Since getting the iPhone 3G, I’ve had a chance to try quite a few skins. If you want protection for your shiny new phone without the bulk of a case, a full body skin is just about the only way to go. Even though Apple eschewed the super-scratchable aluminum back for a less silver plastic back, it still scratches awfully easily. With the relative cost of a skin vs. the total phone cost, its almost a must. So, I tried quite a few, and here are my observations.

The contenders: BestSkinsEver, Bodyguardz and InvisibleShield. I also tested other front-only products, but that’s a story for another time.

I’m going to break them up based on their relative merits.

Price: BestSkinsEver is uncontested in this department. They cut costs by removing the frills offered by other companies, shipping their product in regular letter envelopes and with no instructions or application solution. The cost for a full body skin is $7.99. Bodyguardz comes next, with a 2-pack of their fully body skins running $24.99 ($12.50 each). They do go big on the frills though, with a full size box including a spray bottle of solution and application instructions printed on the box. Invisibleshield is last in the price department, with a single skin running $24.99. They offer the same “frills” as the Bodyguardz.

(Bodyguardz Packaging)

Ease of Application: Bodyguardz takes the crown here. With less folds, flaps and individual pieces than any of the other products, it is definitely the easiest to install. They also include a spray bottle of solution, so you don’t have to make your own. Invisibleshield is #2, with solution included as well and a more straightforward installation of the back with their single piece design. Since my review, BestSkinsEver created a single-piece back that should make things better, but I haven’t had a chance to try it. Through process of elimination, that puts BSE at #3.

(BestSkinsEver Corner Application)

Quality: Frankly, they’re all about the same. BestSkinsEver and InvisibleShield both use the same basic skin. Invisibleshield claims that they use some special “nano coating” but that’s just marketing speak. I haven’t verified what skin Bodyguardz uses, but my guess is that its similar enough. They all have about the same clarity, but your own application quality will be the deciding factor (how much solution you use, what temperature you put it on with, how you align, application environment) and so fourth.

(Bodyguardz Back Application)

Customer Service: Believe it or not, this does matter. Bodyguardz and Invisibleshield both offer lifetime warranties (replacements if you ever screw yours up) and while BestSkinsEver doesn’t advertise this, they do offer it (from my experience, they’ll send you a new one if you ask nicely). In numerical order, I would place BestSkinsEver at #1 because they have a very “down to earth” attitude and they’re very nice people. Bodyguardz at a close #2, very nice people to deal with. InvisibleShield is #3 by far, I would consider them at the rank of sleazy. You don’t want to have to deal with IS customer support, and that’s not just my opinion. Its so widespread that its practically fact.

(BestSkinsEver Front Application)

Conclusion: I’m afraid there is no cut and dry conclusion. You have to make your choice based on any number of factors that matter to you, but I’ve tried my best to outline the differences. If you’re really strapped for cash (what are you doing with an iPhone?), BestSkinsEver is cheap and a fine product. If you’re looking for some nice “extras,” my nod is to Bodyguardz. You won’t have to make your own special sauce to get it to stick and you get a proper instruction manual in the box. I cannot in good conscience recommend Invisibleshield because of the serious problems with Zagg.