Having tried out the Wrapsol protective film for the iPhone 4 this time last year, I was pleased to be offered the chance to try out their kit for the iPad 2.  This is their Ultra hybrid set consisting of a front and rear protector, a microfiber towel, a water spray and two squeegees to help with the fitting.

When I used the iPhone 4 Wrapsol pack I had a good experience, but it was the first time I’d never had a problem with attaching screen protectors to my iPhone.  In fact, ever since then they’ve been a pain too – so I was interested to hear Wrapsol had added ‘application handles’ to the iPad 2 screen protector film; perhaps they would make it all easier to fit?

The screen protector is clear and glossy, while the rear film has a matte finish, and both promise to minimize fingerprints and scratches while preserving the screen’s clarity.  I cleared my work area, made sure it was as free of dust as possible and well-lit, and opened the package.

I started with the screen protector, and the first thing to say is that the ‘application handles’ aren’t exactly large, in fact they’re less than 1cm of extra plastic sticking out of the top and bottom.  I prepped the screen and took the backing off the screen protector, and instantly regretted it.  Despite the instructions telling you to do so, I firmly believe the Wrapsol Ultra should be installed the same way as other protectors; by slowly peeling of the backing once it’s in position.  The handles were of no help whatsoever, as they’re too small and the screen too floppy to help.

The more you fiddle about trying to position the protector, the more chance dust will contaminate it, which is exactly what happened to mine.  Two tiny specks now reside under the protector, despite my earlier diligence.  This wasn’t the installation experience I was hoping for, and the dust ruins the look.  That said, with the Wrapsol in place the screen attracts noticeably less fingerprints, and the fit is excellent.

The few air bubbles underneath the protector took a little over a day to disappear, and it did need a second smoothing out with one of the squeegees the morning after I fitted it; just to give it a helping hand.  Flipping the iPad 2 over, it was time to give the rear cover a try.

To fit the rear cover you need to squirt some water onto the adhesive side of the cover.  This isn’t easy on your own, and if you’ve got the chance, get someone to help you with both the front and the back covers.  The matte rear protector is made of a different material to the screen protector and is more stretchy, and I found it was easy to stretch it out of shape when trying to line it up.

By some careful squeegeeing and minimal use of the water spray, the tiny amount of moisture under the cover can be pushed out of the sides of the tablet, ensuring none had the chance to enter the speaker grill or dock connector.

Because the rear panel sticks to the iPad 2, getting rid of air bubbles is very difficult.  Even with multiple repositions, small bubbles remain and they don’t disappear after 24-hours, making the back of the iPad 2 rather ugly.  I also found the corners became a little ragged after a week or so, making it even less attractive  It’s a shame too, as the feel is great – plenty of extra grip – and it’ll certainly protect the tablet when it’s laid on a table.  It’s on there tight too, as taking it off required considerable force, but it didn’t leave any marks or residue.

To say I hardly notice the Wrapsol screen protector at all is a big compliment, and it’s a shame a couple of dust specks ruin its looks, as otherwise I’d probably never remove it.  I can’t say the same for the rear cover though, but I have a feeling it was down to my installation rather than any shortcomings with the product.  The hybrid set costs $39.95 from Wrapsol themselves and is a great buy, just try to have a friend available to help you out when you fit them!