Tuff Skins is a new line of protective, silicone cases for mobile gadgets including many Blackberries, the iPhone 3G, and the latest iPods. Branded by Roots to include their fashion logo and signature Canadiana touches, the rubber cases are designed to be drop-resistant with the option to clip onto your belt, hang from your backpack, or even sit up on a built-in kickstand. This week while I was running around to various events and meetings, I slipped a Tuff Skin onto my iPhone 3G for a test drive.

Rugged In Rubber

The basic case or skin is a mask of 3mm-thick silicone that slips snuggly over your mobile. You simply slide your phone into it like you would a baby into a jumper and everything pops into place. Compared to other protective products I’ve tried, the Tuff Skin was the easiest to put on and yet it still offers a very tight fit. Strategic holes have been cut into the casing to allow access to the camera, headphone jack, mute button, speakers, dock connection, ambient and proximity sensors, and silent switch. Of those, only the hole for the silent switch is an issue as the thickness of the silicone makes it difficult to reach and flip the button.

There are button pads molded into the case to allow you to push the volume controls as well as the Home Button on the front and both work very well.

The main issue with the Tuff Skins is their lack of protection for the screen. This is true of all the Tuff Skin models and in addition to leaving the display open to scratching, the large hole needed to expose the screen makes it easier for the rubber to lift around the edges and allow moisture or foreign matter to get trapped underneath. Earlier this week I noticed some moisture trapped under the rubber where it meets the top of the screen and while it evaporated, I notice now that the rubber now lifts from the screen in that area.

Offering protection for the screen is a dilemma without obscuring the screen from use. Several companies solve that by packaging an adhesive shield sticker with their cases. The best solution I’ve tested is the membrane barrier used by Otter Box in their cases which allow you to clearly see the screen as well push your fingertips through it for touchscreen controls. With Tuff Skins, you’re left to find an alternate product to meet that need.

Belt Clip

A second case included in the package is a carbonate belt clip holder. Designed for use with the rubber skin on, your mobile pops into the carrier which grips your phone from the top and bottom. With a bit of pressure on the top of the plastic case, your mobile simply pops out for use. The plastic is not a polycarbonate that is resistant to torsion or pressure, but rather a lower grade plastic that will crack or snap apart under pressure. In bending it with my hands to test the casing, the top grip snapped off with relative ease.

One clever added feature is the kick-stand. If you swivel the belt clip upside down you can rest your mobile upright, although the position isn’t ideal for watching videos, it could be handy as a way to monitor for e-mail and text message notifications.

Backpack Friendly

Also included in the package is a carabiner clip for backpacks. Designed as an add-on for the plastic belt clip case, the carabiner attaches to the case’s top grip (the one that snapped off) using a thin loop thread. The thinness of the loop thread isn’t one to inspire confidence, but so far it has held amongst my efforts to try to make it snap. For comparison, the thread is the same diameter as the thread used by Nintendo on their Wii Remote straps and the tensile strength seems to be enough for daily abuse. Considering the cost and value of the gadget its protecting, in my case an iPhone 3G, I’d rather find a better solution.

Tuff On A Budget

I can recommend a better mobile case, Otterbox offers fantastic iPhone cases, but at twice the price of the Roots Tuff Skins and that is the need that they fulfill. While you should toss out the belt clip and carabiner clips included, the silicone skins themselves offer enough bounce and drop protection, along with a comfortable form factor, to make them worth their $25 - $30 budget price tag (depending on the mobile you are buying for). The Roots styling, which includes a maple leaf on the back is a nice touch. For those who are very abusive with their gear (you know who you are) you’ll need to look elsewhere and be prepared to spend more.

Roots Tuff Skins for BlackBerry Curve and BlackBerry Pearl