If you work hard or play hard, you need a case that allows your HTC One M8 take an extra bump or two. Whether you are working out in the field with mother nature, in the shop with the dust and equipment everywhere, in a squad vehicle looking out for the public or anywhere where your phone is going to take some extra abuse, the Body Gloce ShockSuit case is going to keep your M8 safer. The case isn't waterproof (though it is MIL-STD-810G rated), but when facing the mud, or sparks from a welder, or the door frame on your service vehicle the ShockSuit case will save your M8 from a world of hate.
Like most other rugged cases, the ShockSuit is a two-piece design. You put your M8 into the front polycarbonate outer shell — be sure to read the supplied instructions to make this easier — which also has a thick plastic screen protector that fared well against my keys. Once the front is on, you slip the assembly into the thick rubber outer housing. Then, your M8 is ready when things get a little tough. The trade off is that it's not the easiest case in the world to put on or take off — but you knew that going in when you bought a rugged case. The screen is still responsive even with the protective cover, but you will lose that incredible sensitivity that the M8 seems to posses in it's touch sensor. But it's not bad. Again, a tradeoff for ruggedness.
I'm not a first responder, or a machinist, or out working on a jobsite. But I can tell you that several tests dropping the M8 from about seven-feet onto the hardwood floor, and a trip or two down the steps showed no damage, other than a few small divots on the screen protector — which is exactly what it's there for. I'm pretty confident that this one will take a moderate beating so your M8 doesn't have to. And yes, testing rugged cases is fun.
The case itself has rubber flaps for the microUSB port and headphone jack and thick rubber covers (that work great) over the volume controls, but the power button/IR emitter is uncovered. Both front facing speakers are uncovered so you still get that Boomsound thrill when you want it, and of course the camera lenses and microphones are uncovered. This is a good mix of protection and usability, but if you need a case that will keep every drop of rain or dust out, the ShockSuit is not going to meet your needs.
If you need a case that gives you a little extra protection, whether your job requires it, your just clumsy, or you like to have a few too many and text your old lover, the ShockSuit is a winner.
The Body Gloce ShockSuit case is available now from ShopAndroid.com.
