Plain plastic belt clips = pretty awesome to have. I didn’t used to like them, but I guess times have changed. It all goes back to when I used to jump over my seats in high school. One time I didn’t land quite in the seat and I absolutely totalled my cell phone case and the belt clip. It flew through the air in five pieces and my phone landed on the other side of the room with a nice crack on the screen. Idiotic, I know.

Ever since then I’ve held some stupid grudge against the normal plastic belt clips (I know I’m not being descriptive, but you’ll see what it looks like in the next pic). But now that my desk vaulting days are (mostly) over I am actually pretty okay with them. The new smart case I got from Waterfield is pretty familiar to those who have read my other review, but for the belt clip and extra pocket. Hit the jump for impressions and pics!

The belt clip is invaluable because the smart case really is best when it’s slung onto something and not taking up room in your pants. It’s a fantastic case, but it’s just a bit big for most pockets. This version of the smart case is still pocketable, but for a small nub where the belt clip attaches.

The ultra snug fit from the slip design is still here, but this time I had a plan to make the case more loose more quickly: I stuffed my camera into it (not pictured).

My Canon SD1000 is a pretty thin camera, but it’s definitely thicker than an iPhone. I shoved the thing in and left it over night and in the morning — Presto! — a comfortable holster with very easy access to the iPhone! I’m not sorry if I just made all the Waterfield staff grimace by writing this, but it has certainly improved my experience with it! My iPhone won’t fall out on its own if the case is held upside down, but it’s a lot easier to take out now. Now I have all the heavy duty protection of the smart case with the ease-of-use of other holsters.

The pocket is bloody awesome because I can carry things like my Leatherman and my small Lami pen with me at all times without worrying about them spilling out of my pockets. The pocket does wonders for keeping the items secure but accessible. I just press the pen or the knife against the case and push up an they’ll pop right up. Perfect!

Last but not least, the belt clip is probably the kind you’ve seen before. It locks at a 90 degree angle and rotates freely once it’s sealed. Nothing too special here, but nothing that I have any trouble with either. I’ve also found that the vibrating function of the iPhone still comes through just fine, so don’t worry about that.

Ok, so enough talk. What’s the verdict? I think it’s probably been obvious throughout the mini review, but as awesome as the Smart Case is by default, it’s just exponentially better when you snap a clip on it and stuff things in the front pocket. I’d highly recommend you pick one up if you’re looking for a great-looking holster that will shield your device from impacts and scratches. If you don’t already use a belt, this is your excuse to go out and buy an awesome one so that you can clip this sweet case right onto it. It’s well worth it

Product Info:

Fits both iPhone Edge (Standard) and iPhone 3G

iPhone Smart Case: $35 for Slip, $39 for Flap or Clip — $5 extra to add a pocket