It's a hard plastic exo with a softer plastic inner. I have this case and it will not hold in place on a hard flat surface. Mine will not even "stick" when placed screen down. The kickstand is about a 4/10 (flimsy, too easily collapsed etc)
Also, the buttons, imo, are junk. Last night, after I started using this case again after owning it for ~6 months (used for 2 weeks), I took a razor blade to the buttons. Couldn't stand them being so difficult to press.
However, the drop protection is definitely up to the same level as the commuter, for being such a cheap case.
I'd say it's worth the price, maybe even less.
Also, I have a similar six abundant case that was free. And although it's very nice, and my most used case, it offers very little protection, and definitely not "grippy" on surfaces.
Wish I had some suggestions. The Griffin Sur. looks grippy. If you search the forum here there are a few people that bought one and commented on the quality. I believe they don't officially support it.. So it's actually a knockoff.
Edit2:
xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=2174889 has info for the knockoff griffin. Enjoy.