Review: monCarbone

by Bill Palmer

Owing partly to its unique feel that can be not-so-accurately described as somewhere between leather and plastic, and partly to its equally unique criss-cross looking pattern that appears to change as you tilt it from side to side, carbon fiber has quietly become a new trend in a market of iPhone and iPod cases that has traditionally consisted of more mundane materials. Carbon fiber also has another unique property in that it remains sturdy even when used in thin increments, and that fact is perhaps more clear than ever thanks to the monCarbone, which is about as thin as a piece of paper and virtually weightless.



As opposed to being a full-on case, the monCarbone is essentially just a shield for the back of the iPhone, wrapping slightly around the sides but leaving most of the silver bezel exposed. Adding almost no weight or bulk, it’s easy to forget your iPhone has the product attached when viewing it from the front, until you flip it over and suddenly feel compelled to turn your iPhone back and forth repeatedly in order to watch the pattern of small squares on the back appear to rotate as you do so.



The reality, of course, is that you can get a product that’s shaped identical to the monCarbone, but made out of simple plastic, for about one sixth the price. I expect that many users, if they’re going to invest $60 into iPhone protection, are going to want an actual case that protects the bezel. That having been said, I found that the monCarbone is easy to attach and remove but never came off accidentally, and is almost impossibly sturdy (bendable, but in no way breakable) for something that’s almost non-existently thin. One drawback, perhaps because it’s cut so thin, is that the material feels just like plastic when you touch it, instead of feeling like carbon fiber.



It would be imposible to give the monCarbone a star rating, as its only “competition” comes in the form of generic $10-$20 plastic shields. But if you like this material for its looks, or for its sturdy thinness, it is a well-done product. Comes in two shades of black.

Learn more about the monCarbone at monCarbone.com.