The $40 Waterproof Phone Case vs. the $8 One That Actually Works

I'm about to go kiteboarding at Crandon Park. The wind is 18 knots, the water is perfect, and I want to film some runs. So naturally, instead of just leaving my phone in the car like a normal person, I decided I needed a waterproof case.

I went to Amazon and searched 'best waterproof phone case' and immediately sorted by price high-to-low because apparently I think expensive equals better. I found the Catalyst — military-grade, 33-foot submersion rating, looks like something a Navy SEAL would use.

I am not a Navy SEAL. I am a Salesforce developer who kiteboards on weekends.

The Catalyst arrived and I could barely use my phone through it. Typing a text message felt like playing piano with oven mitts. The case added so much bulk I needed cargo shorts just to pocket the thing.

Meanwhile, my buddy Carlos pulls out a JOTO pouch. A clear plastic pouch that cost less than a Starbucks latte. His touch screen works perfectly. He takes photos, sends texts, even answers a phone call — all while standing in knee-deep water. I'm over here jabbing at my Catalyst like I'm trying to crack a safe.

142,000 reviews at 4.5 stars. That's not a product. That's a movement.