If I were to rate the mount for functionality, practicality, and build — it’s a solid 10/5 stars. However, when it comes to the design and quality, it’s only 3/5 stars. Overall, I’m very disappointed with Peak Design.
I first bought the original Peak Design case for my iPhone 14 Pro, and while the design was *alright* with its fabric back, I noticed rough edges along the corners that made it uncomfortable to hold. That might have been a manufacturing or first-run issue, but I managed to fix it by gently shaving the edges down with a blade. No big deal — because the real highlight was the flawless execution of the **mount and clip system**, which worked so well it convinced me to get the new Gnar case for my latest phone.
Here’s where the disappointment starts:
- Size and fit:This Gnar case is proportionally taller than other iPhone cases by about 2–3 cm for no clear reason. When it isn’t seated perfectly, the phone doesn’t feel secure — and it’s not as intuitive as it should be to tell if it *is* seated correctly. - USB-C dust cover: It doesn’t seat properly and requires noticeable force to push in. Even then, it doesn’t stay closed — which defeats its purpose. - Grip and texture:The side grips are passable, but the back is far too smooth for something marketed as a “rugged” case. It’s actually pretty slippery. Maybe it’ll improve with wear, but out of the box, it feels off. - Back seam edge: Around the rear clip area, there’s a noticeable sharp edge at the seam. It catches the hand easily and feels unpleasant every time you pick the phone up. - Camera button edge: The edge around the right-side camera button isn’t well-finished and feels sharp. I had to shave it down slightly with a knife to make it tolerable — but it’s still noticeable. - Camera module exposure: The entire camera area is exposed, which makes the lenses feel unprotected — not something you want from a rugged case.
Ultimately, I’m disappointed — not because the case is terrible, but because **I expected better from Peak Design**. If this were from another brand, I might’ve rated it higher. But given how great their other products are, this falls flat. I’ve already ordered another case from a different brand and plan to just epoxy the SlimLink mount onto it myself.
Peak design, take a look at the Dbrand or Rebel cases. Solid finishes on both that offer actual rouged finishes.
Lip on case is shallower than the height of the screen with a screen protector. If the phone falls flat, the screen protector bears the fall and shatters, while the case doesn’t even touch the ground. Very poorly thought out for what is supposed to be the ultra in protection.
I came to this from the nomad rugged case and this is a major let down. I’ve had my phone for a week now and my screen protector is already trashed because of how there’s zero lip around the screen. This is so disappointing for a case at this price. Yeah it holds my phone on my motorcycle but I can’t sit it down without scratching my phone. It only protects the diced. That’s about it.
I bought this case in anticipation of getting the iPhone 17Pro. It very sturdy, comes in nice colors, and I love that it is supported by the very useful Peak Design bike mount, which I now use all the time. Price-wise, it is comparable to any other good iPhone case on the market.