When you design a smartphone that’s encased in glass, there will naturally be concerns about the durability of said phone. Though the iPhone 4 has, by most accounts, held up perfectly fine despite its glassy nature, there seems to be increasing demand for heavy-duty cases that can quite literally turn the iPhone 4 into a wall-piercing projectile. In non-military-grade case-related news, more and more manufacturers are releasing Verizon iPhone 4-compatible models—no big surprise there—and beautiful, carved wooden cases seem to be making a comeback. Read on for this week’s scoop on new iPhone 4 cases.

Griffin Technology

If you’re planning on keeping your iPhone on you during military basic training, you might want to opt for Griffin’s Survivor case($50). Part of Griffin’s new Armored series of cases, the Survivor case has been designed and tested to meet or exceed U.S. and U.K. military standards. Its shatter-resistant polycarbonate frame is clad in rugged, shock absorbing silicon and includes a built-in screen protector as well as hinged plugs that seal the openings for the dock-connector port, headphone jack, Ring/Silent switch and volume controls. This allows the case to withstand extreme conditions of dirt, sand, rain, shock, vibration, and other environmental hazards. If you want more proof of the Survivor case’s durability, you can check out an entertaining video at Griffin’s Website that depicts a Survivor-encased iPhone being thrown off hills, tossed across hard floors, and thrownthrough office walls.

Miniot

Miniot's Cobra case

Miniot has three new additions to its über-classy line of iWood cases. The Contour ($189) consists of a richly textured wenge base outlined with a band of white maple. The Cobra 4 ($176) uses the contrasting wood species of maple and wenge to form a striking, striped design. And if you go through the trouble (and expense) of purchasing a fancy wooden case, you might as well pick up a wooden dock to match, right? The iWood4 ($26) is a classy wooden dock that accommodates Apple's USB-to-dock-connector cable and matches perfectly with iWood's cases; it's available in Padouk, Walnut, and Wenge wood.

Root Cases

Root Cases's Walnut Case

In case the company’s namesake didn’t clue you in, Root Cases’s iPhone 4 cases are made of wood from four different kinds of trees. You can choose from a case made of Walnut ($59), which is hard, dense, and smoothly polished; Zebrawood, a hard, textured wood that gets its name from its distinct, Zebra-like patterns; Wenge ($59), a distinctive tropical wood with a rich, dark color; and Bamboo ($59), a very hard, light-colored wood that's particularly popular with Pandas.

Tunewear

Tunewear's PRIE Ambassador iPhone 4 Leather Case

Tunewear's PRIE Ambassador iPhone 4 Leather Case ($53; available from USBFever) is made from smooth, genuine leather, and offers full protection of the back and sides of your iPhone. The case holds your iPhone in place with a velcro side latch that allows for easy removal. The back of the case features a cardholder ideal for keeping your credit cards or ID card within easy reach. The case also comes with the Tunehook, a removable carabiner-style hook that lets you latch the case to just about anything, including a belt loop or bag.