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.

The Sheath with the camera control button is out! My iPhone 16 Pro Max finally feels complete.

I am a huge fan of the Sheath case and used it on my 15 PM for almost a year, then I sold it on ebay because it was still in great condition. However, this year's Sheath lacked a camera button, and I wasn't a fan of the camera cutout. So, I purchased the Apple Silicone case, but you can see that the edges are smooth and shiny and it has wear spots from my magsafe ring. The apple silicone case was also starting to come loose in the corners, a problem I never had with prior sheaths.

I took a risk with this green case, red button color scheme, but I absolutely love it. Eucalyptus (green) with custom Scarlet (red) buttons. Taking out the buttons was a bit difficult... I rec getting one side of the button popped out and then pulling it out from the back side. I used my fingernail on the inside of the case to pop out the small action button. The buttons snap in place, so they aren't just floating there.

Camera button functions perfectly--just like on the Apple Silicone case. I tried about five cases before originally going with the apple silicone, and the the Sheath (with camera button) feels like a big step up.

This is just the perfect case. Exactly what I wanted.

Today my Caudabe Sheath arrive for my iPhone 17 Pro. I decided on the black case and silver buttons for my silver IP17P. I've been usig the Sheath since the iPhone 11 Pro. The fit and feel is what I expected for a Sheath. I like the way the silver stands out with the case. I consider myself lucky getting it as fast as I did with all the demand for the case. It was well worth the wait.

After enough people on here recommend the Caudabe sheath, I went ahead and ordered it - I’ve always used the Apple leather cases in the past.

However, this case is just not for me. It’s just too thick and heavy.

Has anyone tried the Caudabe and can recommend something that is smaller/lighter that they believe is better than the Sheath?