User Reviews of Helix Holster II for Treo 755p, 750, 680

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Cases Treo & Centro Holsters

User Reviews of Helix Holster II for Treo 755p, 750, 680

$19.95
Manufacturer: Helix
Works with: Treo 755p, Treo 750, Treo 680

Part# A2549 Mnf# HEL633-SW
In Stock

30-day 100% Money Back Guarantee!

37 total ratings

8% rated
14% rated
8% rated
5% rated
65% rated

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Awesome Holster

User: William Steward, Feb 20, 2008

Pros:	Low-profile, very secure, cheap
Cons:	none

I bought this holster after my last leather drop in holster got wore out. I was wanting a snap in holster like this for quicker access and picked this one up at the Palm store in the Detroit Airport. I have been using it for two weeks now and love it. I wish I would have had this when I first got my Treo 600 years ago. Not sure if this holster even existed then. A great product.

	Best Ive ever Had
User: D J, May 28, 2008

This Holster is just what i was looking for. Ive had other Phone clips, that dont protect the screen and ended up running into something and breaking my screen, This one faces your phone in and protects that from happening. I originally bought this Holster two years ago and found that it works best, by turning the clip sidways. That way when you sit down your big phone (Treo) doesnt jab you in the ribs. For those of you who continue to break the Holster, im assuming its from using it verticaly. I did break mine aswell, but, only because i was playing football with it on and it was yanked off while being tackled. I ordered another one several months ago, and have had no problems with it. Love It!!

Good but Watch OUT

User: Brian Michaels, Jan 2, 2008

Pros:	Good holster
Cons:	Breaks if youre not careful

Great holster. Holds the phone and protects it well.
CAUTION: When I went to sit in my car the clip broke. Its pretty sturdy but it cant handle certain force. Take it off before you sit in your car. Seating in an office chair seems to be fine.

Excellent and sturdy case for a good price

User: Remi Howell, Apr 15, 2008

Pros:	Solid construction, tight fit, reasonable price
Cons:	Swivels too easily, off center hook

I purchased the Helix II to replace by old Smartphone Experts Skincase + holster after being disappointed by the quality of the SE holster and ultimately stepping on it in the dark and breaking the clip off. I had mixed emotions at the time..... on one hand I just broke my phone case, but on the other hand I had a good excuse to buy something I would like better.

To begin the case came very quickly and without any problems in shipping. My first impression out of the box was that it was a much higher build quality than the SE holster with rounded non-sharp edges, an integrated hook to hold the phone (vs. a hinged hook) thats offset to the side, and a soft-touch rubbery coating to the plastic that gives it a velvety feel. The holster comes with two belt clips to use a fixed hook, and a swiveling hinged clip.

Adding to its favorable first impression I was elated when I popped my treo in for the first time with a satisfying "snick" reminiscent of my old Nextel phone and with no doubt whatsoever that it could come out without my permission. The clip holding the phone has a rubbery tip so it wont scratch the phones case, and the arm has just enough give to clear the top without bending very much at all. The holster is well designed around the face of the treo and fits it like a glove most importantly in that none of the buttons can be pushed while its in the case (a significant problem Id had with the SE holster that caused many a "beep" when a button was pushed during a conversation on my headset, or unlocked the phone and called someone while I was doing something else). The only time Ive ever had my treo fall out of the case was when the edge of a shirt was caught between the phone and the case while I was clipping it in. It held until I stood up and the shirt was stretched and the phone popped out. That however was user error, and aside from that one time its never come out of the case unless I took it out.

I only use the swiveling spring belt clip, as the hook on the bottom fits perfectly on my 2" work belt so I have no worries about it popping off my belt, and I cant comment on the fixed clip. Initially the swiveling mechanism was very stiff and I had to nearly force it to go from position to position, over time however it has become much more loose and it often swivels when I dont want it to. All in all it swivels less than the SE case did so Im still happy with it that respect.

Other people have complained that the case breaks when they sit in their cars, however Ive not had a single problem with that. Im a paramedic and spend a large amount of time getting in and out of vehicles, carrying equipment and patients and generally squeezing myself into small spaces all while stress is being applied to the phone/holster on my belt. Through all of this punishment the case has held up strongly without a hint of breaking, Ive been using the Helix now for more than six months.

So what do I not like about the Helix II? Even with the fatiguing of the swivel mechanism the only problems I have with this case are so minor that they really arent problems. First the off-center clip to hold the phone is annoying as it covers the silent on/off toggle switch. A centered clip would allow you to set the phone to silent without removing it from the case, as well as make removing and inserting the phone one-handed a little easier. I imagine that it is off center so that it is still compatible with 700 model treos with an external antenna, however it seems like even a centered clip would clear the antenna. Second the soft-touch coating scrapes off the plastic over time as the case is used. The coating is more an aesthetic feature and doesnt harm the cases function so even with it scraping off it still works fine.

Bottom line I would recommend this case to anyone looking for a solid form fitting belt holster. Its well designed, well constructed and is a steal at $20. Should I ever break my case Ill be back to buy another one.

	Nice design hampered by poor durability
User: Timothy Trace, Feb 3, 2008

Loved it when I unboxed it. Broke the large belt clip in a month. Small clip was still going strong when the retainer arm snapped off the body. Might order another, might not.

Bought Two, Broke Two

User: Dennis Olsen, Dec 17, 2007

Pros:	Nice Design, Easy One-Handed Operation
Cons:	Top piece that holds Treo in holster breaks easily

I had two of the original Helix Holsters. I like the one-handed operation, protection for the face, and that I can feel the phone vibrate. (In my office environment, Ive never had my Treo on ring - vibrate only.) However, the bottom part by the keyboard of my holstered Treo broke on both of them within a few months of normal use. The Helix Holster II looked like a nice replacement with a much thicker piece of plastic across the bottom. However, the plastic doesnt have as much "sheer-strength" as the older model, and the clip that goes over the top of the Treo breaks easily. I ordered two in mid-October so I would have a spare. By December 10th, both were broken.
I didnt like the more "rubbery" holster by Smartphone Experts because the clip that goes over the top of the Treo kept sliding the switch on my Treo 650 from Vibrate to Ring. I have gone back to it because it is the only unbroken holster I have, and the switch on my Treo 755p is recessed enough so I dont have the former problem. I recommend Smartphone Experts to anyone wanting a holster for a Treo 755p, but not for earlier Treo models.
Palm has done an excellent job ruggedizing the Treo 755p. I have "bounce tested" mine several times. Each time my holster has broken, the Treo has landed on concrete, usually when I was walking at a fast pace. The back cover flys one way, the battery goes another, and the Treo is really getting scraped up. Each time, I put it back together and it still works. "It takes a licking and keeps on ticking." Sorry this got so long.

Bought One, Broke and Exchanged 4, Givin Up!

User: Drew Hendry, Jan 23, 2008

Pros:	Sleek design
Cons:	Very fragile (1-4 weeks of usage before breaking)

I had a Seidio case for my 650 that worked great. They would last about 6 months and then they would need to be replaced. The Helix case, though, would break on me usually within 1-3 weeks. Im givin up and moving on to another brand.

This holster will break

User: Joseph Lovegren, Feb 2, 2008

Pros:	good looks, good design
Cons:	Weak, it will break

I had 4 Helix, two for my Treo 650 and two for my Treo 750.
The best thing about the case is the close hug clip - it doesnt stick out like many other swivel based cases.

The first case broke at the bottom. All of the rest broke at the clip on the top. I have $80 with of broken cases.

Yes, I have broken the Helix and the Helix II.

	5 out of 5 broke
User: Amie Tooley, Feb 23, 2008

I bought a Helix holster for my 650 a couple of years ago and its still in perfect condition. Thinking I couldnt go wrong with a new one for my Treo 750, I bought this one. Not only did I buy one for me, but I also bought one for a friend of mine who got a new 750 right after I did. Mine broke, and then hers broke with a day or two after that. The customer service department was awesome and we had new ones shipped out within days. Once again, mine broke, and then hers broke. It always broke in the same spot - at the top where you push/lift it a little to release the phone. Both of ours broke at the same spot each and every time. She gave up at #4, while I tried one last time. Luckily my phone wasnt in it at the time, but the holster fell from my kitchen counter, hit the floor, and broke right at the same spot. I think its a true flaw in the holster. I dont recommend this one.

Works well, then breaks

User: Troy Farrell, Mar 5, 2008

Pros:	Two clip choices, protects the screen from impacts
Cons:	The performance doesnt last

Ive used this holster for my 755p for almost three months. It has kept my Treo well-protected and I love it. Just today, the plastic clip that holds the Treo in the holster fractured from fatigue. Im not sure Ill buy another. I need a holster thats not going to wear out so easily.

Poorly Designed Latch

User: Willlie Corredea, Apr 13, 2008

Pros:	Slim fit, easy removal of phone
Cons:	Composition of material is poor

After purchasing two Helix II holsters Im done with this company. I bought a Seido for my previous Treo 650 with similar design but different material, and it worked well for three years. With this Helix Holster, the latch became too flimsy to hold the Treo 750 safe and secure. Having just dropped my phone (thankfully on carpet) as a result, I felt compelled to write an opinion now. The composite plastic on the Helix seems too brittle and unforgiving and with repeated removal and replacement of the phone, the latch bends backward at the neck and provides no grip on the phone. Try, gently as I did, to reposition the latch forward, and it snapped broken. My first Helix did exactly the same thing. Buyer beware.

Not recommend

User: Kevin Koehler, May 2, 2008

Pros:	Very easy to use and get used to.
Cons:	Poor design for the retaining clip or choice of manufacturing material

I bought the Helix II in March 2008 and in 45 days it broke. The retaining clip that goes over the top of the phone broke off at what I would call its base. It was not subjected to abnormal wear or abuse. Considering the price of the phone alone I have been very mindful of handling it especially when putting it in the case as I did not want it to fall out. I was simply putting it in the Helix II case, (which is a simple one hand operation), and the retaining clip broke off. I am now looking at some other models. This design may be better if somehow the material were either thicker or reinforced a different way or simply made out of another material. The soft feel material I am not as much concerned with as I am the functionality and durability of the product. Does it actually do the job it is presented to do as stated. In my opinion it does not. It is now broke and is useless. I have a rubber band around it to hold the phone in the cradle but keeping the whole thing, minus the belt clip, in my pocket to just have some type of guard over the touch screen until I can get another holster. It will not be the Helix II.

Didnt last - not a good value.

User: Mark Raby, Jun 12, 2008

Pros:	Slim profile, good fit
Cons:	Broke during light use

I have to disagree with the primary review of this holster. This holster wasnt durable at all. I bought it eight months ago, and have used it only sporadically (perhaps 15 times). The last time I removed my Treo from the holster, the entire arm that holds the Treo in snapped right off. Although the manufacturer touts "Sheer-strength technology," the plastic appears to be brittle and not suitable for this application. At $19.95 + shipping, it isnt inexpensive for a plastic holster, so I expected it to last more than 15 uses and eight months. I asked for the manufacturers or distributors contact information so I could inform them of this durability issue, but the TreoCentral representative informed me that they were prohibited from providing that information(!) This indicates, to me, a lack of concern by the manufacturer for customer satisfaction. (Note: TreoCentral does provide their own 6-month warranty for this product). I cant recommend this holster as a good value for the money.

	Great design, flimsy construction
User: John Berkenbosch, Jun 23, 2008

I love the design - its convenient, fast, and doesnt interfere with either hearing or feeling incoming alerts. However, I have had this holster for about a month and twice the upper clip has snapped off. the first time i thought it was my use since I was in the car and had taken the phone out and the clip snapped when it got caught in the seatbelt as I undid the belt. Then, after they sent me a replacement, it snapped within a couple days when I was simply putting the phone into it. Too bad because, as above, i really like the design otherwise. Maybe I just had bad luck as i know others are very happy with the product too.

EXCELLENT design and easy to use but breaks with normal use

User: Brian Suhre, Jul 22, 2008

Pros:	Very easy to use, and quick access to phone
Cons:	Latch mechanism that holds phone in WILL break

I had a couple of these holsters for my 650 and I love the way they function. Only problem I had over several years was I broke two clips. I then switched to a 680 phone. The 650 holster will work on the 680 phone but it doesnt hold it very snug. I bought a holster for a 680 and it functions just as well as the old one except the arm that holds the phone in broke off with normal use, then the replacement broke and then ANOTHER replacement broke. Same place each time. Im currently using the holster from my 650, which works, but the phone doesnt fit as snug as it should. Sure wish they made one that wouldnt break... really like the ease of use and quick access to the phone.

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