I saw the newest version of the TV ad for this that indicates that the elastic band on the outside is for any "loose" cash or whatever that you're fine keeping on the outside of it, so that you don't have to open it up to get to it. It makes sense, but I wouldn't use it that way.
It looks like a knock off of the FlipSide Wallet. Which I do have and I love it. You should do a review on that one or do a comparison or vs video. Good Video by the way love your product reviews 🤓👍
Gotta say, I used to be a wallet in the back pocket kinda guy. But over the last couple of years I’ve moved to the front pocket and it’s been so much better and more comfortable lol
You're right it is more comfortable, but to me the major advantage of always having your wallet in your front pocket is not comfort, but security. Wallets in a back pocket are way more exposed to potential pickpockets due to ease of access and visibility issues (i.e. it's harder to notice things happening behind you). Plus, you can always stick your hands in your front pocket if your think you're in a sketchy environment.
Big part of that comfort is your body being able to sit straight and not on a odd thick hard or soft slab under one butt cheek. I think I read somewhere that it affects how your spine rests and puts more strain on your body. I've always used my wallet in the front pockets. Just so much better and the thickness of the leather wallet doesn't matter as much. I use a quality full grain wallet that gets their leathers nearby in New Mexico that I bought in 2019. It was expensive for me at like $50 but it has been worth it and hasn't given up.
@@MrMega200 I’m in need for a new wallet so I might look into something like that. But yea that does make sense, I’ve always had back issues anyway so having it in my back pocket didn’t help things. I can’t even imagine going back to the back pocket now, it’s so much better in every aspect to have it in the front
@@carllyngholm5568 that’s absolutely true too, easier for pickpockets to get to it in the back opposed to the front. It’s just better in every way to have it in front imo
For the bills part, I believe instead of folding them in half, then slide into the clip, try sliding the bills flat on one side into the clip, then fold them in half, so that way, you can easily pick which bill you need while in the clip and then just slide the bill you need out without needing to take the entire folded bills out. The same goes for putting bills in. Just unfold the bills, while one side still holding by the clip, slide in additional bills, then fold.
The problem in America as far as I see it is that all the daily spend notes are the same size and colour and using this could slow you down at the till.
I'm not surprised to see that you're still using the Allet wallet. I bought one because of your review of it a year or so ago and still use it. Absolutely the best wallet I've ever bought!
Flipside wallet has already been mentioned in the comments and I just wanted to chime in: had mine since 2018 and have actually been quite content with it as a rugged little plastic wallet for just $40-ish! Would be interested in seeing you compare 'n contrast the two since I already got the impression early on in the video that the Flipside was notably better 😛 (Possibly noteworthy that I keep cash completely separate from it, so that isn't at all a factor for me)
@@AnonYmous-xw1jn before i use to buy and toss wallets within a half of a year time period. the flipside wallet has been my go to wallet for a few years now. only reason i bought another wallet because i fancy the idea of a leather wallet by jjleathersmith. which the two wallets are my favorites
Always have been a traditional bilfold guy. This review (nothing on you), just really showed me how much I appreciate my bilfold. I think that product is definitely better than just shoving all that directly into a pocket, or maybe geared toward a person who doesn't carry much cash, or many cards to begin with.
This might be something of limited interest to many/most people, but I’ve always wondered how the automatic cat feeder I bought for $19 a few years ago (which still works) compares to the ones for $70 up to over $100. The same might be true of automatic dog feeders as well.
I've been using the Ekster Parliament for about a year now and absolutely love it, switched over to carrying it in my front pocket when I made the switch. I love the quick access button and I haven't had any problems with it breaking down
Consider picking up an RFID reader like the flipper to check RFID blocking in the future. It should be able to detect all cards and only read some, and is super easy to use
Treated myself to a wallet from Rose Anvil; absolutely love it. One of my favorite wallets I’ve ever owned. Already starting to form around the contents, sturdy, and always smells of beaten leather when close enough. Seriously great work.
You can test RFID blocking feature using your phone. Your phone's RFID generally picks up signal from the card card's chip, even if doesn't read specific data.
It must be very uncomfortable because it’s so hard, my husband always liked his regular soft wallet.❤️ I don’t even use a hard purse😂thanks for the review I’ll wait for your next video.👏🏼👍🏻
The best thin wallet is the SECRID original. Aluminum frame, cards push out like you’re James Bond, and if you don’t carry a lot of cards or more than about 6-8 bills, it’s ideal. They sell them all over, and I’ve had mine since 2011 and the eject mechanism still works perfectly. One of the most reliable things I own
@@andyg630 Probably 100 people, usually the next person in line at grocery checkout, or whoever’s taking my money, have asked me where they can get one. It’s certainly gadget-cool, and built like a rock.
I love my Secrid Twin. I've carried it for at least 4 years (I can't remember when exactly I bought it) and it is still working great and I use the mech on a daily basis because I have to fill up my van every day. So it at least gets that 1 use a day and usually more. 10 credit/debit cards, 2 grocery store discount cards in the main holders. Then 2 insurance cards, my driver's license and carry license on the inside of the snap. Plus some cash. It holds everything I need. Definitely well worth the asking price imo
Imagine that if you are already at the cash counter and you need to get all the credit cards out and filter through the many cards is going to be a hassle. It is a no for me. Thank you for sharing.
I have had the same "wallet" for about 25 years, it was originally sold as a cigarette case, it is just the right size for my daily use. It is copper coated steel, the copper has worn away in a few places, Other than that it just works. I have kept my wallet in my front pocket, much harder for someone to pick pocket the wallet.
@@iambear.6526it’s not really racist. They’re just pointing out that everything is made in China and made of cheap plastic. It’s more accurate than not 🤷♂️
@@iambear.6526 Well, I guess you *could* learn about the issues related to quality control, labor rights, and safety that are prevalent in factories that make the AliExpress trash like this garbage plastic wallet, with one of the biggest examples of this being China, where for decades many companies have chosen to increase their profits at the cost of the impoverished masses in countries like China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc..... OR you can just brush it off as it all being racist, when in reality I think what goes on in China is despicable to the humans there. You know, the humans that are *Chinese*
James has gotten me to buy two wallets from his reviews. The first was that one that doesn’t rip. I don’t remember the name. But the second one is the Allet wallet and I’ve been using that one exclusively and I love it. Best wallet I’ve ever had. It’s thin, classy and classic.
A binder clip. 1 1/4 inches, aka medium size. Been rocking that for 20 years. No RF protection, but it’s as slim as anything, or nothing as it were. Cards in the center. Started with a rubber band, but the clip is way more secure and easy to manipulate.
Been doing the same for a few years now. Can't get much slimmer than that. People laugh when they first see it, them they think about it and appreciate it.
"Slim as nothing" is the problem, these super slim, weird effete utilitarian "wallets" people carry now are too thin and light, you dont even know its there... or if it's not. Use a normal leather billfold like a REAL man!
Definitely a front pocket wallet, which would work for me. I started carrying my wallet that way when I started going to Vegas, many years ago. And it paid off. TWICE in the retail space between The Venetian and Bellagio I was "jostled" by a pickpocket crew. They got nothing. But I digress.
I carry a wallet made from sail cloth. It's incredibly durable, slim and has a great capacity. I carry around 20 different types of cards and it's still super thin. I do not carry currency in it however. I prefer a money clip.
It might be worth mentioning that it's not a good idea to sit on your wallet. This was probably designed for front/side pocket use because of how much sitting on your wallet screws with your hips and spine.
I have a knockoff ridge type wallet. It does thicken up a bit when I have a bunch of cards in it (for instance if I'm going to the casino and have players cards) but the size is small enough to put in a front pocket with no issues. It's also aluminum, so 0 issues with durability or anything. It has an elastic band on one side for cash, which I've had no issues carrying several bills in. I think I have had it roughly 3 (maybe more) years with no problems.
You can check the rfid function. If you have the nfc on your phone setup for say google pay and you put your phone next to an erroneous gate access card or similar it will make the nfc fail tones
I've been using the same leather wallet for about 20 years. For me, it has the perfect amount of space and an ideal layout. It has a compartment for holding cards like my auto club card that is infrequently used. There is also an area with sleves that store cards individually and is perfect for frequently used cards like my bank card. It also has a compartment for cash that allows me to see what I have without needing to extract it. I keep itin my back pocket and when I'm sitting on it, I don't even notice it. I always think it's weird when people assume that it's uncomfortable.
I got the same Allet Wallet after you reviewed it. Glad to know yours looks just like mine does after a couple of years of use. And I love the fact you have the VGK Discover, I have the LAK Discovery haha.
I thought the alternative wallets, like Ridge, died off. Apparently not. They hold less than a normal wallet. They are thicker than a normal wallet (despite what the ads say). They do not make storing or retrieving of cash or cards quick or easy. Anything that might not conform exactly to a credit card size might not be able to be stored. I know a few people who were suckered by the RIdge type wallets and bought them. They used them for a few days, up to a few weeks before they all went back to a regular wallet.
Suckered into an alternative wallet makes the assumption that there aren't people plenty of people who do like these card focused wallets. Personally I didn't buy a Ridge because it was too small and didn't hold what I needed. But I do have one that is of a similar style but has a lever mechanism to stagger eject the cards to let you easily and quickly choose which one you want. It is actually much easier to hold all the cards I carry in this wallet than in a regular bi or tri fold that doesn't have enough individual slots.
@@ram89572 You do you. You aren't alone. There are plenty of people who like inferior "improved" products, like paper staws and As Seen on TV Products.
I appreciate the frequent postings of short videos by Freakin Reviews. Most of the products I'm not interested in, but his screen presence and content keep me coming back.
The one annoying thing I can see off the bat, do you have to remove every card if ones in the back? Lol. I think that's why I've never got rid of my regular bi fold wallet for a slim option
Look into Secrid wallets if you want a slimmer cardholder focused wallet that still gives you easy access to any of them you are carrying in it. It has a lever on the bottom that stagger ejects the cards to make them easy to pick through then when done you just slam them all back down inside it in one easy motion. I carry the Secrid Twin which is double the capacity of the regular Secrid Miniwallet.
I actually still use the Ekster wallet that I won from a giveaway on your channel. Been a great wallet and the reason I store mine in my front pocket these days
Worth pointing out that in the majority of women's pants, front-pocketing your wallet simply isn't an option, as the pockets are often only a few inches deep. The back pockets generally aren't huge, either, but big enough for my "wallet" which is really just a leather business card case, with a clear ID pocket on one side. It probably cost me 20 bucks and has lasted enough years that I don't actually remember when I bought it.
Personally I prefer the old fashioned wallets, these hard plastic ones seem to try too hard to find a gimmick to attract you to it but it never captures all the things a wallet needs, a traditional one does everything you need and works, I also don't keep mine in my back pocket though, it sits in my front pocket where its easy to grab same as my phone, so the issue of sitting on a thick wallet is defeated before the problem has arisen, these seem better for people who just want a couple of cards and maybe a few notes.
I have one and love it. I work outdoors in Union Construction. It's held up very well. Paid $12 for mine from Walmart. You fit up to $300 in 20 bills folded in half in the inside clip with 8 cards max. No issues a year later.
problem is, it looks cheap and very frail, i am carrying one of those FLIP SIDE wallets for years, still looks good and sturdy, best purchse ever, one time a waiter slipped a whole drink on it, all was fine, if it was a normal wallet, would be a problem.
@@GregoryDM same, it is eye catching, mostly people when i am at a checkout and when it appears on the table next to the food on my insta account, it is really a conversation starter.
Clasps are definitely one of those things that would never survive everyday carry. It's why other minimalist wallets are usually just a silicone band, or use a little level with specific card slots.
I've never seen you cover my FAVORITE wallet - the Slimfold. (I like the "original soft shell.") It's sorta similar to your thin wallet where you have 4 card slots when opened, but a different layout. I really like the material and construction of it. Been rocking one for 4+ years and it looks brand new! (I promise you I'm not affiliated with them lol)
The best minimalist/ simple wallet is the Travelambo brand that is an Amazon #1 seller. They currently start at $9.99 come in a multitide of colors and a couple choices of material and the RFID is sewn into the wallet. I have had mine for almost six years now and love it, even filled to its max capacity it barely gets over quarter inch thick and would easily hold everything James tried to put in this slim mint wallet review. I do consider it one of the very best purchases I have made through Amazon.
In everyday-to-day life maybe RFID blocking isn't necessary, but I will say we went on a cruise and stopped in Nassau. We walked around for maybe twenty minutes before going back on the ship. We went into literally one shop. The next day, he got an alert that his card had been used to buy a bunch of Steam gift cards. He never took his card out of his wallet, even. We bought something with cash and that's it, so the only way they could have gotten it is by skimming it through his wallet. We always have an rfid blocking container now when travelling.
My wallet has my various cards separated into several pockets, which makes them easy to access. The Slim Mint has too many crammed into the same pocket.
On Amazon there is a clone of the "ridge" wallet for half the price and i've been loving it in my front pocket. Its actually slimmer than this Slim Mint.
I switched to a phone case & wallet combo years ago and not switching back anytime soon. Plus, now if I lose my wallet or my phone I lose everything in one go.
I really love your taste and style always so chic. My faves would be the kislux leather backpack and the Swarovski pave diamond ring so gorg. Thank you for your recommendations.
@@szlash280z I have the Secrid slim wallet in matte black and red. I've had it for years, it's got plenty of space, and I'm a front pocket carrier, so the slim profile is perfect for what I need. Couldn't recommend it enough.
I have a similar wallet by Flip Side. I agree with annother commentor that you should place the cash in the clip fully splayed, then fold the over. My clasp has not broken in 3 years, but the spring is looser now.
Hey James, this has to be about 30 - 40 now people have tried to come out with these types of wallets.. They are pretty much all the same, (the clasp) is always the issue. our normal wallets get thicker the more we put in, but that is because they can hold a lot more, these solid ones they make can only hold so much, once you hit the limit, the clasp is not going to work. If you took out 1 maybe 2 items from it, I bet it closes better but doing that, you lose a card or something you normally want in it with you. I use a phone case wallet and love it, I can't leave and forget my phone or wallet, they are both the same lol. Have a great week. 👋🤠 P.S. that inner band I bet is to put the cash under it so when it won't clasp shut, it'll help the cash from falling out.
Thank you for this review, James! I was thinking about getting this for my husband. Please do let us know how long before it falls apart. My husband is so tough on wallets!
The clasp failed because you're not supposed to put your wallet on your back pocket and sitting on it. It's a rigid clasped item, it can only withstand that kind of pressure for so long. It's not necessarily a design flaw but they should spell it out that is a front pocket wallet. It's the same reason rigid suitcases break. They look and feel so much better than their soft counterparts but when you gotta squeeze them into a tight spot you'll risk breaking them.
This should be the pinned comment for this video. People who lack discernment often blame the fault of the creator, in this case, this hard case wallet.
I use a Secrid Twin wallet. I had to switch to front pocket carry when I started using it because it is hard and thick. But with it I carry 10 credit/debit cards and 2 grocery store discount cards. Within the button up part I carry a few bills (currently 8), 2 insurance cards (dental and medical) and a business card for a local tow truck company. And my driver's license and weapon carry license. Because I carry so many cards with me I need a wallet that can hold a lot. But I think for about the same thickness and less width/length my Secrid Twin successfully carries more than this hunk of plastic. Also my main two card holders are lever action to deploy them in a fashion that makes it easy to pull out the one you want. But Secrid makes one just like the one I have that is only half as thick by getting rid of the Twin part and only have 1 main card holder if you don't carry as many as me.
American fellows. This comes from a Puerto Rican/American guy: learn to use messenger bags. I moved to Spain and here in Europe not only men but women use them also. And these days there´s TOO much stuff that a single wallet can´t handle. For instance, I carry: 1-My phone 2-I wear kind of bypass but for my bladder and I have to carry with me another phone to control it 3- Case for glasses 4- Keys 5- Wallet 6- Coin holder (in Europe there´s so many coins that you carry more of those than bills) 7-Pen (never know when you´ll need it) And that´s not counting, depending of the size of the messenger bag, how convenient it is to help you carry documents and even water bottles or more stuff as need it. A wallet doesn´t cut it anymore. Not to mention how uncomfortable it is and how easy it is to steal.
Direction Number 6. ALL PURPOSE BAND: The all-purpose band on the outside of the SLIM Mint can hold BUSINESS CARDS or cash for easy accessibility. So they did address the band on the back. which gives you a space for your business cards.
If you insert unfolded bills under the clip and fold them over the clip, you don't have to take them all out when you pay for the stuff. You can test RF blocking with your mobile phone with NFC reader app and NFC card.
James you should note this wallet was rebranded (I guess when Bulbhead bought it?) from it's original name the thin mint wallet. I wanted the original because they are now rare, but all I can find are references to it.
UPDATE: Purchased one of these today (2/6/24) for $12.99 at my local supermarket! Old wallet was getting wear and tear and for 13 dollars, why not? Watched another video where they tested the RFID security and it does work so there's that. As I don't carry a lot of cards or money, we'll see how the clasp works in time. I have a good quality leather wallet that softens over time and no need for hard plastic in my pocket. I did learn that a piece of foil will make any wallet RFID secure, so I got something great out of this video, besides seeing Bailey again!
@Freakinreviews James have you ever tried that New Muddy Mat ?? It's supposed to be able to absorb quickly water, mud, dirt ect. The woman in the TV ad, (Las Vegas Ch 5.3), it showed in front of the kitchen sink, in and out of the house at the door ways, and as a throw rug and easy to clean + Dry promises to endure torture and last long. Thanks 😊 God Bless you, LV. Kris + Tirsa
I thought this was the one for the ton of TV ads I’ve recently seen; the one where the cards pop-up out of the top. (A “Friends” episode!?). Thanks for the review as I thought this mint wallet would be uncomfortable since it is rigid plastic. Ironically, I think my son, who I am considering buying a new wallet for, would reject this choice specifically due to its namesake; the mint colored insert showing!
I use the "BASICS" wallet by Nomatic and have had the same one for nearly 8 years. I'd love to see you review it just because I found it so nice that I'd like to see if other people also like it.
That's hilarious! I was thinking about the button situation before I got to the segment at the gas station when he mentioned it. Sure, maybe some wallets you might have to flip it around. And I don't know if I want something that hard in my pocket. This product looks more dumber than other ones that's out there. Like you said you could put your ID in it and one credit card and handful of cash and it still would be bulky not as slim as a traditional wallet . I've seen people. Their wallets are so big. They have a rubber band to keep it closed. Obviously they're not using this product lol. And majority of these kind of products are just for slim purpose.
I use an Ekster leather wallet. I rather like the action for dispensing cards. You press a trigger, and out pops your cards in staggered heights (think steps). I've got 5 cards stored that way, plus another three on the inner pockets of the cover, and one on the back, for a total of 9 cards. Not a lot, but it's also not really a big wallet (it's about 2CM taller, and half a CM wider than a typical card, and is about 1.75CM thick), and It's not ideal if you also want to carry cash, as it only has an elastic belt for that (though you could use one of the slots in the leather intended for cards to hold some bills instead), but I honestly don't use cash anymore (I think I had like a $10 in the belt and it took me a better part of the year before I got around to using it, but it does show that it'll hold bills just fine at least). The trigger action is still kinda fun even having had the wallet for several years now.
When it was all the rage for streamer ads, I bought a Ridge Wallet. At first I didn’t like it. Then it grew on me.. holding bills sucks (you have to fold the bills weird to make it work).. however being a person who mainly uses their watch/phone to pay, I’ve enjoyed not sitting on a giant lump of leather on road trips. I’d say these types of wallets are really good or really based on what you need. if you’re the kind of person who carries a LOT of stuff in their wallet, these won’t work. If you’re a “2 credit cards/Costco membership, driver’s license, no cash” kind of person, they are great.
At least it opens, something I've never seen a Ridge wallet do. But I'll stick with my soft, flexible leather bifold until it wears out, then buy another one just like it
So, I only use gimmicky wallets when I travel....smaller/sleaker for places like Disney,Universal, foreign countries etc. I'm a back pocket, western wallet(checkbook size) on a normal day, but in certain situations I like the small money clip/card holder style....would definitely use something like this on the Vegas strip on at a theme park or foreign tourist area!...less chance of pick pockets or losing it on a roller coaster if it's in your front pocket
You should do a comparison video between this wallet and the Flipside Wallet. Since this wallet is basically a knock off version of the flipside wallet.
I'm not in the market for a new wallet, and this video popped up on my feed. BUT, I'm always open to newer designs of these kinds of wallets! To me, this is a cheaper knock off of the flipside wallet which I currently use. The flipside 4.... I upgraded from the flipside 3 sine the 4 came out and it's been awesome and durable... doesn't have that clasp issue either... yes, I believe it's twice the price, but it's a more refined product.
Imho, Ridge Wallet and key holder are the only way to go!! I'm NOT a rep. I'm NOT paid. My brother is really hard on stuff and has been carrying the Ridge Wallet and key holder for years now and loves it. He does not feel it in his pockets when sitting or driving. The knockoffs do not last. Truly worth the price!!
Put a piece of tin foil around the credit cards and now it's RFID ready. The ready bad part of this wallet is there is no separation between the credit cards. Not having each credit card in its own sleeve will damage the card
You’re able to check RFID by grabbing one of your bank cards and putting it around the camera of your iPhone basically tapping your card with your iPhone
As far as the best slimmest wallet out right now, it is the Ekster carbon fiber wallet that is by far superior its pricey but worth it, and you have options to locate it with an air tag if lost. Some knock-offs do work fine but usually break after a while.
I stopped using a wallet about 5 years ago when I found a phone case that holds all my stuff, My new phone case holds 6 credit cards and a bill fold, I don't miss my wallet at all
