Review: BB 8130 Seidio Rubberized Holster

I spent the better part of a day trying to find a holster for my VZW 8130. Everywhere I looked had leather pouch holsters or cheap looking clip holsters. This particular one stood out, rubberized and felt lined were both good things. The few images online looked quality as well.

Here are two links to this holster:

Manufacturer ($29.99)
RUBBERIZED SPRING CLIP SWIVEL HOLSTER FOR UN-SKINNED 8100/8130 - HLBB8100AS

Retailer ($25.95)
BlackberrySource.com - Rubberized BlackBerry Pearl Holster

I ordered this from BlackBerrySource.com shipping was expensive, FedEx was the only option, but I had it in two business days . I would purchase from this seller again.

I just received this today so I cannot speak to the durability etc. My initial impressions are very positive.

-The belt clip is strong with stiff spring and the rotation of the belt clip has good feedback.

-The rubberized coating feels very high quality and showed no blemishes on arrival.

-The felt lining seems to serve it's purpose well enough. Soft, clean, and again without blemish.

-The snap action of the top clip seems solid I do not have any concerns about this popping out unexpectedly. The backing plate extends halfway up the phone, this makes it seem even more secure and should help keep your clothes from popping the phone out of the holster.

*Overall I would recommend this product based on my initial impressions.*

Enjoy the pictures and please let me know if you have any questions.













Per request here are some pictures of the phone being held and worn.









This holster successfully activates the phone's standby or "holster" mode. As you can see the magnet is quite strong.

Great pictures, nice review. After you've used it week, please post back with an update?

Absolutely. I will update this thread now, from the one in the 8130 forums, with the additional information I've added.

Additional comments on this product, courtesy of member: 7100g.

I used this holster with my Pearl for a long time and am now using one with my 8320. I've been very happy with it.

I thought I recalled reading somewhere that the rubberized beltclip for the 8300 was too tight and damaged the top of the BB where the clip hooked in. Am I wrong? I love these clips (use one with my 8800) and will definitely get one if it doesn't crack the 8300's case.

Having used this clip for a week I can easily say that my initial impressions continue to hold true. This is a quality piece of hardware.

I have not seen any indication that the phone is being held too tight. It enters and exits the clip with no problem. Once in place it feels secure with no movement. The top clip does not appear to be stretched or anything that would indicate the case is too large for the clip mechanism.

In a weeks worth of use the rubberized plastic and felt lining have not shown any signs of wear and the rotating clip continues to be strong.

The only negative that I have found to this clip is that the inside of the clip has a metal grommet that scratched the outside of my belt when I tried to slide the clip along my belt. If I make sure to open the clip a little when sliding this does not happen, and it does not happen with normal wear. It's a little thing but really the only negative I have seen thus far.

I'll provided another update in a few weeks

Thanks for the encouraging words. I may be completely imagining this mysterious problem of this clip ruining Blackberry casings, and it would be surprising given Seidio's track record of quality products. And considering my clip for the 8800 has been spectacular (until my friggin' Shih-Tzu got her mitts on it ) I shouldn't be surprised that the one for the 8300 is equally great.

BlackBerry 8300 Super Premium Holster - Black - Free Shipping.

is that the same as the above? Does anyone know if this would be compatible with the 8310?

This does not appear to be the same holster. Try visiting Seidio's website to see if they make one for your application.

Seidioonline.com

I just ordered This One for both my 8300 and 8800. Freaking dog ate the last one. Can't stay mad at her, though.

http://homepage.mac.com/rseijas/.Pictures/ginger2.jpg

PM me and that DOG will never give you another problem!

I remember I read the same information regarding the damage (to 8300) on some popular BB review sites. I had the older 8700 beltclip from them when I used my 8700. They claimed it won't scratch the housing or the top part where the clip sits on, however it turned out those places got the most scratches. Very disappointed, so I didn't buy any clip or case from them for my 8820 and 8300. They need to do more QA testing.

Rambo,

There were a few people stating that our holster was removing the rubberized coating from the top of the Curve, with an equal number of people saying they weren't even using a holster and it rubbed off. There were and still are people having problems with the coating on the top being too thin and rubbing off easily.

If you're using our holster, you probably already know that the spring clip is designed to be lifted when holstering your device. We designed it this way specifically to prevent scratches. If you decide however, to "push" the device into the holster, the simple friction will make it possible to put scuffs on your phone.

If used correctly, ours is one of the most protective holsters available.

Thanks

I keep track of over 200 blackberrys and a wide variety of cases. This is done in a rugged environment and there is no better overall holster than the one sold by seidio. Sometimes there is a little wear in spots, but the device is very well protected. Even in situations not faced by the average joe.

Will you be coming out with the hard case and clip for the 8130.

At the end of week two I can still vouch for the quality of this product. I have even been lazy about inserting my 8130 into the holster. I just snap it in, no lifting up the clip as suggested above. I will fully admit I realize this may lead to wear on the case but thus far I have seen no indication of wear.

I bought this holster in early August'07 and overall, it's an awesome unit for my Pearl. I wear it so that the holster is upside-down and so is the phone (clip goes on the belt from underneath). it makes it easier to take the phone out as I just use my index finger to push down on the clip.
about a month after I got it and used it every day on my belt, the swivel started to lose "grip" and progressively wore down. I took it back to the store in T.O. where I bought it but I didn't have my stinkin' receipt so they couldn't do anything for me I still use it but the swivel is very loose now and I'm just waiting for the day when it pops off with my phone...
(there's also a tiny bit of wear from the clip on the top/back of the phone. better there than on the screen, I think!)
overall, this holster is great but I'm not too confident on the design of the swivel. has there been a redesign of that or if I get another one will it lead to the same failure?

The clip was completely redesigned. Please email your information to and I'll make sure you're taken care of.

Thanks

Thank you for your review. I have been doing a lot of research on this holster and it looks to be the best one. My question is will it accomodate the 8130 pearl "facing out"? and will it put the phone into sleep mode facing out? thank you!

just tested it. YES, the phone goes into sleeper mode when placed face-out. NO, if you put the top of the phone into the base first (i.e. upside-down). when the phone is in the holster with the sleeper magnet engaged, incoming calls do not reactivate the screen - you just get the flashing light and/or vibrating. I recommend keeping it face-in to protect the screen and keep possible grim out of the keys and roller ball. again, better to have scratches on the battery door (replaceable)!
I don't think you will be disappointed with this holster.

I just bought the seidio for my 8130 and my felt stuff is already coming off after two weeks.

Thank you for the information. I REALLY like this holster because it seems like it is good quality and it has the hinge at top rather then friction top. I haven't ever used a holster b4 because they always seem cheap and too plasticky. I just want it for my purse so I can latch it on. Problem is that i don't want to take the phone out of holster every time I need to use it (I use it A LOT) This would probably be perfect for me if it didn't have the sleeper magnet. I bought screen protectors and the bodyguardz full skin to protect the outside. I just can't figure out what I want. I know I don't want something bulky and I think that's why I love this one so much. I wonder if they would make it for me without the magnet? hmmmmmm????? Unless someone knows how to be able to use the phone in the holster?

Brizz,

Please email your contact and original order information to and I'll make sure you get a replacement.


Thanks

For the Blackberry 8130 users in Canada, if you woud like to get this holster,
Telus Mobility stores carry this holster.

Seidio

Any idea when the rubberized hard case and holster will be available for the 8130? I've been checking the website, the only thing it says is coming soon.

same here. I have been jonesin' for new 8130 stuff. I want a hard case and carrier......

yes, it is coming. I do not have ETA date (our product group has not let me know yet). I think it will be about 7 to 10 days from now.

Seidio

Will the holster still hold the 8130 if I appy the BSE Skin protection material?
Thanks,
Bruce

Yes.

The question I have is, if the magnet is that strong, will it wipe out bank/credit card mag-strips?

I have had my Sedio belt clip (non rubberized) for about a year now.

It still rocks!

Concern about it wiping bank cards? No. It will not.

Umm, why are you trying to put your bank cards in your cell phones belt clip?

Anyways, just due to the distance away from the clip that your cards will be (beyond half an inch) the magnet is not strong enough to wipe them. You would get stuck to most kitchen appliances as you walked by it if were.

Do I have scarring of my unprotected Pearl (8100) from this clip after a year? Yes and no. The 8100 is chromed on the stop. My chrome is a little warn down in the region. But then again the phone is over a year old.

The felt is firmly intact and my screen is scratch free.

The belt clip swivel is still very tight, the spring in the clip is still strong, and the top clip spring is as well. I have always worn my clip upside down as well, and have no fear of this failing on me.

The only trick to wearing it upside down (complete with the belt clip portion upside down as well) is that on some soft belts (such as a web belt as opposed to firmer leather belts) external preassures (such as my cars seat belt) will tend to pop it off. This might be alleviated by a more aggresive hook design on the clip like my old samsung flip phone had, but the way it is (or was 1 year ago) still works great on a firm belt.

I would buy this again for a new phone, as I don't suspect I'll need to by another to replace this one (barring dogs, and cliff height drops).

I had the 8100 for a year with this very same belt clip and it was very good. I did not notice any damage to the top of the berry after a year of faithful service. The swivel stayed tight and never varied from its set position. One thing that has already been noted here... When wearing the berry horizontally, the top of the spring clip is a bit tall and would jab me in the ribs when seated. Wearing it upside down eliminates this problem completely.

I have the Seidio holster and the Seidio skin on my 8130. I really like this combo as well. The clip has started wearing on the top of the skin. No biggie...

Randall
Two Mike Romeo

I ordered this clip from Seido online May 6, 2008; the site says the order shipped, but no tracking no., and after 2 weeks, no clip, and none of the other things that I bundled with my order. CC has been duly changed though.

I see good reviews here, but I am getting nervous...

Alox,

Did you ever receive your package? If not, please send your order number to and I'll see what I can find out for you.

Thanks,

Yes, I have, thanks!

any updates on the products, does it show any weak spot ?