Catalyst Influence IPhone 14 Pro Max Case 2022 REVIEW — MacSources

Catalyst provides rugged protection without the bulk!

As the prices of iPhones edge further into the obscene, the consequences of a drop, tumble, spill, ding, screen crack, etc. increase. Even with Apple Care+ coverage, I dare not tempt fate by carrying my phone sans case with four young kids, an energetic dog, and for the D&D fans, for the chance of rolling a Nat 1 that day. Despite the hype of releasing new Apple tech each September, I think I enjoy the second round of excitement when I get to review/explore new tech from trusted manufacturers.

I have tested many cases over the years and continue to fall back to the tried and true Catalyst cases. I met the Catalyst team at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2016 and dared to try something new with my iPhone 6s Plus. After a few return visits to Las Vegas for CES, watching the case drop competitions, and reviewing cases for the iPhone 7, 8, X, 11, 12, and 13 versions personally, I was excited to evaluate the latest flagship protector, the Catalyst Influence iPhone 14 Pro Max Case.

UNBOXING

The catalyst influence iPhone 14 Pro Max case (2022 6.7" Pro) arrived in a classy 4 inches wide by 7 1/4 inches tall by 11 inches thick hanging style retail package. Divided into an outer slip cover, and an inner base layer, I was impressed with the overall design. Starting with the outer slipcover, you will immediately notice the raised, glossy, image of the upper half of the phone case, the raised bezels of the camera, and an orange-accented region describing the “patented rotating mute switch.”

For those who have never utilized a catalyst phone case before, the volume toggle is likely the best on the market. Below the photo-quality image, you will find the Influence name, iPhone size/compatibility, an image of the phone dropping onto a lower edge, and an image of someone holding the phone. I liked the bar graphs comparing standard drop-proof data and louder sound between non-catalyst and catalyst cases. The cover provided the 2.5x higher drop proof (3M/10Ft-Mil STD-810G) rating and “Up to 30% Louder Sound” thanks to the forward-facing speakers.