There’s no way around it, if you have an iPhone and if you bring it along on all your adventures, then you need a waterproof case. I’ve had good and bad experiences with LifeProof cases with the Fre delivering a challenging touchscreen experience and the Nuud being more-or-less “splash proof.” The new Catalyst case is coming in with high expectations, so we’ll see how it fares.
Overall construction feels solid and I like that the headphone/charging port is a simple rubber grommet instead of a fingernail-breaking lever and a threaded screw. However, that does also make me nervous at the same time since it feels a little less secure. Real-world testing will reveal whether that concern is founded or not.
Other than that, the change to an iPhone 6 results in rounded edges instead of the squared edges I’ve got now with the LifeProof Nuud on my iPhone 5. Taking trail selfies may prove a little more difficult since it won’t stand up as well on its own. Like LifeProof cases, the Catalyst case for iPhone 6 features a waterproof, drop proof and dirt proof design.
With a fully-covered screen, the Catalyst case enables access to all Control Center functions and sits flat against the screen for a more consistent experience compared to the LifeProof cases I’ve tested.
In-hand, the case feels comfortable and I look forward to giving it a thorough adventure life test. This case will spend hours in a sweaty jersey pocket, be stashed in the rear pocket of my trail running shorts, get dropped in a rushing stream and endure countless drops, bumps and dirt — all for the sake of pushing the limits of Applecare.
A few colors are currently available for the iPhone 6 for $69.99 with cases for the 6 Plus coming in mid-April for $74.99.
Features of the Catalyst case for iPhone 6:
- Every unit tested IP-68 waterproof 5m (16.4′) and fully dust proof
- Designed to meet MIL-SPEC 810G for drops up to 2m (6.6′); premium non-slip rubber exterior, lanyard attachment point on case and included wrist lanyard for extra protection so your device will always be secure
- 11.4mm ultra slim design maintains curved shape of your iPhone 6 and features signature Catalyst clear case front and clear case back to showcase and compliment the look of your iPhone
- Elegant patented rotating crown dial to switch mute on and off
- Integrated ultra sensitive non-watermarking screen protector that maintains full access to touchscreen including all Control Center functions
- Airtight waterproof acoustic membranes use True Sound Acoustics technology to transmit sound clearly
- Full access to all buttons, sensors, cameras, flash and Touch ID (with non watermarking Touch ID membrane that allows full fingerprint biometric scan)
- Hard coated optical lens is not recessed to keep lens area clear of trapped water, snow, dirt, or salt spray and allow crystal clear photos
- Easy to assemble and disassemble; made of durable materials to avoid limitations on the number of times that parts can be removed and reassembled.
- Charge port is compatible with Lightning connector heads on most after market charge cables up to 11.5mm wide and 6mm thick
- Audio port allows quick access to 3.5mm stereo headphone minijack on iPhone 6 and is compatible with most after market headphone jacks up to a port dimension of 6mm; audio jack adapter sold separately for L shaped jacks or jacks> 6mm in diameter
- Dimensions 11.4 mm thin, 150.4 mm tall, 77 mm wide (0.45″ x 5.91″ x 3.04″)
- Weight 44g
- Price: $69.99
More Info: Visit CatalystLifestyle.com
2 Comments
Could I take my iPhone 6 into the ocean with a catalyst case without damaging the phone?
It should be waterproof to 5m depth. However, I’m always careful with my iPhones and consider these cases splashproof and only submerge them for short stints. I’ve had cases fail from other brands, so I’m a skeptic and don’t want to spend another $100 on a replacement just to find out.