Cell Helmet is a durable dual-layer phone case for iPhones. It’s made of a uniquely patented pyramid protect and cross diffuse system which protects your cell phone. This two-part, dual-layer case has a robust and sturdy nylon outer shell and a cushioned inner shell composed of long-lasting Thermoplastic Polyurethane.
This provides military-grade protection for your phone case while being small, non-bulky, and simple to slip into your pocket or handbag. To top it all off, they provide an appealing range of matte hues that will keep you trendy while protecting your phone.
Are They Still an Active Company?
Yes, the company is active and still in business.
How Did the Shark Tank Pitch Go?
Mike Kane and Dave Artuso came to Shark Tank seeking an investment of $160,000 for a 20% stake in the company. They started an impressive pitch, entering with Viking helmets on and purposefully destroying their competitors’ products with an anchor and a bat.
Then officially started their presentation by stating that while their product wasn’t durable enough to withstand being beaten by a bat, they would still provide the service of fixing and replacing the customer’s phone if they’re damaged within a year of buying the Cell Helmet phone case.
They proceeded to share their sales which were 1300 units; Mr. Wonderful didn’t particularly like that. So far only 3% of their customers had sent their phones back to utilize the repair warranty. Mark Cuban then took this opportunity to imply that their product wasn’t as shockproof as they were claiming since customers had experienced damaged phones.
The Sharks found it hard to believe the claims made by the two entrepreneurs about the durability of the product because they didn’t want to be associated with a product that didn’t live up to the hype. Kevin was the first to step out, followed by Robert, who just didn’t feel there was enough of a customer base for smartphone accessories.
After this, Lori and Daymond stepped out too because they didn’t think the business was viable enough and people were likely to exploit the free repair service warranty offered by them. Mark Cuban was the last to call quits, citing bigger companies offering the same product and being too hard to compete against.
Overall, the Cell Helmet Shark Tank review was negative and they left without a deal. However, even after their failure to acquire investment from the Sharks, Cell Helmet sold almost 1400 units after the episode was aired and received a lot of inquiries from retailers. The business currently generates almost $11 million in revenue each year and is available in more than 3000 retail locations. They now also offer liquid glass screen protectors in addition to the phone covers.
Our Review of Cell Helmet
We decided to try out Cell Helmet phone covers for ourselves to see how they would fare in practice.
The good news is that Cell Helmet is a compact TPU case that easily slips onto iPhones and covers them completely. It’s not too thick unlike most dual-layer phone covers and its openings are properly sized for charging cables and buttons. It protects the sides of the iPhone as well as the back.
It also comes with a repair warranty, which is a huge advantage to users who drop their phones frequently. It comes in a wide variety of colors and allows customers to customize the cutouts that they want, while the design itself is pretty unique. The phone case is also reasonably priced.
The bad news is that the inner sleeve of the case does cause debris build-up which can be hard to clean for cellphone users plus it can seep into the phone. The debris can also damage the screen cover of the phone. Plus Apple already offers a $99 warranty through Apple Care protection that lasts up to 2 years, meaning that the Cell Helmet warranty isn’t really necessary.
Pros of Cell Helmet
- Variety of colors
- Affordable
- Unique design
- Durable material
- Repair warranty
Cons of Cell Helmet
- Warranty isn’t really necessary
- Can damage phone screen
- Debris build up at the bottom
Who Is Cell Helmet for?
Cell Helmet is for iPhone users of all ages and genders. It provides military-grade protection for users who frequently drop their phones and end up damaging it.
Are There Any Alternatives?
The dual-layer smartphone cover market is oversaturated with options.
The Cubix Rugged Dual-Layer Back Case is one good alternative to Cell Helmet. It’s a dual-layer case with military-grade drop protection. The design is easy to put on and take off plus it also comes with a kick-stand and a rotation-ring at the back to make the phone easy-to-hold.
The kickstand is the perfect addition to smartphone cases since it allows users to watch videos and video call other people without tipping their phone over. Unlike the Cell Helmet, the Cubix Back Case is made of polycarbonate which is an extremely durable material.
Our Final Thoughts
Cell Helmet is a good product for people looking for pyramid-style dual layering protection, which is stronger than polycarbonate covers. The repair warranty is pretty affordable at only $50 shipping fees as compared to Apple’s almost $100 warranty with a $50 deductible. Plus the Apple warranty can only be bought within 30 days of buying the iPhone therefore the Cell Helmet warranty is a good option if you couldn’t buy AppleCare in time.
The design is stylish and the case itself is lightweight and thin, unlike most shockproof cases which tend to be thick and chunky to carry. It’s also affordable, which many users would prefer. They offer a lot of customization options as well. If Cell Helmet offered additional options like a kick-stand or a ring holder, users might like the product even more.
However, the smartphone case does effectively protect your phone from shocks and impacts and prevents overheating as well.
