iPhone 5 OtterBox Cases

Everyone and their mother make covers, wraps and accessories for Apple phones. But there are few who even approach OtterBox's full line-up for the iPhone 5 -- they've got units from the simple to the nearly extravagant.

OtterBox innovations have helped define the business of mobile phone cases going back to their start in 1998. No one sells more Smartphone cases than OtterBox, quite an achievement for a semiaquatic mammal.

OtterBox knows how to cover the full array of customer needs. The company has designed five of its most popular series to accommodate the Apple favorite. On the low end, the $24.95 Prefix case guards against daily scratches and bumps. On the high end, the Amor series turns the iPhone into a virtually waterproof and crushproof box.

Prefix Series

The Prefix is the simplest iPhone 5 case manufactured by OtterBox. The phone snugs into a one-piece, polycarbonate skeleton surrounded on the outside by a soft, silicone layer. The Prefix also comes with a self-adhesive cover. As slight as this case might seem, it provides goods protection from everyday drops and scratches. OtterBox sells the Prefix Series model for $24.95, and it's very hard to find better protection at that price level.

Special note: the hard, inner shell of the Prefix case can mark up the iPhone's aluminum back cover. Anyone sold on using this cover is recommended to use screen protector as an extra layer.

Reflex Series

This should be a slight step up from the Prefix, but the reviews are only so-so. The one-layer design comes in two pieces that snap together. A self-adhesive screen protector is also provided. The idea's to create a tight enough fit allowing for corner air cushions that provide extra absorption. Unfortunately, the unit is prone to loosening to a point where the bottom can slip. $34.95 is a bit much for a cover that can be hit or miss.

Commuter Series

Here's where the level of defense begins getting a lot more serious. Three pieces up the ante of this OtterBox: a self-adhesive screen protector, a silicone inner layer and a polycarbonate outer layer -- that means that the outer shell is hard. This all adds up to plenty of protection as well as a bit of bulk and additional weight. But it does a great job in taking on daily bumps and drops, and flexible port covers significantly minimize dust. The Commuter Series Case for iPhone 5 sells for $34.95 and there are eight colors/combinations to choose from.

OtterBox has two options available for the Commuter case. Customers can mix and match outer and inner layer colors of their choice for an additional $10. There are also three versions available with 3D effects on the back: a skull, tropical pattern or western flowers patterns that sells for $44.94.

Defender Series

OtterBox's Defender series swaps around the case to put the cushiony layer of silicone on the outside. This is without a doubt the bulkiest and heaviest iPhone 5 case in the OtterBox menagerie. It also provides wicked protection against daily abuse, ready to take on life's dirtiest curves. (There are stories of this case surviving drops off car tops on the highway.) The standard case runs $49.95 and includes a swivel belt-clip. The Defender's layer colors can also be customized for another $10.

Armor Series

This final entry is also the toughest OtterBox case ever constructed. Swimmers, surfers and beach junkies should love this one. The Armor won't necessarily shield the iPhone 5 from shark attacks, but here are the quick specs:

• Submergible to depths of 6.6 feet for 30 minutes
• Withstands drops from heights up to 10 feet onto concrete
• 100% protection against dust and debris
• Stands up to 2 tons of pressure

OtterBox employs the same, general approach here as it does for the Defender, but with significant reinforcement. In addition to the beefed up latches, etc., its appearance actually has a lot more style than the Defender. OtterBox makes the Armor case available in three, different color combinations and charges $99.95.

Hit or miss, sink or swim -- OtterBox cases have the iPhone 5 covered, coming and going, like no one else's business. The question is how to decide on just the right one. Maybe Siri has a preference.