Charlie Mallow reviewed 2 iPhone transparent protectors, BODYGUARDZ by NLU Products and Invisible Shield by ZAGG

The protection of your most prized possession is a primary concern for a lot of us. For me and a growing number of others addicted to their IPhone, there is nothing more important than good coverage and I do mean coverage.  In my never ending quest to find the perfect case for my IPhone, I have tried them all. Protection for one’s IPhone comes in many flavors, there are sliders, snap-ons, leather, plastic and of course military grade covers. There is just something inherently wrong with covering a device that is truly a work of art and was made to be shown off. That’s where the invisible protection segment fills the gap in a market full of choices.

First things first, these plastic films offer no protection from drops but, then again an IPhone is as tough as nails straight from the factory. What they do offer is serious scratch protection and a clean streamlined look. BodyGuardz and Invisible Shield are nearly identical offerings for about $25. A thick, nearly invisible plastic film that has been used to cover the blades of military helicopters and car bumpers is now an option for your IPhone.  Both products offer full coverage for the back and front of your device. They both even manage to cover all the little spaces around buttons and switches. They also do this without adding bulk or blocking any of the port openings. Both products will protect your phone from keys or anything sharp in your pockets. Installation of these covers does take patience and a clean environment. Your going to need to take some time putting these covers on and a clean area to work in is a must. If spending a half an hour installing a cover is too much for you to devote towards the installation then, don’t bother reading any further. For those of you still willing to take the time and look past the disadvantages this is a good option.

Installation of the film is identical for both products. The first thing to do is turn your phone off because; it’s going to get wet. I strongly suggest and so do both of the manufactures that installation takes place in a clean environment. Washing your hands and making sure your phone is spotless is more than a suggestion, it is a must. Spraying you hands and the film as you remove it from its backing is important. Remember take your time and don’t be stingy with the special solution. The spray stops the film from sticking to itself, your hands and the device before you can position it correctly. The corners are the toughest part. You will find that applying pressure with the palm of your hand is the easiest way to get the film to adhere. You could also wrap the device with plastic wrap and pull tight to get the right amount of pressure. Going slow and starting from the middle working the bubbles out as you go is the sure way to success. This is also where the similarities of both offerings end.

Invisible Shield by Zagg- Out of the box you receive a small spray bottle with special solution, an installation tool, one back and one front cover. The cover feels thicker and the pattern is much different than what BODYGUARDZ by NLU gives you. The back film has one large piece and several smaller ones to cover the nooks and crannies around the buttons, as well as the top on bottom edges. There is also a removable section for the camera lens so, protection is available for that area if you desire.  These differences do make the Invisible Shield slightly easier to install. As a warning, all of the imperfections will not be eliminated after installation. Zagg makes that very clear in the documentation. It could take a few days for the coating to cure, so don’t get nervous. Zagg also recommends that you do not turn your phone back on for 24 hours to allow it to completely dry. After the drying time, your going to find an egg shell appearance to your phone. It will be clear and the coating will add a secure texture to your IPhone. That texture does interfere with the sensitivity of your touch screen. That is a major annoyance but, a sign of very good protection as well.

BODYGUARDZ by NLU Products- Out of the box you receive a small spray bottle with special solution, an installation tool TWO back and TWO front covers. The back film is cut in a way that there are no separate pieces with this product. Installation is a little tougher on the edges; this is due to it missing relief marks. Taking your time does give you clean look right after installation. Unlike Invisible Shield it doesn’t seem to take as long to dry. NLU also only recommends 12 hours for drying time with your device turned off. That’s a bit more manageable for most of us. The film also drys clear, nearly invisible. BODYGUARDZ doesn’t interfere with the sensitivity of your touch screen. 

There is no contest here. BODYGUARDZ is simply a better offering. BODYGUARDZ has a clearing look and you get more for your money. BODYGUARDZ comes with two front and back films. What Zagg (Invisible Shield) does give you is an all but worthless replacement option. After your done reading the small print, you can send them $20 and your first born for a warranty replacement. BODYGUARDZ cuts to the chase and gives you another set of films in the box. The egg shell appearance of Invisible Shield and its interference with the sensitivity of your touch screen will cause you to remove it after a week or two. Let’s face it, those of us who have made the choice to go with this type of product don’t want anything at all on our phones, we are just scared of it being scratched.  BODYGUARDZ wins this one running away.

BODYGUARDS Four of Five Stars

Invisible Shield Two of Five Stars

Charlie Mallow - iPhonetunes.net