This is the English edition of a review from my Japanese YouTube channel, iestaLife. I review gadgets from my home studio in Japan, so product links go to Amazon Japan. BENKS provided the case and ring for this review (PR).
Quick take
The BENKS ArmorGrid ArmorPro is an aramid-fibre (Kevlar) case for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, but it is not a featherweight: 40.1 g on my scale. What you get instead is a Kevlar back with separately reinforced sides, very tidy build quality, and a muted orange that matched my orange iPhone. The matching MagSafe ring is comfortable to hold but has a raised centre that weakens its grip on flat MagSafe stands.
What I tested
- BENKS ArmorGrid ArmorPro for iPhone 17 Pro Max (orange)
- The matching BENKS aramid MagSafe ring/grip
- My orange iPhone 17 Pro Max
- For comparison: a PITAKA aramid-fibre case and Apple’s own TechWoven case
What I found
- Weights on my scale: ArmorPro 40.1 g, PITAKA 20.6 g, Apple TechWoven 34.6 g. Roughly: ultralight cases 12–13 g, thin aramid cases ~20 g, this ~40 g, rugged cases ~60 g.
- The back is Kevlar with a rubbery-feeling coating; the weave texture is there but with almost no visible gaps.
- The sides are a different material, so there are no cut-outs around the buttons as on all-aramid cases. I prefer that for protecting the phone.
- It went on very easily and fits precisely. Buttons have an orange accent and press well; the Camera Control area is black and works fine. The port opening suits almost any cable unless the plug is unusually large.
- The raised camera surround has a metallic finish that looks premium and matches the buttons.
- The surface is smooth and slippery; without the ring, I felt it could slide out of my hand.
- The ring flips up as a stand (landscape or portrait), and the centre lifts so you can put a finger through. It is softer on the finger than a metal ring, though the stretchy rubbery part makes me wonder about durability.
- The ring is double-sided MagSafe, but the outer side is weak, and the raised centre reduces hold on flat MagSafe stands. Rim-type stands and car mounts with a recessed centre held it well.
- The case’s own magnets are average — not especially strong, but fine in everyday use.
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (measured) | 40.1 g | 20.6 g | 34.6 g |
| Material | Kevlar back, separate side material | Aramid fibre only (cut-outs at buttons) | Woven fabric |
Who it’s for
People who want an aramid-fibre look with fuller side protection, and who like matching the case to an orange (or other coloured) iPhone. If the lightest possible aramid case is the goal, PITAKA is half the weight. If you dock your phone on flat MagSafe stands with the ring attached, the raised centre may annoy you.
Watch the video
The video is in Japanese. Useful moments: around 2:20 unboxing, 5:50 the weight comparison, 9:10 the ring as a stand, 11:50 the car mount test.
Limitations
This was a first-impressions review; I had not used the ring long enough to judge its durability. When I recorded, Amazon Japan listed the case at about ¥8,000, and the orange version I received did not appear to be on Amazon Japan.
Products
BENKS ArmorGrid ArmorPro (iPhone 17 Pro Max): on Amazon Japan
BENKS aramid MagSafe ring/grip: on Amazon Japan
The Amazon Japan links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the listing for the exact model, current price and shipping availability in your region.
More reviews in English
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This review is also available in Japanese.