I spent a great deal of time researching cases. My requirements for an ideal case were:
1) a sturdy belt clip (for while I’m biking to work)
2) does not slip out of the case easily (same reason as above)
3) access to all the buttons and plugs, including the dock (I use iMuff wireless headphones with my iPhone and the transmitter connects into the 30-pin dock)
4) sufficient protection for when I drop it
5) a cover to protect the screen from scratches, but not a skin I would need to press through to use the iPhone
I can confirm there are many cases available. I read every discussion on cases I could find to assess the good and bad aspects of each.
I purchased a Sena Dockable Case.
http://www.senacases.com/
I have used it for two weeks and it has met and exceeded my expectations. For each of my requirements, I found:
1) Complaints about belt clips stated the clips would come loose from the case or would not hold well on the belt, or pants without belts. I wear beltless shorts on the bike and this case holds it securely. The Sena case has a sturdy clip that locks onto the case and allows it to turn 360 degrees. Pushing a very secure button on the clip will allow removal of the clip which is good when I want to carry it in my pocket and not look like a geek walking around with it on my waistband.
2) Reports said some cases stretched out with use, especially after removing it and reinserting it into the case numerous times, which allowed the iPhone to slip out unintentionally. With the Sena case, there is no need to remove it from the case. All the buttons and slots are accessible when it’s in the case. It has a flap to wrap around the front of the iPhone and secures with a magnet at the bottom, assuring it cannot accidentally slip out. I read reports that magnets on cases might interfere with the electronics, but I have had no problems.
3) There are openings on the case for the Ring/Silent and Volume buttons as well as openings for the headphone jack, 30-pin dock, speaker and microphone. The flap covers the Sleep/Wake button, but if you press on the case over that button, it will respond easily. Of course you can also easily open the flap to press the button. I haven’t removed the iPhone from the case since I got it. I can stick it in the doc with the case on or connect the USB to 30-pin slot to charge and sync it in the case. Some reports had concerns about having the dock slot exposed because it might get dirt or something in it. Sena makes a case which covers the slot, but then it would need to be removed from the case for connecting it to charge. I haven’t had a problem with that either and I stick my headphones transmitter in it every day and put it in the dock every morning when I get to work.
4) The case is a sturdy and durable leather (I sweat a lot riding the bike but the case doesn’t show it). Of course I haven’t tested to see if dropping it with the case would break the phone, but it seems very well protected.
5) A flap covers the screen and opens easily to expose all the iPhone controls. I read some cases covered the only button on the front, but everything is easily accessible with the Sena case. I was unsure about the flap cover, but it has been no problem, and meets my requirement of protecting the screen. The flap was a little stiff at first, but after a short time using it, it flips up and stays out of the way when using the screen controls or talking on the phone, including full function of the face contact sensor (a reported problem with other cases).
I wasn’t really interested in the aesthetics of any case, but the leather fabric and construction of this case make it stunningly attractive. They make it in 10 different colors and a couple of 2-tone versions. I got the navy blue.
If the belt clip is your primary concern, I can attest this one works extremely well, even going over bumps and potholes and getting on and off the bike. You may not be as interested in my other requirements, but it has been perfect for me. I can’t think of anything I don’t like about it.
