23:08 PDT)

edit: NVM i just ordered the full body from ebay because of my ebay bucks so i only got it for 2 dollars . then i ordered the install kit from ZAGG for 5 bucks shipped. i used the code ZAGG20

You should be fine. All those products are made from the same base material. So whether you pay extra for IS or go the cheap route with BestSkinsEver or the one you got, the material is the same. The cut and design might be slightly different though

 

[fegriffith]

I went with the Phantom Skinz chromatics black carbon fiber...I'm very happy with it. Because I went with black it is very forgiving. I just made sure the openings all aligned. You can tell when scrutinizing the phone that it's a skin, but at a glance you can't. It looks like a stock battery cover.

I'll be thrilled when Seidio finally releases their spring clip holster...then I can toss my phone in my purse and not worry about the front or back getting scratched.

If you are worried about needing a "perfect" application then I don't think you can go wrong with the Phantom Skinz chromatics carbon fiber in black. It's very forgiving.

 

[larry0071]

There is nothing "scammy" about the Stealth Gaurds, I am running them currently on a D2, Imagio and 2 Fascinates. VERY similar to the ZAGG I had on the Imagio. They are not getting any scratches at all from normal use, and the one on my 14 year old's D2 is holding up to his abuse just fine. I installed myself and did not get the Imagio one quite perfect, but I did pretty dang good on the other ones!

I've had quite a number of my buddies order them and the only down side I see is that it takes about 2 weeks to get them.... but for the price of one ZAG you can get Stealth Gaurds for your entire family! The feel and thickness are very similar to the ZAGG product, maybe a hair bit thinner, but the same slightly rubbery feel. Not so much to deter my using them, I would run ZAGG or Stealth again with no second thoughts. They work. They are currently on a promotion that you pay about $2.50 each for shipping and the product is free. You can't go wrong eighther way!

 

[The Saucier]

There is nothing "scammy" about the Stealth Gaurds, I am running them currently on a D2, Imagio and 2 Fascinates. VERY similar to the ZAGG I had on the Imagio. They are not getting any scratches at all from normal use, and the one on my 14 year old's D2 is holding up to his abuse just fine. I installed myself and did not get the Imagio one quite perfect, but I did pretty dang good on the other ones!

I was just going off what I read on a thread from another Android website. The reviews didn't exactly get me excited about Stealth Guards.

...You can tell when scrutinizing the phone that it's a skin, but at a glance you can't. It looks like a stock battery cover.

If you are worried about needing a "perfect" application then I don't think you can go wrong with the Phantom Skinz chromatics carbon fiber in black. It's very forgiving.

I like the fact that it looks like a stock battery cover...this is why I am seriously considering going with this. Any chance you can post some pics...would be interested in seeing a 'real life' Fascinate with the Phantom Skinz.

 

[fegriffith]

I was just going off what I read on a thread from another Android website. The reviews didn't exactly get me excited about Stealth Guards.



I like the fact that it looks like a stock battery cover...this is why I am seriously considering going with this. Any chance you can post some pics...would be interested in seeing a 'real life' Fascinate with the Phantom Skinz.

I'm at work so can't double check this video (youtube blocked) but I think this is a video of someone who put the skin on their Epic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGCh9ZmIobs

 

[larry0071]

I was just going off what I read on a thread from another Android website. The reviews didn't exactly get me excited about Stealth Guards.QUOTE]

I'de love to see a link to that conversation so I can see what constitutes a scam to those folks. $2 shipping to place them in an envelope is more than the cost of the stamp, but that is no big deal. They deliver exactly what they claim they will and it works exactly like the $20 units from ZAGG and others.

Totally honest here, I'm a member of a local dual sport motorcycle club and I posted about Stealth Gaurds on our private site and 7 of the guys ordered at least one set for thier phone, some ordered multiple sets to cover thier wife and kids phones. Everyone got them and everyone is very happy with them. I also had a few family members order them and everyone got them and likes them.

I saw an argument about them not being cut quite all the way, and mine had a couple of the cut edges that slightly needed pulled to seperate, but it had no adverse effect and.... even I was plenty strong enough and intelligent enough to overcome that insanely huge obstacle and end up with splended results.

Some folks just like to cry about every tiny detail that to most non-neurotic folks don't really care about.

 

[The Saucier]

I'de love to see a link to that conversation so I can see what constitutes a scam to those folks. $2 shipping to place them in an envelope is more than the cost of the stamp, but that is no big deal. They deliver exactly what they claim they will and it works exactly like the $20 units from ZAGG and others.

Some folks just like to cry about every tiny detail that to most non-neurotic folks don't really care about.

Just PM'd the link to you. Certainly a different take on Stealth Guards, but I guess if you spend enough time on the interwebs you'll see different takes on anything and everything, so I just take it all with a grain of salt. I do appreciate the input though!

I'm at work so can't double check this video (youtube blocked) but I think this is a video of someone who put the skin on their Epic.

OK that looks amazing! Is the skin for the Fascinate just one piece? It looks like the one he was using for the Evo had several different pieces (back, sides, top, bottom). Only needing to apply one piece might make it way easier for me!

 

[larry0071]

Saucier,

It is easy to install. Have you ever done window tinting on your car/trucks? How about applying racing decals on your drag car? If so, it's the same thing. For the Stealth Guards, I used Windex as my "special fluid" everyone is all scared about.

Place a spritz of windex on your clean and lint free phone screen, NO LINT, NO KIDDING. If you have lint, try another rag or towel, or use some other type of material. Lint is a deal breaker.

Clean the dog-snot out of the screen. Leave no lint.
Get the screen guard picked part way off the paper backing.
Spray your finger tips and thumb before you pick up the screen guard.
Spray the back side of your screen gaurd.
Spray screen, make small puddle in center of screen.
GENTLY: Set screen guard on puddle and screen that is misted and it will float on the fluid film. Using your lightest touch, get guard into position and then with finger tip, press center. Now DO NOT USE A CREDIT CARD AS SUGGESTED.

Use a credit card with a wrap of T-shirt material or a wrap or two of paper towel. Start squeegying (spelling?) the water out from center, dont mash hard but just press nicely. Don't be excited or in a hurry.

When you give up, it will look like dog nuts. Your not going to like it right now. The screen will look really odd with tiny black dots from the remaining fluid. Get over it and go to bed dude!

In the morning you will think it really improved by 75%, but damn it....you know you should have been getting more water out, those bubbles are never going to go away and you need to rip this junk off. CALM DOWN! Deal with it.

All day at work you notice that there seems to be less small bubbles and the larger ones seem to honestly be decreasing. Move on with life, go home and have a nice evening and go to bed.

OMG! It's like the film was applied by a magician! You now think you are a super hero! It is amazing! Over the second night, any crap fluid left trapped in thier had made its way out.... and your phone is ROCKIN!

You will notice the NON-GLASS finish has a slightly rubbery feel, but really it is no issue with swyping or typing. Glare has a bit of a mild orange peel finish, but NOT AS MUCH AS INVISIBLE SHIELD! It actually looks better than the ZAGG! Tactical feel and feedback is nearly.... (I say is...) identical between the Stealth Guard and the ZAGG products.

Scratch resistance is great, you can pocket the phone with no worry of anything less than a crushing blow, and in that case you will need a new phone, not a new screen. If cleaned and applied as described above it will stick and stick good. It will be tough to remove. It will be clear and clean. You will hug yourself.

 

[gonzo143]

What do you use as the liquid when applying?

 

[larry0071]

Read the third sentence in my post above.

 

[saps]

Read the third sentence in my post above.

 

[Moonfire]

I think the Zagg one is something like 1 or 2 drops of dishwashing liquid to a cup of water. But hey, Windex works too!

 

[gonzo143]

Read the third sentence in my post above.

Yup..missed that ..feeling a little dumb.

 

[larry0071]

No need to feel dumb, I just thought I would be a bit sarcastic and instead of copy and paste or quote myself.... I would make you look up a couple inches!

You must be working nightshift also. Sucks, huh?