iPhone 16 Pro Max Apple Silicon Case or Caudabe Sheath?

I just transitioned from an iPhone 11 to a 16 Pro Max 512GB Natural Titanium and loving it! I am in search of a great case that provides excellent protection, works well with Camera Control, really good grip and feel that won’t look ripped up after dropping on the ground. My iPhone 11 case was a Spigen Ultra Hybrid Clear that served me well all these years through countless drops.

Currently I have the Rebel Frosted Flex MagSafe and Apple Clear Case with MagSafe, the Clear Case is much too slippery and I’ve already dropped it on concrete when holding it up with one hand to take a photo. No damage to the phone or case fortunately. I do have Apple Care + T&L as a safeguard.

I’ve done some research on other cases that are not going to cost me $100 each. The top 2 I’ve seen on YouTube seem to be the Apple Silicon case and the Caudabe Sheath. However no research measures up to real feedback from real consumers IMO. I would like to hear feedback about your experience and opinions, If you have recommendations other than those mentioned I’m open to that too. Thanks!

Figured I may as well share my experience here after paying quite a lot for this case. I had a Sheath on my iPhone 13 Pro and really loved it. Funky texture but plenty of grip and felt good to hold.

1. The 16 Pro’s Sheath sucks in comparison. For some reason it is thicker, making the phone feel noticeably chonkier to hold.

2. Then there is an edge on the camera cutout that is just not comfortable. The little lip between the cutout and the front facing edge is too thin. Combined with the rough texture I find it digging into my fingers when holding it, and even more so when trying to use the capture button.

You can see this lip pointed out by TechnicallyTee (https://youtu.be/mvtzISrJgD0) in my borrowed screenshot.

3. The last straw for me is how the texture feels combined with an Apple Magsafe wallet. Taking the finewoven wallet on and off, or even readjusting it, feels surprisingly unpleasant because the textures rub against each other. It’s like I’m sanding my wallet down every time I move it. Thought it was worth sharing for anyone considering this combination of accessories.

Anyways, I’m not happy with the Sheath. Tried it a few times and I keep chucking it back in a drawer regretting the purchase. I have mostly seen overly positive reviews on it thus far, so hopefully my experience can help set some realistic expectations.