Hitcase Makes Its Debut

Dec 17, 2012 at 15:25
by Hitcase  
Hitcase Pro

The fourth annual AT’s Showdown marked the official MTB debut of the Hitcase Pro, a mountable, waterproof case that transforms the iPhone into a ruggedized POV camera. Hitcase Pro, with its built-in wide angle lens, captured professional quality photos and videos of the Pro side-by-side dueling action as well as the new amateur competition at this year’s Showdown. Showdown host Andrew Taylor (AT) and the Hitcase team also presented the *hitshow best up and comer award to the rider that stood out. The winner Brayden Barret Hay received a Hitcase prize pack that included a Hitcase Pro with an Apple iPhone 4S, helmet and tripod mounts.


Back in 2011, filmmaker and Hitcase CEO Brooks Bergreen and Andrew Taylor were independently working on projects to create a case that would transform the iPhone into a mountable POV camera for action sports. They decided to join forces and spent more than a year perfecting the design and mounting system for Hitcase Pro, which is now finally available online and in stores.

“We’re absolutely stoked to have Andrew onboard to put Hitcase to the test every day. He’s an awesome rider and an awesome person, and we couldn’t be happier to support him and AT’s Showdown,” said Brooks Bergreen, Hitcase Corp. CEO.

The Hitcase Pro has a patent-pending ShockSeal design that waterproofs and protects the iPhone from the elements and shields it from shocks and drops while allowing use of the touch screen, buttons and headphone jack. It also includes a Railslide™ Mount System with auto-locking and trigger release functionality that makes it quick and simple to mount the case to just about anything. Hitcase Pro’s built-in, removable wide angle lens also doubles the effective field of view of the iPhone’s camera to shoot professional quality photos and videos.

StickR Mount
StickR Mount

SuckR Mount
SuckR Mount

ChestR Mount
ChestR Mount


“I’ve been lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel the world and use Hitcase every day to capture my rides in crazy destinations,” said Taylor, who has spent the last seven years traveling the globe on ongoing film adventures. “With being on tour and having this active lifestyle, Hitcase makes it easy to shoot a quick photo or video, and upload it wherever I am to share it with friends. It’s also tough enough to protect my phone in hard falls.”

Hitcase Pro for iPhone 4/4s is available now for $129.99 at www.hitcase.com and is coming to REI stores and Apple resellers this winter. Hitcase for iPhone 5 will launch this December just in time for the holidays.

About Hitcase
Based in the outdoor sports mecca of Vancouver, British Columbia, Hitcase builds the worlds best sports activity products for iPhone. For more information on Hitcase visit www.hitcase.com.

About AT's Showdown
AT’s Showdown is a main event at the SF Bike Expo hosted and created by Andrew Taylor. The Showdown draws many of the world’s best freeride mountain bikers for a true head-to-head dirtjump competition. Find more information at www.atshowdown.com

Author Info:
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Member since Nov 9, 2012
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94 Comments
  • 61 2
 For that price, I'd rather get a used go-pro but thats just me...
  • 6 1
 i agree
  • 10 0
 ya... I was getting interested until i saw it was 130 bucks. A used HD Hero 2 is like 150.
  • 6 0
 completely agree, 130$ bucks and a brick that you carry every where, i think i'll pass
  • 21 2
 so is it safe to say that the "hitcase" will not be making a "hit"? lol sorry I had to
  • 7 0
 sorry but this happens to be one of the most pointless thing i have seen in a while...
  • 3 2
 And the video quality isnt all that great. Used Gopro is a better option or save another 60 bucks for an HD hero3
  • 2 18
flag octalex1 (Dec 17, 2012 at 20:15) (Below Threshold)
 i got my hero3 black for 80 Big Grin
  • 10 0
 how??
  • 4 1
 HOW!!!!!!!
  • 7 0
 I call bull.
  • 3 0
 probably owns an action sports store and got it for cost Razz
  • 4 1
 i would a like to of seen some pov footage on a helmet or chesty
  • 2 1
 @bullitproof Cost is more than double than that. Trust me, I work at a shop lol he's lying unless he black mailed his Gopro rep
  • 3 13
flag octalex1 (Dec 18, 2012 at 0:16) (Below Threshold)
 Cuz im a boss and i got connects
  • 6 1
 Its for the younger kids who arnt lucky enough to have both a phone and camera, ide say its a good xmas gift since every 10 yr old owns an iphone now adays
  • 2 0
 pretty cool mounts tho, and it looks like you could mount a gopro to them maybe?
  • 1 0
 yahhh used go pro over this anyday.... picture quality way better with gp as well and iphone is a little too big i think for mounting
  • 9 1
 I bet your 'connects" love the fact that you brag about your discounts on the internet. Nothing screams worthy like devaluing a product.
  • 2 0
 I kinda like the theory because I don't like carrying a lot of stuff, and I will always have my phone on me. I'm not sure the execution or the price is enough to convince me yet, but the theory is good in my opinion.
  • 3 0
 Cause you bought it stolen, from a local crackhead?
  • 1 0
 Id pay the extra bucks... Waranty
  • 25 1
 no matter how good that case is I still would't trust an iPhone in there
  • 4 2
 i just wouldnt trust an iPhone :o)
  • 18 0
 Wow! Ok guys, no competition with the GoPro. We love that cam and as it stands right now GoPro is king of the POV cams. But any of you stoked on using the new Hero3 edition will know that all three versions can now be dialled in with a smart phone (iPhone). We're not trying to replace a GoPro, were just trying to give you options. If you have a iPhone, why not turn it into camera B?! Edit and upload a quick teaser on camera B mid or post ride...get people stoked for the full version (epic GoPro footage included). It's a mountable case that could help you take your vids to another level. Cheers.
  • 8 14
flag cyberhawk (Dec 18, 2012 at 0:12) (Below Threshold)
 gopro isnt the king.. they are hyped and fashionable.. just like iphones..
  • 1 8
flag finnrambo (Dec 18, 2012 at 9:19) (Below Threshold)
 sure, seeing as drift and contour are nowhere near in terms of quality
  • 4 1
 Thats BS.. i have a drift very pleased with it and i do not have a small fridge attatched to my helmet.. And i have seen some contour footage.. and that is pretty nice aswell. It depends on how its edited and what the site does with it what you see online.. RAW footage differs little...
  • 4 0
 i think the point here was the price point, if your box costs as much as a gopro then people will simply buy a gopro.

as an owner of a GS2, id like to say i wouldnt pay more than £30 for a what essentially is a mount, id rather get the proper thing
  • 2 0
 I've never been able to figure out why someone hasn't come up with a bluetooth lens / remote that connects to an iphone. Have the iphone in a bag or pocket for the data storage/processing etc, and only have a lens with an on/off swith externally. The lens could be tiny and attach to anything easily. I'm not an engineer, so i don't understand the logistics, but i'm surprised it hasn't happened.
  • 2 0
 That my friend, is ingenuous, honestly putch that idea to gopro, it would be amazing
  • 1 1
 bluetooth costs a lot of power.. so the lens would need a battery ..and it would end up not being so small..
  • 2 0
 im currently working as a electronic engineer installing bluetooth to various things. I can tell you bluetooth these days uses almost no power at all. The main problem would be is bluetooth is relatively slow for what your trying to achieve here and may not entirely cope with the data rate. to stream 1080p youtube video its around constant 2meg internet speed streaming, achieving that reliably with bluetooth is a challenge.
  • 1 0
 good point aswell ! and thanks for the info.. what i dont get is that there are more and more cables on bikes.. drop post, fork lock and so on.. what is the problem running a good pen-camera with one wire to your back pack or somethingf. ?
  • 16 0
 for 130$ maybe save up a little more and get a go-pro?
  • 1 0
 exactly! its 1/3 the cost of a top of the range GO-PRO...
  • 9 0
 hahah this is awesome.. at least we know now not to introduce any of you guys to our momsSmile

We obviously have some convincing to do. GoPro Drift and Contour are all killer cameras for different reasons, but they are cameras! RandomPinkbikeUser - mounts Hitcase, presses record - Hits a kicker (snowboard season) at 55mph - stops record - Unmounts Hitcase - trims clip - uploads to YouTube - title : My Lunch Break.

Some people will be stoked on the idea they can share what just happened/ is happening moments after the fact. Others will be more stoked on throwing us an "anus flavoured lollipop".. (haha well file that one away for later use)

Anyway thanks for the feedback either way, stoked to hear it all. First person to write us a personal message with something constructive gets a FREE HItcase Pro mailed today!

Cheers!!!!!!

P.S. for other ways to use Hitcase see vid. bit.ly/Tw2SAH
  • 1 0
 How tough is this thing exactly, I'd love to see some testing videos.
  • 1 0
 you guys need to integrate this distinction heavily into your marketing....otherwise the product looks just like a less appealing alternative. try to emphasize the practicality and its more diverse applications.
  • 2 0
 If I still had an iPhone, I'd grab this thing in a.heartbeat. I mean otter boxes ate good and all, bit then you add waterproof and wide angle lens.... Apple should sell a hitcase with every iPhone lol
  • 1 0
 Note to self: stop posting from phone, spelling errors like whoa!
  • 9 0
 There is virtually no footage of the case in action. The whole video is just an ad for shooting action sports with an Iphone.
  • 5 0
 He should have ended the talking segment at the begining by throwing the camera off the cliff so we could see how ell the case works.
  • 3 0
 or you could just use a Lumia 920, better audio with HAAC and video because of the cameras increased dynamic range. Has OIS thats almost on par with DSLR's. Well not the high end ones anyway. Plus it can actually take a beating.
  • 5 0
 Howbout instead of $300 for an Ipoo and another $130 for the case (billborard size at that) I just pick up a Gopro....
  • 2 0
 Guys, why so negative?! This is pretty decent. If you are going to take your phone out with you, why not use it as a cam? Why not use it to run an app like strava or some bike gps thingo. I can't justify the cost and time of filming editing etc, I would rather be out riding and getting stoked other peoples pro films. This is good for the average punter with an iPhone. A bit pricey perhaps, but a good well executed concept.
  • 5 1
 There's only one thing I'd like to hit in that video and it's not the case.
  • 4 0
 The one on the left or the right?
  • 2 0
 We use the Hit Case it works really well for us . IT mounts to any go pro attachment fully water proof . also a safe place for the phone when out in the elements . We also use it to link with the go pro .
  • 1 0
 It's a great execution of an iffy idea. It looks like it would be a very robust case. However, this seems like a very niche market that is already very well served. I feel like the overwhelming problem is the underwhelming performance if the iPhone camera. That video looked like it was shot from an iPhone which is hardly a compliment.
  • 1 0
 Sorry guys but I think your missing the point. Don't be so quick to be negative. As a photojournalist I would love to have one of these. The more options you have the better you can tell your story! I have all types of cameras at my disposal and often times I don't carry one with me when I ride because it is so cumbersome, but I have my I phone though. I agree it is expensive but with time that could change. The Idea is great.
  • 1 0
 This is sick. I like the fact that you could edit at the bar after your ride and boom. dunzo. I always forget to edit later on and footage these days becomes old news almost immediately. Nice work AT! I always have my phone with me. this is a sweet addition to action sports filming. I also like the fact that you can zoom!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 I like this solution because I hate buying a bunch of electronics. GoPros are a pain in the a$$ to get media off of compared to an iPhone. I always carry my iPhone so it is always charged and I always know where it is... my pocket or hand. Not sure where my gopro is right now.
  • 5 0
 Anyone notice the MPH didn't work?
  • 1 0
 iPhone? Expensive Protection? The Lumia I carry in the sidepocket of my shorts survived 1000nds of dh-rides and still locks pristine and for still shoots picture quality is really good. As for action shoots - Gopro is way better than a phone and its really waterproof.
  • 1 0
 This is such a shame. I think it's brilliant that small companies are getting out there and developing products for our sport. In a perfect world I'd like all of these indi co's to become successful.
This particular example though might have been let down by a distinct lack of market research and a weak product launch?
........"and for that reason, I'm out."
  • 1 0
 i have a hero 2 and will also be buying the hitcase. the biggest problem for me is there are not enough pov shots. show us some chest cam shots that are not aiming straight at the top tube Smile thank you hitcase
  • 5 1
 The thing is, who doesn't have a action cam nowadays?
  • 5 5
 people who don't have 400 dollars to throw around for a go pro. even though i would love to have one..
  • 5 0
 gopro.com/cameras/hd-hero3-white-edition and.... www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1233365, both better deals than the case IMO
  • 1 0
 pmsl what crack head thought this was marketable ?
that is easily one of the least realistic prices i have seen for an item of this type.

sort your head out hitcase makers and produce this for £40 or don't bother
  • 2 0
 also where are all the POV shots? 2-3 shots of some terrible angle riding shots is lame
who passed this as a show case?
i could wave my iphone about with a cheap stick on fish eye and make that video with ease.

lazy
  • 1 0
 Could do it with out the stick on fisheye
  • 2 0
 i would be curious to see a response from hitcase and hear their personal views on this..
  • 1 0
 If I'm going to buy a hitcase then I want to see a video full of POV shots. That video was more or less of a person holding an IPHONE.
  • 4 2
 I don't care how tested and approved the case is, I would never strap my iPhone to my head and ride
  • 3 0
 Still would rather have a GoPro.
  • 5 3
 If you can afford an iPhone you can afford a GoPro. I would much rather go with a GoPro.
  • 5 0
 but maybe you cant afford both. I dont have an issue with companies trying to optimise what the iPhone already has. By your logic, should we not use facebook or a browser or anything else on our iphones because we have PCs?? bugger it, lets separate mp3 playback too. I want a nokia 2110e and a first gen 128mb mp3 player. And while im at it, how about i downgrade to windows 95. Why cant you guys accept that this is just a step in the evolution of gadgets?
  • 1 0
 yea ryan how inconsiderate of you
  • 1 2
 All of your comment replies are quite inconsiderate too, Brett.
  • 1 0
 ah, guess they didnt get the memo that the galaxy is the sheezy steezeez now?
haha, proly just pissed off 99.9% here...
but seriously, its night and day.
foxconn...meh
  • 2 2
 Laaaadies and geeentleman

.... and the winner, of the anus flavoured lollipop of the year award goooes tooooo (drumroll)


... The HITCAAAAASE.

Congratulations, this is shit!
  • 1 0
 my contour with a 32gb class 10 sd card has better quality then any go pro. and doesnt look like a small tv attached to you...

contour.com/videos/watch/file0012--426
  • 1 0
 Thanks to all the guys who sent us personal messages! We had a overwhelming response and gave away a Hitcase Pro to Greg Fines of Calgary Alberta. Stoked. Thank you.
  • 1 0
 I've owned a Go pro and Contour and they have no editing abilities but being able to mount an iPhone to yourself then quickly edit it is very convenient.
  • 2 0
 Just another Optrix copy ...
  • 1 0
 Check out my Optrix POV footage. Optrix has been around since 2011, and it works great. This footage was shot with an iPhone 4s, an Optrix wide angle case, and the Optrix Chest mount.

EXPLICIT LYRICS
www.pinkbike.com/video/285408
  • 1 0
 Why iPhone!!! Apple is for girls....Why not make something for any smart phone.
  • 1 0
 looks like the mounts would work with a gopro, though... wonder if the chest mount moves any less.
  • 1 0
 I'd hope so, the chesty was dissapointing especially for skinny riders like me.
  • 1 0
 didn't seem to matter for us, skinny rider, fat rider, body armor, no body armor: bounced up and down enough to make the footage unusable after every decent impact.
  • 1 0
 yeah it must be just the elastic strap plus everbodys chest shakes when they ride noticable or not
  • 2 0
 there were literally like 3 shots in that whole video that needed the case
  • 1 0
 for a promo video promoting a POV concept there certainly isnt much in the way of POV.....
  • 2 0
 I use galaxy s3. Iphone sucks!
  • 1 0
 Buy the hero 3 white edition Its half the price and it shoots fine
  • 1 0
 To me, it looks like a pretty good protective case...
  • 2 1
 This is why you never advertise a product on pinkbike.
  • 1 1
 ...but what about the fact that video shot with an iphone looks like complete shit?
  • 1 0
 meh..........i'v got a Hero 3 and a Galexy 111
  • 1 1
 Action sport heros know- go pro, or no go.
  • 1 0
 contour is way better, refrigerators are only useful for keeping food cold, not filming your biking Big Grin
  • 1 0
 touche....







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