Review of BodyGuardz Screen Protectors

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty tough on my electronic devices. Especially when I'm traveling. I slip my cell phone into the same pocket as my car keys. I throw my digital camera into a bag with lots of other things. I just don't have the time to always put my electronic gadgets into a nice case or protective enclosure when I'm late for a meeting or focusing on where I'm going next.

That's where advanced screen and body protectors like BodyGuardz come in. BodyGuardz are super tough, clear plastic protectors for the front, back, and sides of devices like iPhones. They prevent scratches (even against things like keys, coins, and other metallic or sharp objects) and keep your phone looking new. They can be tricky to install, but overall, I was was very impressed with the quality, look, and feel of the BodyGuardz screen and body protection for the iPhone.

BodyGuardz is a company that makes a variety of cases, skins, and protection devices for mobile electronics like iPads, iPhones, and other devices.

I reviewed the company's ultra tough clear skins for my new iPhone 4S. The box included two (2) complete sets of skins for the iPhone. I really appreciated that the company provides two complete sets with each box, for two reasons. First, it's nice to know you have a backup skin in case something goes wrong with the first installation (they can be tricky to install!). And second, from my previous experience with these types of products, I know they can come unstuck after 6 - 18 months, particularly if exposed to things like insect repellant, sunscreen, or other chemicals. With BodyGuardz, if that happens, you can simply install the second set!

The iPhone 4s BodyGuardz clear skin package included two full sets of skins (front, back, and sides), a small spray bottle of liquid (water perhaps) for helping to place the skins, and a non-fingerprint cloth for smoothing out the skins after application. Also included as a 1 page instruction page.

BodyGuardz iPhone clear skins are great for a number of reasons. The fact that they include two complete sets of skins gives business travelers a second chance if something goes wrong. The skins are also incredibly strong (no scratches even from direct, forced contact with keys), and yet they also provide great visibility and very responsive touch screen interactions. One thing I definitely appreciated is that they also provide slightly more friction (in a good way) so that my iPhone isn't very slippery. It actually grips my hand much better, which means that I'm much less likely to drop it.

There really aren't that many cons to a product like BodyGuardz. The biggest one, which isn't any different from other high-end screen protectors, is that it takes a little bit of concentration to apply the skins. You first need to wash your hands, then wet one of them with the spray that's provided. Peel back the clear skin, wet that also, and lay it down ever so carefully on the device. Use a credit card wrapped in the soft cloth (provided) and squeegee out the bubbles. The small bubbles will disappear on their own over the next day. Then you're good to go.

Overall, I would definitely recommend BodyGuardz screen protectors for any business traveler that wants the best screen or body protection for their iPhone, iPad, or other electronic device. The skins went on relatively easily, look great, and seem to provide excellent protection against the day-to-day objects they encounter. The fact that BodyGuardz also provides a second complete set of skins is particularly useful if you expect to hold on to the device for a long time, since it gives you the option of reapply a new set when the old set wears out or comes off.

Business travelers may also want to consider other iPhone skins, such as Zagg's invisibleSHIELD.

Lastly, since these types of screen protectors can be tricky to install, it's helpful to check out About.com's Mobile Office Guide demonstrating how to apply a screen protector.

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.