Vaja i-Volution GT for iPod Touch
Price: $85
www.VajaCases.com


Another handcrafted contender, this time from Argentina, Vaja Cases is always one to take a unique approach on cases and find ways to meld leather with device in a way that makes you just stand back and say wow! You are able to pick from tons of different color combinations to make the case uniquely yours with the added bonus of being able to add custom engraving to the back of the case. Vaja also allows you to pick from no belt clip, a standard belt clip, and a Rivet mount to use with the Rivet system of clips, mounts, and straps. Like Piel Frama, Vaja Cases always makes an entrance with their packaging providing a beautiful slide out box.

Design 10/10

The i-Volution GT is another Vaja unique design that hugs the contours of the device and makes almost a skin around it, yet made from premium leather. For this case, Vaja opted for a flip style that allows full access to the front of the iPod Touch when open. The flip stays closed by a piece that grips the bottom of the touch. Instead of being attached to the whole top of the case, the flip is attached by a wide strap of sorts which fits and looks really nice at the top of the case.

When open you have full access to the dock connector, headphone port, and standby button on the top of the touch. When closed you can still use the headphone port and standby button, but the piece that keeps the front flip close also protects the dock connector. A very nice touch to keep the dock connector clean and protected.

Looking at the sides of the i-Volution GT you will find they are rounded and conform to the rounded sides of the iPod Touch. The sample we received did not have any sort of belt clip system on the back so the back was perfectly flat.

Build Quality 10/10

Out of all the cases, Vaja continues to impress by having awesome build quality even for a handcrafted case. All the edges are perfectly finished and the leather is perfectly put together. The leather itself is also nice and soft yet durable. It is a bit less cushioned feeling than cases like the Piel Frama leather case, but it fits much tighter around the contours and thus needs to be this way.

Usage 9/10

In using the Vaja i-Volution GT for awhile it became a clear favorite. In my opinion it was nicer to use the iPod Touch with the i-Volution GT as it enhances the shape a grip. Amazingly it adds almost no bulk to the iPod Touch and overall just improves its looks. Like the Piel Frama flip though, at times the flip cover can get in the way and be a bit annoying. This is just something to consider when purchasing a flip case for the iPod Touch or any device for that matter.

Price 7/10

Price is a bit of a killer with the i-Volution GT and many Vaja Cases. They are built like no other, and their designs are just unbelievable, but you pay for it. It also can take a few weeks to get your case as they have to custom make each one. Options like engraving and belt clips can also add a good chunk to the price. On the good side you do get to pick just about any color combination you can think of and have a case that is designed just about like no other out there (it is a head turner!).

Pros:

• Handcrafted Quality
• Great leather feel, quality, and durability
• Unbelievable fit
• Tons of customization

Cons:

• Price
• Front flip cover can flop in the way when using your iPod

Thanks to Vaja Cases for the review sample!