Well, the Neoprene Sleeve Carrying Case for the Garmin Nuvi 255W is, in fact, a loose fit.

Now, why would that be a problem?

Actually it isn’t REALLY a problem in terms of function, but a tighter fitting Neoprene cover apparently would make me “feel better” psychologically, about it.

Ok, maybe there is a legitimate “protection” reason, i.e. the looser fit allows for shifting of the device within the sleeve, which might make it less safe – from exactly what, I’m not sure.

Maybe it’s just that it’s a waste of fabric.

Or, maybe it’s that the extra fabric bunches a bit, which makes it more difficult to cram down in your day bag.

Positive Features:

I think the wrist strap is a plus. I had a case that did not have the wrist strap. This means that to transport the Garmin, you have to pick up the actual Garmin – and the more times you come in contact with it, even through a Neoprene Sleeve, the more likely you are to scratch the screen or the casing.

That all being said, I don’t recommend habitually twirling the thing around on the wrist strap because 1) you’re likely to let it go and break it and 2) you might, very well, wack some unspecting soul in the noggin.

The wrist strap is detachable, in case you find it annoying or your find a 6 year old who can’t resist swinging the thing around and hitting people in the noggin.

Fashion colors are always a nice addition to any of these product lines. You really only need one of these things, so choose wisely. I’m not aware of too many people that try to match their Garmin pouches to their outfits. But hey, if that’s your bag… have at it.

The zipper is “rubberized” so that it won’t scratch up the device if you zip too close.

There is a zip pocket on this sleeve, for what, precisely, I’m not sure. The power cord is really a tight squeeze for this pouch, and I have to tell you, while I know the neoprene is a great fabric to protect devices like this, I just don’t see the plus side of cramming anything with metal on it inside the pocket of the Sleeve. The pocket isn’t a design “flaw” per se – but really, it’s unnecessary, in my book.

However, (and more on Garmin safety in a moment) I take my Garmin out of my car a lot, especially when I’m in the grocery store. And what do you know, coupons fit in that little pocket. I’m certain it wasn’t designed for that, but in case you’re trying to figure out what could or should go in there…. how about coupons… or a few dollars….or a torn off return address from an envelope that you’re going to plug in to the device. Or many it’s a quick tear from a flyer with an address of a store you want to go to.

We’ve used the sleeve with positive results. No scratches or bumps or bruises. I suppose the extra space within the sleeve is nice in that it’s easy to get the device in an out.

And finally, it’s Neoprene. Neoprene is not waterPROOF, but it is waterRESISTANT. So, when you step out of the car and get hit by a sprinkler, you don’t ruin your Garmin. Likewise, you’re late and running in the rain, probably don’t ruin your Garmin. I do not recommend diving in the pool with it in the Neoprene, or allowing it to be used as a bath toy because Neoprene does, in fact, take on water.

Not so positive things – There’s nothing BAD. Just useless pockets, in my opinion, and a bagginess that’s just more of an annoyance than anything else. But at least you can have an apple green annoyance, if you so choose.

A NOTE ON SAFETY:

Garmins, and all GPS systems, are hot targets for thieves. It literally takes them under 3 seconds to steal yours. They smash your window, grab it, and they are gone.

Accordingly, these Neoprene Sleeves are a handy way to keep your Garmin safe, not only from scratches and such, but from thieves — that is if you will remember to take your Garmin with you when you “exit your vehicle.” Likewise, do not leave the mounting bracket on the dash or windshield as this is nothing more than an advertisement to thieves – “Hey, lookie here, there’s probably a GPS in this car.” I can’t tell you the number of people I know who take their Garmins out of their cars but leave the mounting brackets up – only to have their window smashed and then things tossed about in the car because the thief was annoyed that the Garmin wasn’t there.

Yes, you can lock it in the glove box, but in under 10 seconds, they will smash your window and open the box with a screwdriver.

So, TAKE THE GARMIN WITH YOU – and since you should do that, give one of these Neoprene cases a try.

Works well.

-Pam