Ridge Wallet Review: Is It Really Worth the Hype?

Alright, folks, gather ’round. Today, we’re diving into the world of wallets – specifically, the Ridge Wallet. If you’ve been anywhere near the internet these past few years, chances are you’ve seen this bad boy pop up on your feed, with rave reviews and all. So, is it the real deal or just another gadget that looks better in ads than in practice? Let’s break it down.

First Impressions

Unboxing the Ridge Wallet felt a tad like Christmas morning. It’s sleek, it’s compact, and right off the bat, you get the vibe that this isn’t your granddad’s bulging leather wallet. I got the titanium version (because why not?), and it has a nice weight to it – not too heavy but solid enough to know you’re holding something of substance.

Design & Build

Okay, let’s talk design. The Ridge Wallet is essentially two metal plates held together with elastic bands. Sounds simple, right? Well, it is and it isn’t. The genius here is in the simplicity. It’s designed to hold cards in between the plates and cash on the outside using a clip or strap, depending on which you prefer.

The build quality? Top-notch. This feels like something that won’t just fall apart after a few months of use. The metal is sturdy, the elastic is resilient, and the screws (which you can tighten if need be) give it a kind of industrial, yet premium, feel.

Functionality

I’ve been a traditional wallet guy for as long as I can remember. You know, the ones that end up thicker than a sandwich after you cram every receipt, card, and odd coin into them. So transitioning to the Ridge was…interesting.

Fitting the cards in was easy-peasy. They slide in and out without much fuss, and the notch at the bottom makes it a breeze to push the cards up and fan them out. It claims to hold 1-12 cards. I had about 10 in there, and it was comfortable. Pushing it to the max, things get a little tight, but it’s still manageable.

The cash strap (or clip if that’s your jam) does its job. But if you’re someone who carries a lot of bills, you might need to fold them a couple of times to fit snugly.

Now, here’s the caveat: it’s a minimalistic wallet. So, if you’re a hoarder of business cards, old receipts, and random bits, you might struggle. But if you’re looking to streamline what you carry every day, this could be a game-changer.

The “Pocket Test”

The real question – how does it feel in the pocket? No more awkward bulges, that’s for sure. Whether front or back pocket, the Ridge slides in comfortably and you almost forget it’s there. And for someone like me who’s trying to avoid the dreaded “wallet sciatica”, it’s a blessing.

The Downsides

It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. There’s a learning curve to using the Ridge Wallet, especially if you’re coming from a traditional wallet. Also, the price point might be a bit steep for some. Starting at around $85 and going up depending on the material (they have carbon fiber and titanium versions), it’s not exactly a casual purchase. But, considering the durability and design, it can be seen as a long-term investment.

Final Thoughts

So, is the Ridge Wallet worth it? For me, absolutely. It’s sleek, durable, and pushes you towards a minimalistic lifestyle. It might not be for everyone, but if you’re looking to upgrade from that bulky leather wallet, give the Ridge Wallet a shot. Just be prepared for the occasional “Whoa, what’s that?!” from curious friends and bystanders.