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I got my XS Synthesis a few days ago, and the back came scratched up also, and had some shiny spots. Either they got a bad batch or the back is so easy to scratch that the packaging creates micro scratches. Mine is black and yours is grey so I doubt its the same batch, but I dont know for sure. But yeah, I guess others that like a pretty back, may want to consider another case. I am going to use this one for when I cycle or do other workouts so its not worth asking for a replacement from Caudabe (again).

You and I have had very similar experiences with our Synthesis, and getting 2 of the old Sheath cases instead of a new one. I decided to hold out for a Blue XS Sheath and the wait will be at least another month. :confused:

I think Caudabe makes good cases but getting the correct case (Sheath), in "new" condition "Synthesis", just doesn't happen. Caudabe seems willing to send out replacement cases until they get it right, but it's still a test of patience. Most of us have better things to do.

Mine is actually the stealth black(mistyped in my original posting) model so I think that is the same as yours. It can already deduce that it is scratch prone. I put it on and put it in my pocket to evaluate thickness and same out with a mother light scratches. The gray might be better at hiding scratches but this stealth black is awful. I thought the point of the frosted back as to hide scratches. I might as well go back to my Luvvitt if I want to put up with scratches. Better grip and cheaper.
 
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The black Sheath they sent me is perfect.
That’s why I emailed them before ordering the blue & green.

The sheath is no doubts a great case. I am assuming the rough bottom edge I had (and filed down) is a defect (2nd one I received was almost perfect except for missing the asymmetric cutouts). If they can eventually get me one with the new cutouts I’ll be satisfied.

But it’s been way too long a journey. Especially after getting stuff usually from amazon so quickly.

I’m almost certain I will return the Synthesis. It’s just to scratch prone. I just hope they don’t make getting an RMA and return process going to painful. I have had to pay to return ship something in a while. What is your experience guys? $3-4 with tracking since it’s so light?
 
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She was also the person who assured me that the camo had the new cut-outs.

I too have been working with Jessica. I am trying not to blame her for them being understaffed and having so many disconnects between their departments.

Nevertheless a very disappointed shopping experience. It shouldn’t be this hard to get a non defective case.
 
Something isn’t right as I had the X Synthesis and beat it to hell and never had a scratch like that picture. I think they switched manufacturing and maybe changed design to cheaper material or something. Something is fishy with them this year

I too wonder if they changed materials. Quite frankly, it was your glowing review that got me to order it. It sounded like a great case.

But it’s shocking how scratch prone this case is. Just a light finger nail on it will leave a mark.
 
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I've covered the Caudabe mishaps enough and in posting my thoughts, it made me appreciate how well things went with Totallee. I figure I'd post my experience with Totallee for those looking for a thin, light case.

I order the XS case on November 1st. It arrived a couple days later and is just like its advertised. It is thin, light, clear, and had the XS cutouts. It fits snug, without being a pain to take on and off. The case is low profile. For those without a screen protector, you will have a small lip which is good for protection. I have the iCarez 2.5D .33mm screen protector, and the screen protector rises the tiniest amount above the case.

The case is clear so you can see the phone colors. I like this some days instead of a plain black case. the clear case gives the phone a different look over a black case. Like most clear cases, if can get finger print smudges, but it wipes down quickly when needed.

This case will protect against scratches and short drops onto soft surfaces. There is a small or no lip depending on your screen protector so don't expect much protection there. It looks like the case will help a little with hits to the corners, but not a lot.

Since I work in an office (thin carpets), and most of my house has carpet, this case is great for my daily use. If protects against scratches and light knocks without adding much weight or bulk.

Overall, it was a great purchase. Reasonable price, fast delivery, correct cutouts, light, thin, good fit, good looks.
 
I've covered the Caudabe mishaps enough and in posting my thoughts, it made me appreciate how well things went with Totallee. I figure I'd post my experience with Totallee for those looking for a thin, light case.

I order the XS case on November 1st. It arrived a couple days later and is just like its advertised. It is thin, light, clear, and had the XS cutouts. It fits snug, without being a pain to take on and off. The case is low profile. For those without a screen protector, you will have a small lip which is good for protection. I have the iCarez 2.5D .33mm screen protector, and the screen protector rises the tiniest amount above the case.

The case is clear so you can see the phone colors. I like this some days instead of a plain black case. the clear case gives the phone a different look over a black case. Like most clear cases, if can get finger print smudges, but it wipes down quickly when needed.

This case will protect against scratches and short drops onto soft surfaces. There is a small or no lip depending on your screen protector so don't expect much protection there. It looks like the case will help a little with hits to the corners, but not a lot.

Since I work in an office (thin carpets), and most of my house has carpet, this case is great for my daily use. If protects against scratches and light knocks without adding much weight or bulk.

Overall, it was a great purchase. Reasonable price, fast delivery, correct cutouts, light, thin, good fit, good looks.

I would try Totallee if only the buttons were covered.
 
I would try Totallee if only the buttons were covered.
I am using my Totallee case today, so this is easy to verify... The Glossy Clear case I have for the XS, has all 3 buttons covered. The mute switch is not covered obviously. The covers for the the buttons fit really well and don't hinder the buttons use at all. They are very easy to use even with the case on.
 
Another Midget Vader bites the dust.

How’s the leather on the Enigma case?
Nice quality? You got any pics of the back?

Have all the Element case deals dried up? I guess the buy one get one 50% off is even dead.:(
1feacdc14a223aa7cbdb269c1c0b8b21.jpg

70acbdea62a2782ab8b99c2c14831aa3.jpg
111297e214f172c61dc3e2bb92b5c092.jpg
a9d52c20f54aa5baa28a565a85d15227.jpg

Boom pictures this is the black Enigma and the leather is real top grain nice leather FYI
45dee0bf1e12377fdef2bf2ed004a76e.jpg
 
I too wonder if they changed materials. Quite frankly, it was your glowing review that got me to order it. It sounded like a great case.

But it’s shocking how scratch prone this case is. Just a light finger nail on it will leave a mark.

Here’s my IPhone X version Synthesis. Keep in mind I literally took this to hell and back. They’ve switched materials or manufacturing it has to be! If ya have the XS do you want this?
through
0bb3ee493a29cd6f0eac49ea0870b069.jpg
a dozen African countries etc
See how there’s no scratches? It would be with my keys or tucked in my camera bag scraping etc.. not a scratch
56320a3c5c1395f93f388767ce56d8c0.jpg
 
Here’s my IPhone X version Synthesis. Keep in mind I literally took this to hell and back. They’ve switched materials or manufacturing it has to be! If ya have the XS do you want this?
through
0bb3ee493a29cd6f0eac49ea0870b069.jpg
a dozen African countries etc
See how there’s no scratches? It would be with my keys or tucked in my camera bag scraping etc.. not a scratch
56320a3c5c1395f93f388767ce56d8c0.jpg

amazing! (don't worry I trusted you and was not blaming you for my ordering the Synthesis). it's possible that the frosted back (gray framed) Synthesis for the XS is less scratch prone. but as i mentioned, i'm now not surprised that there were scratches right out of the box. since i could easily add a light mark onto the back using my finger nail (after discovering a couple new scratches from dust putting the phone in my pocket. (i always carry my phone in a separate pocket with nothing else and try to make sure its relatively lint free/clean.))

[thanks for offer (if i read you correctly)...i'm guessing it wouldn't fit the slightly shifted lens of the XS vs X, so i'll pass. i think i'm done with the Synthesis overall [i am hoping i can get an RMA and not spend an arm and leg returning it -- looks like i may be able to get by with about $4 with no insurance via USPS] i will likely keep the Sheath as my daily driver and maybe at some point pick up a Black Symmetry (can have BestBuy price match since it's unclear which version Amazon carries for $19) or if another sale pops up at 30% off, i might go for the dark green model.]
 
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1feacdc14a223aa7cbdb269c1c0b8b21.jpg

70acbdea62a2782ab8b99c2c14831aa3.jpg
111297e214f172c61dc3e2bb92b5c092.jpg
a9d52c20f54aa5baa28a565a85d15227.jpg

Boom pictures this is the black Enigma and the leather is real top grain nice leather FYI
45dee0bf1e12377fdef2bf2ed004a76e.jpg

Nice, is there any padding on the inside of the front metal bezel to keep it from scratching the face of the phone?

Are there any more Element Case deals going on?
 
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iPhone Xs/X Screen Protector Glass (3-Pack),#AmazonOffers #ShoppingOffersNow #ShoppingDeals #cybermonday amFilm iPhone Xs/X Tempered Glass Screen Protector with Easy Installation Tray for Apple iPhone Xs, iPhone 10S (3-Pack)

https://amzn.to/2Q8VmTm
 
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Another Midget Vader bites the dust.

How’s the leather on the Enigma case?
Nice quality? You got any pics of the back?

Have all the Element case deals dried up? I guess the buy one get one 50% off is even dead.:(
Midget Vader is gone BB took it back as it was in excellent condition. I loved that case just not enough to lose 60 bones while it sits since I'm being such fan boy with my new Element cases
 
Received the replacement for my updated replacement XS sheath case that was still the old design. And this one is not updated either? This is starting to get annoying.
 
Nice, is there any padding on the inside of the front metal bezel to keep it from scratching the face of the phone?

Are there any more Element Case deals going on?

Ill take it apart after work and send updated pics no worries. Just call them and tell them you were out of the US and barely missed the toofer case deal Im sure they may hook you up buddy :) Also my code still works WELCOME15
 
Received the replacement for my updated replacement XS sheath case that was still the old design. And this one is not updated either? This is starting to get annoying.
You the 4th person I know that got an old case, as a replacement. If you contact Caudabe (again), they will probably promise to send you out another soon (as long as you are requesting black).
 
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Ill take it apart after work and send updated pics no worries. Just call them and tell them you were out of the US and barely missed the toofer case deal Im sure they may hook you up buddy :) Also my code still works WELCOME15

Just called them and they told me to go pound sand, that deal is over and done with. :(
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You the 4th person I know that got an old case, as a replacement. If you contact Caudabe (again), they will probably promise to send you out another soon (as long as you are requesting black).

Caudabe just emailed me back and said they will ship me out 2 new cases with the correct cutouts and I should receive them within the next 15 years. o_O
 
Just called them and they told me to go pound sand, that deal is over and done with. :(
[doublepost=1543956981][/doublepost]

Caudabe just emailed me back and said they will ship me out 2 new cases with the correct cutouts and I should receive them within the next 15 years. o_O

You get shipping notice on your Mous cases?
I still haven’t after 2 business days but hey, “over $79 is “free 2-3day shipping” but they didn’t tell you how long it would take to ship them.
 
You get shipping notice on your Mous cases?
I still haven’t after 2 business days but hey, “over $79 is “free 2-3day shipping” but they didn’t tell you how long it would take to ship them.

Never ordered the Mous cases. I hate slow @ss shippers though.
 
Never ordered the Mous cases. I hate slow @ss shippers though.

I forgot to mention, another reason I don’t like mous is how they play with their pricing. I’ve never seen another company who will raise and lower prices as often as mous, basically you never know of the sale price is the regular price is the high price etc etc.
 
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