zCover iSA 5G Tough

zCover’s iSA 5G Tough is a silicone case for the the 5G iPod (with video) available in five different colors: clear, pink, black, blue, and glow-in-the-dark white. Basically a more-rugged version of the company’s iSA 5G Original, the Tough covers your entire iPod except for the screen, hold switch, and headphone port. The bottom provides a flap for connecting your iPod’s dock-connector cable, and, like the Original, the portion of silicone covering the click wheel is thinner than the rest to improve control. What makes this case stand out is the raised ridges on the sides that give added protection, much like those on Speck’s ToughSkin cases.

As with the Original, a hard-plastic shield that fits into a groove in the case around your iPod’s screen protects that screen, and a removable plastic belt clip, which secures using two pieces that connect through the back of the case, is included. The clip itself rotates so you can use it in any number of positions. Unfortunately, the rotation mechanism relies upon a plastic ring that becomes loose with use, requiring one to periodically push the ring back in to tighten the rotary action.

The iSA 5G Tough gives you all the benefits of the Original plus a good deal more drop/shock protection. On the other hand, like the Original, the included belt clip’s design has a flaw that could be a hassle if you plan on using the rotation regularly.–Derik DeLong