Initially released by Thyrm in 2019, then revised in 2024 as the DarkVault 2.0 Critical Gear Case, the small hard case is specifically designed for protecting the end-user’s smartphone in an abusive tactical environment that allows immediate access to check messages, notes, or other smartphone apps.
Made dominantly from Thyrm’s proprietary polymer blend, the DarkVault 2.0 is available in either a standard composite, or in an upgraded design that includes RF blocking capabilities relative to the stored device. With an overall size of 7.22” (L) x 5.33” (H) x 1.5” (W), the DarkVault 2.0 attaches to most MOLLE-compatible mounting surfaces, specifically plate carriers or tactical bags.
Exterior
The forward-facing side has a notable window that allows the smartphone’s camera to function while still inside the case for recording purposes.
Sides of the DarkVault 2.0 are otherwise unremarkable except to say that they are part of the interlocking sides that work to create a seal between the two halves in addition to the top and bottom.
The top features an inter-locking latch that allows for easier function of locking/unlocking the DarkVault and accessing the interior.
On the bottom are two hinge points that allow the DarkVault to open completely flat for maximum access into the interior and utilizing the smartphone.
The inward-facing side includes two full-length guides for inserting into MOLLE-compatible attachment systems, with interlocking latches to ensure a positive hold.
Interior
The interior space of the DarkVault 2.0 is secured via continual Poron® sealing gasket around the edges to ensure a dust-free and water-proof environment while the DarkVault is closed.
The smartphone is held in place by an integrated phone clamp that uses reverse spring tension to hold the device in alignment with the space.
The phone clamp, and interior of the DarkVault 2.0 will accommodate the most popular smartphone devices, although not with some variants of phone hard cases attached.
The DarkVault 2.0 Critical Gear Case is available in a Regular size and Large (featured), as well as in Multicam (featured), Multicam Black, and split FDE or Tan colors. Additional options for the DarkVault 2.0 is as a Comms version, or RF Blocking, and with/without an optional exterior Velcro panel.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): With a list price between $89 and $160 (dependent on color and model), the cost of the DarkVault 2.0 entails the molded polymer material and, if selected, RF blocking capabilities that place it in a good price point. The Dark Vault 2.0 brings the ability to record video, and retain the use/access to a smartphone whenever the situation arises. Other smartphone cases, like the Armor Plate Carrier Mount ($105 and not including the phone’s hard case) from Juggernaut Case or the Gen 2 Navigator Mount ($66) from High Speed Gear only provide a means to carry a smartphone device—without any real protection for the device itself. A Vaultek LifePod X ($84) will get you the storage and protective level, but bulk and inability to mount to a MOLLE-compatible mounting surface are detractors. As-is, the DarkVault 2.0 really is in a class of itself, as alternatives either are less functional, or too bulky to utilize mounted to a plate carrier.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): From a pure comfort aspect, the biggest elements of the DarkVault 2.0 was the capability to easily lock/unlock the inter-locking latch that secured the lid while still mounted to a plate carrier, and with/without gloves. Inversely, the ability to securely protect the phone allowed the end-user to focus more on the tasks at hand, rather than the vulnerability of their smartphone. Otherwise, the Vault opened fully unless magazine pouches on the plate carrier obstructed its range of motion. The spring-loaded phone clamp on the interior of the Vault securely held the smartphone in its vertical position despite stressor drills and other impacts to the case’s exterior. As such, these functions operated in an appropriate (or average) manner as intended.
- Durability – Average (3/5): The durability of the DarkVault was appropriate (or average) for the hard polymer shell that comprised the case itself. It was manufactured in much the same manner (and material) as other tactical hard cases, yielding the same level of abrasion and shock protection. The Poron® sealing gasket also gave it some measurable level of water resistance, but the manufacturer did not state weather this made the Vault IPX rated. It resisted moisture (from rain) and light submersion testing (less than 1ft.) without any evidence of moisture penetration to the interior (sans any drippage that lands inside from opening the lid). Light scuff marking to the case window and exterior was noted from impact to hard-edges, but none penetrated the inner layers of polymer material or the interior. Moreover, despite being dropped from an approximate height of 6ft. three times to finished concrete, no cracks or breakage were noted.
- Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionality the DarkVault 2.0 performed well, offering a level of usage that many other alternative hard cases simply don’t include. The case not only offered improved protection (even submerged), but unlike the Comms variant (used in this review), Thyrm has an alternative that provides RF blocking technology should it be a necessity. Using the Vault in conjunction with a smartphone allowed the end-user to record video and be protected. It should be noted that an video taken at chest height (as in mounted to a plate carrier) will only film from that perspective, so standing with arms at the sides yeilded the best point of view – but if rasing a rifle or interacting with an object then that would be all that could be observed in the video. However, not all smartphone cases were compatable to the Vault’s interior dimensions—with only the minimalist (or “sleek”) phone cases allotting enough clearance to fit inside the interior. Without its hard case, the smartphone was held vertically in place to align with the window, but still slid horizontally slightly as not all the space in the interior groove it sat in was taken up by the phone. The end result was video that frequently was shifted and partially obscured by the edge of the window, or out of focus as the camer’a sensor attempted to focus on the near-object (the edge of the window) and everything else outside was out of focus. This could easily be resolved by Thrym if they included “bumper” strips made of the Poron material to insert inside the case and help stabilize the horizontal left/right movement of the smartphone. Otherwise, video from inside the Vault had good audio quality despite its perspective from being taken from inside the case. Perhaps the only detractor functionally was once the window decal is removed (to allot for use of the smartphone’s camera from inside the case), it can never be reapplied. To improve this, Thyrm may want to consider including a “replacement sticker” sheet or something equivalent if end-users want to obscure the window later on.
- Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 9.0oz. (empty), the DarkVault 2.0 was light weight enough to float while placed in water, yet did not unbalance a plate carrier or excessively pull when placed in a pouch. The mass of polymer material used to mold the case itself minimized weight (as opposed to something made from aluminum), while the other elements of the Vault allowed it to continue to function without any type of flex. Meanwhile, alternative products like the Armor Plate Carrier Mount (3.23 ounces) are obviously less in weight because there is less material used in the product. Likewise, the Vaultek LifePod X (16oz.) reflected that reality that similar products made from more robust material likewise weight more. The DarkVault 2.0 sits at a good overall eight among other products within the market, and reflects that it offers unique capabilities without excess bulk/weight.
Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)
Product Link: https://thyrm.com/product/darkvault-2/
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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