I have a total of 26 wallets that I bought after watching your reviews. I really like 5 or 6 of them, but nothing has been able to dislodge the XSTO 10 from my pocket. Like you, I put my ID, auto insurance card and CP under the carbon fiber plate, and everything else goes in the main section. I rarely use cash, but it's nice to be able to carry some where it's not obvious. Getting to cards anyplace in the stack is super easy, and it's that ease that keeps it number 1 in the lineup.
As a differentiation, I'd have liked to see how the card selection goes on the XSTO, since it's a comparison. With that being said, I made the "mistake" of purchasing the XSTO as my first high quality wallet, and then proceeded to get the Dango A10, Aviator Slide, The Ridge, and bunch of oddly named, mostly Chinese, wallets from Amazon. I have to say, the XSTO is my favorite, without a doubt, on usability, feel, and compact-ness. The only issue I've had with the XSTO is wanting a smaller one (got the biggest one) for more everyday use, as I found myself not needing as many cards. Also of note, is that the XSTO, comparatively speaking, is taller than the sandwich ones up to a point (using 3-5 cards on the 10-card one, for example vs The Ridge or Aviator Slide with same # of cards), but, if fully fed, both main compartment, cash, and back compartment, it feels more compact than the sandwich wallets, if I were to put the same amount of cards/cash in it...plus it allows wider, business cards in the back compartment... Thank you for all your reviews and for this comparison. And I got all my high quality wallets thanks to you, and your website.
I went with the 8-card STOW about a year ago and I've found if I have no cash, I can fit up to 10 cards in it without any issues. Really love the versatile design of these things!
What's your opinion of the aviator? I've had the trayax contour for a year and love it. Just purchased the xstow for the convenience to scan. Interested in the aviator for the style and function vs ridge.
@@James-sr3jh there’s a few reviews on the aviator. It’s a nice design and I think will last. If you NEED to carry coins and/or prefer portrait over landscape then go with aviator. Otherwise go with Ridge. The way the elastic on the aviator is integrated into the plates makes it go at a weird angle.
I still prefer leather over any hard shell metal in wallets ...as they are more comfortable in the pocket and age and conform beautifully with every day use!
I've used both I preferred the usability of the Stow/Akeeni. I've gone to a traditional Popov six card leather wallet because I love the quality and smell lol. I still have the Stow and may use it occasionally.
I see an advantage in the ridge for ppl who switch the number of their cards and an advantage for the xstow in how cash is stored and the smoother handling of cards..
The XSTO looks like a fantastic wallet but I can't stand the idea of my cards being partially exposed.. so The Ridge wins this battle IMO. However the cash system in the XSTO beats the standard money clip on The Ridge. Overall, you can't go wrong with either wallet depending on your needs.
@@mikelindeman9755 I have the xsto and yes you are right they offer a top blank card that can be used. But I like to use my top card as my most used card. I think the blank card is a good idea it just defeats the purpose for why I purchased the xsto. Also I don’t need to take my card out at all just tap and go
Got my xstow today and can honestly say the ridge is unlikely to get a run in my rotation again. The aviator slide is a ridge with superior design and function. For the same price.
Ridge for me. Had mine about 7+ years, only changed the cash strap twice (second time was yesterday). Also trying out the silver screws instead of the black I’ve previously had. Amazing wallet.
There is a way to have both strap and money clip on the Ridge wallet, I have it on my own and it works fantastic. Clip for money and strap on the other side for my quick-access card.
@@walletopia Here is the video for the tutorial. It is really simple - clip goes on the "normal" position and strap goes on the other side. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-fDZjWBJwshc.html
There is not even a competition with these 2 wallets. The XSTO is superior in every aspect. The only thing I can say the ridge has going for it is the variety of colors and materials. I have both and the XSTO after 18 months still looks brand new, the elastic on the ridge is already starting to fray and break down. The cash placement in the xsto is also a huge plus.
Still rocking my STOW and have no intentions of going to anything else, except maybe an XSTO. lol I tried my buddy's Ridge a while back and even though it's slim and the design is great, actually getting cards out was a huge pain and I worried every time that I would drop cards. It's just not nearly as easy or user friendly as the STOW/XSTO.
I don’t have a ridge but I can see how the accessibility for cards especially in the middle could be a pain in the butt. I have had my xsto for a few weeks now I love it. Accessing cards is so easy keep the top card as your most used card I don’t even need to take my card out just tap and go. Love leather wallets but right now I’m having fun with the xsto 🤷🏻♀️
@@CaseyHardman you found away around it that’s good. How do find accessing your most used card? Where do you keep that card? I presume it would be your second card on top?
@@Paa375 Yeah the most used ones are at the top, but honestly I have no issue getting to any of them. There’s some friction with ones with raised text, but it’s not really an issue.
@@CaseyHardman I know what you are saying. My top two cards have raised numbers and there is some difficulties just moving those two which I’m living with but I wish it was more smoother. I have noticed my cards are taking a beating as well I like the wallet I wish I loved it and unfortunately I’m not loving it. I have gone back to my leather wallet going to take a break from the xsto for a bit. Thanks for the info. 🙏🏻
I have been using a original STO wallet for about 4 years that has been great, but it will cause the edge of your cards to wear from the sliding in and out. I won’t carry any of my metal credit cards in it because of that. I just purchased a Ridge wallet in hopes of better long term wear on the cards. Both brands are of good quality in my opinion.
I have both and I prefer the ridge. It's more solid and you don't have to double check to see if the card was inserted correctly. I use the money clip and it's perfect but the xsto is nice but I don't have an confidence in that I may not insert the cards correctly and I will lose it plus the card is open and can be read from those around you
Great review! My only concern, especially with the Ridge, is the friction of sliding cards in and out. Will it wear away any magnetic strips on the credit cards? As for delamination on card edges, I get that even with my old leather wallet, sliding in and out of the pockets. I might get the Akeeni XSTO over the Ridge. It looks easier to find a specific card.
I much prefer a leather wallet, and I love the reviews. I own a Mitchell Leather MCW, and Loyal Strickland Johnny partially because of your reviews. I personally prefer the more minimalist style, so I carry the Johnny more. I would really encourage you to try the Lejiled Le No1. I got mine without the thumb slide and LOVE IT.
Aviator slide with the quick pull tab. Xsto is nice. The ID holder is a nice design but everything about the xsto was tedious for me when it comes to quick access. My citi card was coming apart though.
Thanks for the nice comparison! Can you comment on the cavity trays by Ridge? Apparently 2 sizes, made of aluminum and can hold coins, spare keys and other flat objects. Can they fit in the XSTO also? How much if any card space do you lose? ATB!
I don't have one so I can't comment first hand, but they'll usually fit across the board with similar type wallets. It looks like you would loose 2-4 cards based on the size.
They don't make one, but if you carry coins I would recommend you pick up the coin pouch from Slimpuro they use with their ZNAP wallet. It'll work with the XSTO.
Great video Mark. Now, if you want a crazy comparison video, put the xsto and the Singular wallet side by side. While the material is different, their capacity, footprint, uniqueness, and fun factor are comparable.
@@walletopia your welcome. I know it's a bit of a stretch, comparing leather to metal, but I know when I hold them side by side, they seem more alike than different.
@@walletopia thanks! Now I need to figure out which size to get! I suppose a low-tech solution to keep an Airtag from rattling could be to stick it to the metal spring with some sort of tape like 3m, or perhaps hot glue so it’s not permanent… not elegant, but it might work.
@@gvsly2008 the 10 card sits in my with a slight bulge, I like it pretty well. I have 10 cards and three different forms of id where the business cards go
Both of these offerings are well below the scudo wallet. The scudo wallet holds every thing secure. Have you ever considered give the scudo a carry test. I think you would be presently surprised.
@@walletopia look forward to seeing your thoughts about the scudo carry test. I don't know if your remember my recommendation to fold each cash bill separately so you can flip through it like card to take out just the bills you need. It does take an extra minute to get them back in but works well.
@@Beardman56 I've seen the new gen5 offering. It good to have options. But in my none hands on evaluation I think the gen5 is a bad move. It get it squares up the proportions but that make it harder to hold in your Palm of your hand. When carrying or opening. The other thing is it looks like they don't offer any of the old models to buy or for parts for repair on there website that I could find.
No need to watch this, sorry Mark. I can easily say XSTO and I’ve never had one, however I had 3 of the Ridge and sold 2 and gave my mum the other. 🙂👍🏻 The ridge is the most annoying, card dropping pile of pish I’ve ever bought.
The Ridge is nothing more than an overpriced elastic band. If you're carrying around 12 cards - you don't know what minimalist EDC is about. The XSTO is such a better, more elegant solution and design. Period. Everything is self-contained; cash, cards and even receipts. You don't need to get another wallet once you get an XSTO... unless you lose it. The next closet to XSTO for form and function is the Slim from Human Republic.
Aviator is by far a better wallet than Ridge. That becomes quite obvious when watching side by side comparison reviews. The Ridge fan out method is a joke. It’s faster and easier to just pull them out and sift through.
@@hoponpop3330 All driver's licenses and medical insurance cards are modeled after credit cards to fit in wallets, they all fit in the Ridge, but point taken. I'll start incorporating these into furture reviews. Thanks!
