I’ve been a self-proclaimed gadget nut for a long time. The story is usually the same. Something new comes out and I get it. Then I proceed to purchase every accessory imaginable or currently on the market for this new item. You can of course imagine the amount of accessory items I’ve purchased over the years for my various gadgets. I think it’s safe to say I’ve easily spent over $5,000 in gadget accessories.
Why am I telling you this you’re probably asking yourself. I simply wanted to make you aware of my familiarity with the different accessory retailers out there. I do this so you know I know what I’m talking about when I say this.
I have never come across a company who better reacts to the needs of their customers than Fortte.
Other companies might say they do “custom” work. Or that they listen to what their customers say but how many actually take the feedback they receive and respond to it actively? Not many. We as Blackberry users are lucky. There are a few companies who do things the right way like Fortte does. Gizmoskin and Siedio come to mind. These companies have earned a cult like following, and rightfully so, because of the way they handle the needs of their customers.
So, a few weeks ago a few Blackberry Forums members wrote that they like the Fortte line of cases but wished they’d come out with a ratcheting belt clip instead of the free swivel clip currently being used. What happened? Fortte reacted and is set to release cases with a ratcheting belt clip.
Salo, from Fortte, was nice enough to recently send me two samples of cases which utilize the new ratcheting belt clip.
Side note. I had always pronounced the company Fortte (like "fort".) Little did I know I was doing it wrong. Salo answered the phone and pronounced it Fortte (for-tey). So now I know and so do you.
By now you’re probably saying enough Larry, on to the cases. So let’s go.
Fortte sent me two cases for the Blackberry 8700c. The STi Vertical Pouch case and the Lateral Pouch case.
We’ll look at the STi case first.
This is an all black, leather, pouch style case with no flap/top. The Blackberry is held inside the case by pure friction. The case is all leather except for the sides which are elastic. This allows you to use the extended battery with this case. Or in my case fit with Egrips and The Best Skins Ever installed.
The fit of the case is perfect.
The case has a cut out for the speaker so ringtones/alerts are not muted.
As I mentioned above this case has no top.
When placed into the case the track wheel, audio jack and charging port are all fully accessible. Only the escape key is hidden.
This case does utilize a sleeper magnet and it’s positioned perfectly.
The ratcheting clip Fortte has decided to go with is the best of its type I’ve ever seen. It’s nice and long so it’ll slide over most belts and is ridged at the bottom so it locks in place. You can rest assure there is no chance of this belt clip coming off your belt.
Note in the picture below. I’m wearing a wide belt today (I measured it 1-1/2 inches wide) and there’s still room for the clip to go on a wider belt.
The stud used for the clip is sewn to the back of the case. It’s a notched plastic stud and it’s very secure on the back.
Once clipped in the clip offers you eight different locking positions.
The case does sit slightly low and out when worn on your hip but I’m not sure how that could be avoided with this type of clip.
Conclusion – If you are looking for a pouch style, belt clip case, look no further. This is it. The leather used it superb. The clip is strong and secure, and the fit is perfect.
The other case Fortte sent me is their Lateral Pouch.
This case is made from a different type of leather than all the other cases in the Fortte line. It’s still black but is much stiffer. Salo explained to me that they need to use a tougher leather on the lateral pouch so over time the pouch does not sag. I love the leather used in this case and actually prefer it to the leather used in the other cases Fortte makes.
Here you can see a shot comparing the two types of leather.
This case uses a magnetic flap closure method.
The case has a cut out on the bottom which makes it easy to remove the device. Just press up with your fingers.
This case does have a sleeper magnet and it is properly positioned. The 8700 must be placed screen in to utilize the sleeper magnet.
The case I was sent has the same ratcheting belt clip I discussed above so I won’t go into detail about it all over again. Just know the same positive feedback applies.
Conclusion – Another great one from Fortte. The leather is beautiful, the fit excellent and once again the new clip rocks!
Pros: Perfect fit, , ratcheting belt clip, sleeper magnet, extra tough leather. Fortte’s customer service.
Cons: Belt clip does stick out a bit.
I’m in case heaven
Posted by: Synncere
Thanks for posting the review. I think I found my next 8700 case. It looks great!
Posted by: lgreenberg
Which one?
Posted by: Synncere
Quote:
Originally Posted by lgreenberg
Which one?
The second case.
Posted by: ceebz
The lateral pouch looks great!
When is Fortte going to start selling them?
Posted by: lgreenberg
It's on their site now.
They now have 6 different clip options.
No clip:
Rachet Clip
Swivel Clip
Fixed Clip
Heavy Duty Clip
Belt Loop
Posted by: Mr Pink57
your wife has got to wanna kill you by now larry, but i guess you could just say "hey its like you buying a new purse or shoes." lol nice review.
pink
Posted by: lgreenberg
Hey now, I didn't purchase these cases.
The guys at Fortte were nice enough to send me them gratis to review.
