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If you’ve been frequenting the site, than you’ve probably read my numerous reviews for Cygnett products. I’ve used a lot of their different cases for my past iPhone 4, current iPhone 5, and iPad 2. Since I just got an iPad mini, I figured I’d give Cygnett a call and have them send me their latest cases for the it. Three of the cases they sent me were their Workmate, FlexiGel, and Vector lines. These cases are very similar to their iPhone 5 counterparts in which they only protect the rear and sides of the iPad mini.

Cygnett Workmate

workmateThe Cygnett Workmate is the workhorse of the lineup. Just like the Workmate for the iPhone 5, the iPad mini version is a heavy duty tough case meant to withstand serious abuse. It is a dual layer case offering 2 layers of protection. There is the thick, silicone sleeve for the inside that offers hardcore shock absorbancy and protection and the hard outer polycarbonate shell that protects your iPad mini from bumps and bruises.

Like the iPhone 5 setup, the iPad mini version does not require that you pull the 2 layers apart in order to install them. You can slide the iPad mini right into the case with just a bit pulling and pushing where it will sit inside the case nice and snug. Once on, you’ll find that the case adds very little extra bulk to the iPad mini.

I really like how all four corners of the iPad are protected by the hard polycarbonate shell while still having that extra shock absorbent silicone layer underneath. As you now, the corners are usually the most fragile points on any device so it’s good that the dual layer protection is extended here. As usual with most cases, all the necessary openings are available for all ports and accessories however the sleep/wake button and volume buttons are covered for added protection.

The only thing I kind of don’t like about the case, and this is mainly for aesthetic reasons is the silicon material itself. Yes it offers great shock absorbancy but I just hate that it is literally a magnet for lint and dust. Since huge portions of the silicone is exposed, I found myself constantly wiping off lint and dust.

Other that that issue, it’s a wonderful case that does an excellent job of protecting your iPad mini. Cygnett has the Workmate for the iPad mini listed for $39.99 which isn’t too bad of a price for a tough case. You can get it in either red or slate grey. Note that this doesn’t come with a screen protector so you’ll have to make sure you pick one of these up as well.

Cygnett Vector

vectorThe Cygnett Vector is another tough case for the iPad mini. This one differs greatly fro the Workmate as the Vector only offers 1 layer of protection. It’s made from an impact resistant material that has a plastic-like feel to it but is also very flexible and shock absorbent.

It installs similar to many iPhone cases in which all you do is just slide your iPad mini in and push it all the way in so the sides of the case snap into position and overlap the screen. Once on, it has a very snug fit and will not easily come off unless you want it to. As usual, there are holes cut out for all the major ports, speakers, mic, camera, and audio jack. The sleep/wake button and volume buttons are covered for added protection but feature built in button designs for ease of use.

The main design element of the Vector is on the rear with its 3D-line design. I rather like this design as it helps give the rear an added flare to it that you would normally not see if it were just smooth. This also allows for better grip when holding your device. Overall, I rather like this case for everyday usage as it very form fitting, sleek, and does not add a lot of bulk.

The Cygnett Vector retails for $19.99. It is available in either red or black. Note that this also doesn’t come with a screen protector so you’ll have to make sure you pick one of these up as well.

Cygnett FlexiGel

flexipadThe last case I’m looking at is the Cygnett FlexiGel. It’s similar in style to the Vector case in except that it uses a slightly more rubbery like material but features a high gloss, smooth finish. Again, this case is similar in style to iPhone 5 cases in which it is meant to protect the rear and sides of your iPad mini as well as the sides of the front screen.

Installation is very simple and exactly the same as the Vector. All you do is just slide your iPad mini in and push it all the way in so the sides of the case snap into position and overlap the screen. Once on, it has a very snug fit and will not easily come off unless you want it to. As usual, there are holes cut out for all the major ports, speakers, mic, camera, and audio jack. Like the Vector, the sleep/wake button and volume buttons are covered for added protection and feature built in button designs for ease of use.

I rather like the FlexiGel as well as it does a good job of protecting most of the vital points on the iPad mini. One of my main concerns is getting the aluminum back all scratched up or dented and the FlexiGel does a great job of protecting those areas. The gloss finish is also neat in that the way the gloss it, it makes your fingers stick to the surface and allows for some pretty great grip when handling it. Overall, I very nice, inexpensive case that offers good protection.

The Cygnett FlexiGel retails for $19.99 and can be purchased in either black or blue. Again, it doesn’t come with a screen protector so you’ll have to make sure you pick one of these up as well.

Final Thoughts

After checking out these three cases, I can say that I’m still a fan of Cygnett. If you don’t need a cover for your iPad mini but want a case that offers great rear and side protection, the Cygnett cases have you covered. All three of these offer shock absorbent designs that protect all edges of the iPad mini. I also really like the fact that all 3 of these have raised edges on the front which offers good lay-flat protection. This means you can turn the iPad mini over on a table and the screen won’t be rubbing up on the surface.

The only small issue you’ll run into and this is only if you have the Smart Cover is that with these cases on, you can’t use the Smart Cover. Other than that though, you can’t go wrong with any of these. They are well made, fit great, and offer good protection for your device.

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