the core reason for folks like us to use a case on our iPhones is for protection and to certain extend, to stick out from the crowd. however, if you harbor the secret desire for your iPhone case to go above and beyond the usual knocks...

Marudai Armored Case for iPhone 4
(photos: Marudai Corp) Marudai Armored Case for iPhone 4 | ¥52,500.00 | www.marudai-corp.com

the core reason for folks like us to use a case on our iPhones is for protection and to certain extend, to stick out from the crowd. however, if you harbor the secret desire for your iPhone case to go above and beyond the usual knocks and bumps, then a Japanese firm, Marudai Corp has just the case you need. meet the Marudai Armored Case for iPhone 4. a case that’s worthy of its namesake as it is said that this hefty, steel-laden case is capable of withstanding a direct hit from a .50 caliber bullet. however, the bulletproof capability only applies to its back where it is shielded by an inch thick of steel. up front, the phone’s touchscreen remains open for access while the rest of the area is protected by a thin anodized aluminum case that stretches to the sides. suiting up your iPhone 4 with this body armor requires you to slip your iPhone into an included protective case, after which the weighty steel and aluminum front case are bolted together. due to the thickness, a separate lens is required for the unusually deep camera hole, which makes all your images look like they were taken through a peephole. the armor bears a raw look and is finished with a process known as parkerizing that gives the steel surface resistance to corrosion and wear. all told, this monster case weighs in at a hefty 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) and adds about an inch to your otherwise lightweight and thin iPhone. available in black or white, the Marudai Armored Case goes for an equally hefty price of ¥52,500 a pop or around US$645, based on the current going rate. oh, for that price, you will score yourself a commemorative dummy bullet and four spare lenses.

Marudai Corp [JP] via Luxury Launches