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Editor’s note: This is a contributed post by Kelsey Libert, a speaker, entrepreneur and Internet enthusiast. She’s the chief development officer for a diverse website portfolio, where she runs the content development strategy and execution for several websites.

Afraid to take your smartphone anywhere because dropping it means a painful $500 bucks? Fear no more, here are many options for keeping your phone safe from drops, rain, dust, and the rigorous conditions faced by first responders, industrial workers, extreme sports enthusiasts, and even parents. In this post, we’re featuring a few good cases to safeguard your valuable investments.

Most of the manufacturers make cases for some of the hottest models, the iPhones, Samsung Galaxy S3, iPads, but don’t worry as a few also feature phones from HTC, Blackberry, LG, Sony and Motorola among others. Check out the sites for a protective case suited for the model you are carrying.

Not interested? Let’s just watch the videos of these phones being pummeled, dropped and tested to the max!

Recommended Reading: 40 iPhone 5 Sleeves, Cases & Accessories You can Buy

1. Tank by Case-Mate

The Tank is designed to meet or exceed the standards of the U.S. Military. Constructed with a rugged polycarbonate exterior and a soft, cushioning silicone interior, it features a retractable screen and a holster clip.

The case is tested to endure shocks, drops, vibrations, wind, rain, sand, and dust, which makes it ideal for environmental workers with extreme working conditions.

In Case-mate’s product testing video "Tank Takes a Beating", the company reported that 67% of iPhone failures are due to cracked screens.

Well, if you can’t even crack your phone by running it over with a car (seen in the video), you should be safe. The Tank study reported that the case was 2.5x more impact resistance when compared to the leading brand.

In the video below, you’ll see plenty of extreme circumstances where this phone case is put to the test.

2. Otterbox Defender

Otterbox has a wide range of rugged cases for smartphones and tablets, in particular the ones from the Defender series.

This case for the iPhone comes in three parts: a polycarbonate outer casing, a silicone cushioning inside, and a thick, durable clip.

It includes covers for the phone ports and buttons, and the design of the case allows you to place the phone facing inside or outside: you can offer the screen of the phone extra protection in extreme conditions or turn it facing outward so you can see your calls, messages, and alerts.

In the video "Otterbox Defender Series 23 Floors Ultimate Drop Test" one man drops his phone 23 floors from his hotel room.

Watch the video to see what this phone is really capable of.

3. Tough Xtreme by Case-Mate

Case-Mate has plenty of rugged cases available; we look at this one in the Tough Xtreme series. There are cases for the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S3 as well as the iPad Mini and pictuere here is one for the T-Mobile Nokia Lumia phone.

It features a snap-on frame to support the sides and front, as well as a multi-layer outer casing made of DuoFlex and PolyCore. The DuoFlex is designed to provide cushioning and a solid yet comfortable grip.

This layer also protects the phone's ports. The PolyCore layer is a hard inner shell which snugly holds the phone and provides durable protection.

4. G-Form Extreme

This XTREME iPhone 5 Case by G-Form raises the bar to a whole new level. This case features the company’s patented Reactive Protection Technology™ which "stiffens on impact in order to absorb over 90% of the force from an impact". Not bad.

The case offers two more layers of protection: the rigid outer polycarbonate shell plus an inner TPE insert for more shock absorption.

Shock-proof, pocket-friendly made possible by low-profile RPT ™ accents, the open frame allows full use of the touch screen. Raised edges on the front side gives extra protection to the screen.

When Felix Baumgartner set the record by jumping from 128,000 feet, G-Form was inspired to raise the testing its iPhone case to new heights. And tested it they did. The company dropped their Extreme iPhone Case from a balloon100,000 feet in the air.

Interested to see the results? Check out the video below.

5. Ballistic Hard Core

Designed with four protective layers, the Ballistic HC series feature an optional outer layer for use during your most rigorous activities, a screen protector, a soft silicone shock absorbent layer, and a clip-on attachment. Unlike many of the protective cases, this case only allows you to turn the phone facing inward, toward your body.

It is thicker than many selections, but does comprise four separate layers of protection. Check out the video of the "Uncut live footage of the new Ballistic HC Case for the iPhone 4" to see how this case performed when pushed to the limits.

If that wasn’t enough, see how durable the accompanying holster is in this following video.