Zagg’s Invisible (Problem-filled) Shield
After buying a new iPod Touch one of my gripes had been it’s an even more scratch magnet that the first generation iPod Touch. After doing some research I found Zagg’s InvisibleSHIELD and it looked unbelievably cool, so I bought one.
The InvisibleSHIELD is a thin, transparent film used to prevent scratches on a countless number of gadgets. Zagg says the film was first used on U.S. Military helicopters to prevent speed damage. The film is promoted as being near-indestructible, but I would beg to differ.
Watching the InvisibleSHIELD installation video on the Zagg website was part of the reason why I bought one. The video looked extremely easy and hard to mess up, but it’s pretty easy to mess up. I started taking pictures of each step of applying the InvisibleSHIELD to my iPod, but about a minute into the process I stopped taking pictures due to complete frustration. (At one point, I was swearing at the device.) To apply the InvisibleSHIELD you first remove it from the paper (it’s like a sticker), then you spray it with a clear substance, and then you apply it to the device. The first two steps were relatively simple, but applying the sticker correctly was a difficult feat. I unsuccessfully applied the screen film and was unable to move the sticker without stretching it out. The circular home button now has a little air pocket, which the squeegee can’t remove. The strength Zagg promotes the InvisibleSHIELD has, was thrown out the window when my squeegeeing put a small scratch in the middle of the screen.
Applying the back film was a little easier, until I had to squeegee the air/liquid pockets out. After about 30 minutes of squeegeeing I got most of the pockets out. In the process I had also stretched out the film and it doesn’t fit correctly on the device.
After letting the film dry for a couple hours I noticed that the air pockets weren’t as prevalent. I also noticed the feel of the film, which is actually preferable to the actual iPod screen. The film is easier to hold on to and the number of smudges on the device has decreased. I feel safe to carry my iPod in my pocket, but I don’t feel safe enough to keep it in a pocket with my keys. If the plastic squeegee put a tear in the film, the keys definitely will.
The InvisibleSHIELD is a stealthy way to protect your iPod, but it’s also a difficult one. Applying the film gives no room for major mistakes, which will frustrate a perfectionist like myself. Once the film has been applied, it protects the iPod from the average wear and tear. I wouldn’t recommend the InvisibleSHIELD because it’s too expensive for what it needs to do. The film is $25 for the front and back film, which seems a tad steep for a couple pieces of plastic film. On Amazon there are many alternatives that are selling for only a few cents. Give them a try before you spend a pretty penny on an, in my opinion, gimmicky sticker.
UPDATE: Zagg’s awesome customer service has offered to give me a second try. I will post my second attempt soon. Thanks Zagg for the great customer service.
November 17th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Loren,
Let me first give you my condolences on the application of the invisibleSHIELD. I personally know how frustrating it can be because of my experiences with it. I would like to send you another invisibleSHIELD free of charge and give you some tips on installing it. I have installed quite a few invisibleSHIELDs now and I think I have found a couple simple solutions to the problems that you had while installing.
First of all, the invisibleSHIELD doesn’t scratch with a rubber squeegee. You may have a mark on it, but a tear seems very, very unlikely. If you could send the shield back on a piece of paper (wax paper preferably) after receiving your new one, I would like to examine it to see what happened.
A couple install tips I would suggest would be these:
1. Be absolutely sure that your device is turned off and STAYS OFF for a full 24 hours.
2. Spray your fingertips before handling the shield, spray more solution than you think you need (I usually spray until a couple drops drip off the shield when it’s held vertically)
3. Once you have it aligned where you want it, spray the top of the shield with just a couple of squirts of the solution. This will prevent the rubber squeegee from “catching” and stretching the invisibleSHIELD.
4. If you have some air bubbles that are being stubborn, pull the shield back up SLOWLY from the edge closest to the bubble until the air is released and spray the shield again before squeegeeing.
I know it can be very frustrating, but with a little patience, it IS possible. I carry my iPhone in my pocket with my keys and pens all day and I don’t worry about it one bit. If you should have any questions, please feel free to email me. I will need your shipping address to send you a new one.
November 18th, 2008 at 12:25 am
Talk about support, It looks like Zagg found your blog the same day it was posted!
November 18th, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I just got my invisible shield for my iphone 3g and love it. The screen is actually clearer with the shield on which I found amazing. Not to mention now its bullet proof (almost).
November 24th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
[...] is my second attempt at installing Zagg’s InvisiSHIELD iPod skin. My first attempt ended in frustration and a really terrible looking film on my iPod Touch. After reading my post of [...]
November 25th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
I also recently purchased the invisible shield and was highly disappointed with the shipping speed, and the customer service. It took nearly three weeks for my product to leave their facility and all I got in emails was that they were working on it and shipping once mailed can take up to 2 weeks, well once it was in the mail it only took 3 days. Besides that aspect the installation was easy for the most part but on the T-Mobile G1 there are many curves where I felt the cuts of the material did not match completely, it overlapped in a few of the corners. Overall I think the product is ok but the customer service needs some work based solely on my experience.
December 18th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I recently recieved the invisable shield for my Samsung Instinct. The website also convinced me that the installation would be easy. It was very frustrating to install, but I kept telling myself “I only have to do this once.” When I was completed, I noticed quite a few inperfections and bubble/blemishes. I let the unit dry in the off position for 24 hours, and I did notice many of the blemishes and bubble were gone, and I really liked the improved grip and feel of my device. The biggest issue I have is, on the front cover, where the screen is viewed, there are many “micro-bubbles” that have not even moved, as claimed in the instructions (it is stated that they should “work themselves out” after 10 days or so). Also, I noticed after a few days, that some sort of a film or smudge or residue was present, which I attempted to remove in any way possible, but no matter what I try, it is still there. I am not sure now if it is on the outside, or underneath the shield. My phone was in my pocket, and on my desk, nothing out of the ordinary, so i am not sure how it could have attracted such residue. At this point, the screen is blurred and smudgy, and overall annoying, and I am contimplating removing the front shield altogether, which defeats the purpose. The shild seems to be fine on the back and sides, which was much harder to install. Maybe it is the material the front screen is made from? Maybe I did something wrong, but no matter what the case, it is more frustrating than anything.
December 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Hello,
We take pride in offering great customer service to all our customers. The invisibleSHIELD should be about 99% optically clear and if it isn’t, things like that are covered in our Lifetime Replacement Guarantee. I know that it can be frustrating to install because I had a lot of trouble on my first few installations, but it is well worth spending your time. I have had an invisibleSHIELD on my iPhone for a full year now and it is in absolutely pristine condition. I would definitely take advantage of our customer service by requesting a replacement for the screen/front of your device. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
-Chris
December 18th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
That’s awesome
February 7th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I just ordered the iPhone 3G version a few days ago. I hope this works.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I just got my shields for my 2 iphones (mine and my wifes) and the installation was a pain in the A@#!
there were many bubbles that i could not get out. the back of the phones are nasty!!!! the front screens are ok. how long woes it take for the bubbles to disipate?
not sure what to think at this point…
February 10th, 2009 at 4:42 am
It has been about 7 days since they claimed they have shipped my order. They are in Utah and I am in Rhode Island. I am still waiting but I am sure they will back up any claims. I will keep you all up to date.
February 12th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Today I bought an iPod Touch. As I had previously lost the fight when covering my 1st gen Nano, I took it to the mall where there was a teenager at a kiosk selling/installing the Invisible Shield. There were three people ahead of me. As each was finished, I asked to see the result and was somewhat satisfied before it was my turn to lay down the money. Having a teen who was applying these things every fifteen minutes all day long seemed a better bet than me trying it again. Now I’m waiting the required time before I decide I am fully satisfied. If not, with the lifetime warranty I can take it back and he can try again.
February 13th, 2009 at 3:39 am
It has now been 11 days since they have shipped the shield. I have sent postcards from a town out of Dallas, Texas on a Wednesday and they arrived on the next Monday in Boston, MA.
The Shield was said to be shipped on Tuesday and it has now been past the next Tuesday and going into the weekend.
What gives guys? Was it or was it not sent? Why do you not give a simple option of an extra few dollars for USPS tracking instead of this overpriced UPS shipping? This better not be a scam if one chose the free shipping.
Why no reply from you guys regarding this thread? You replied to the creator. Is the creator and Zagg one and the same? I am really starting to have my doubts.
February 13th, 2009 at 11:21 am
I am currently vacationing and won’t be back until next week. I have notified my team and they are looking into it.
February 16th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I bought one of these Invisible Shields for my Instinct at Best Buy before Christmas. My husband just put it on my phone over the weekend. It looks great, and he had no problems installing it. I don’t know how it will hold up, but I always keep my phone in a cloth case. I got the Shield because somehow, right after I got the phone, the screen got nicked…
February 17th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Still waiting for my product AND a UPS tracking number with 2-3 day delivery!
February 17th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
I just got another DO NOT REPLY e-mail from Zagg stating that my package has been shipped and gave me a tracking number.
Guess what folks! IT IS A BOGUS NUMBER! If I do not get my package by Friday at the latest I will be asking for a refund and I will be contacting the BBB
February 17th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Well look at this! I really should have checked the BBB before I made a purchase!
http://www.bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/electrolysis-equipment-and-supplies/zagg-incorporated-in-salt-lake-city-ut-22014848
February 17th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
http://www.bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/electrolysis-equipment-and-supplies/zagg-incorporated-in-salt-lake-city-ut-22014848
February 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Click on the VISIT MY WEBSITE link to the left of this and above the date! Zagg has a record with the BBB!
These complaints concerned :
1 regarding Billing or Collection Issues
3 regarding Delivery Issues
3 regarding Guarantee or Warranty Issues
4 regarding Product Issues
5 regarding Refund or Exchange Issues
These complaints were closed as:
15 Resolved
1 Unresolved
February 17th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
More information.
Yes I am upset.
These complaints concerned :
1 regarding Billing or Collection Issues
1 - Failure to correct billing errors
3 regarding Delivery Issues
1 - Late delivery of products
2 - Non-delivery of products
3 regarding Guarantee or Warranty Issues
1 - Failure to honor money-back guarantees
1 - Failure to honor service under the terms of warranties
1 - Failure to provide promised written warranty or guarantee
4 regarding Product Issues
3 - Defective, damaged, or incorrect product received
1 - None of the Above – Product Quality Complaint Issue
5 regarding Refund or Exchange Issues
2 - Failure to honor promised refunds, exchanges, or credit
1 - Failure to honor refund, exchange or credit policies
2 - None of the Above – Refund or Exchange Complaint Issue
These complaints were closed as:
15 Resolved
10 - Company resolved
the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to BBB.
5 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to BBB.
1 Unresolved
1 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
February 18th, 2009 at 3:54 am
It is 5:52AM and it JUST left SLC a few hours ago. And look at this. It will get here on the 24th! Nice of them to express ship it with Next day or something!
Tracking Number: 1Z 8X4 271 03 0313 381 6
Type: Package
Status: In Transit – On Time
Scheduled Delivery: 02/24/2009
Shipped To: PAWTUCKET, RI, US
Shipped/Billed On: 02/17/2009
Service: GROUND
Weight: 1.00 Lb
February 19th, 2009 at 10:00 am
As you can see in the posts above by unclemantis or if you go to the link posted, you will notice that there are 15 resolved complaints and one that is not resolved yet. We take care of our customers. The free shipping option that we offer states that it takes 1-2 weeks to be delivered. We just received confirmation that the package was delivered on business day 13. We also reshipped the item after having heard it was never received and upgraded the shipping to take care of him. That package takes 2-6 business days and should be arriving within that time frame. If there are any concerns about shipping procedures or packages not arriving, please contact our customer service department and they will do what they can to take care of you. We really do pride ourselves on customer service. The contact information is below.
Phone: (800) 700-ZAGG
email: questions@zagg.com
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Guys perhaps i am lucky but this thing worked fine with me right from the start.
I just want to thank zagg’s customer service. Since i live in greece the parcel took some days to reach my address not to mention that i was stupid enough to request a regular mail as shipping method.
the guys actually were about to send me another set of their product although it wasnt their fault. I advised them that i finally received my original order but my good impressions cannot be forgotten. Thank you Zagg. eerr ..and no i didnt get paid to write all this stuff.
March 19th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Well it has been exactly one wk since i applied my invisishield to my htc diamond. It works good, but it is pretty nasty looking. Most of the bubbles never came out and the edges are extra sticky and sticking up. Would that be something that would allow me to have a second one for a retry?
March 19th, 2009 at 11:23 pm
r8yjr,
I had the same problem with my first attempt and I would expect them to send you a new one. My second Invisibleshield on my iPod Touch has started to peel up on the corners and I’m thinking about a third redo.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I had an invishield on my 3g about 2 months ago… installation wasn’t easy, and I had a number of bubbles once installed. After a couple days of normal usage, the bubbles worked themselves out. Other than non-stick issues around the corners, I was completely satisfied.
About 2 weeks ago my iphone lcd just ceased functioning. Luckily it was under warranty and was replaced. Zagg also sent out a replacement.
While I’m not looking forward to installing another shield, I was overall very satisfied with it’s performance, and customer service was very responsive.