To say I was having some wallet drama would be an understatement. My shoddy old card and cash carry had become inconvenient, hardly functional, and unattractive. Frankly, it was just embarrassing to lug around, and I was fed up.
When I’d made the call to make the upgrade, my research led me down the path of two smart options: Ekster Wallets and Ridge Wallets. I had to choose one as my everyday pocket companion, so I decided to evaluate the two smart wallet brands based on the problems I’d been having with my old one.
Spoiler alert: just one of them is in my pocket right now, and my wallet drama is living in the past.
My Problem: I was packing so much in, it looked like a cash brick hanging out of my pants.
I have nearly a dozen cards to stow… not a great look for my old wallet. Following a trip to the ATM - forget it - that thing wasn’t closing. Moreover, I had a huge lump sticking out of my back pocket, and sitting down was no longer a viable option.
With Ekster, I was impressed to find wallets that stored as many as 12 cards and still managed to keep an ultra slim profile. Even better, the built-in aluminum cardholder fans them out at the click of a button, so I never have to fumble around looking for a card, and my cash is kept safely stowed in the strap.
Ridge offers a slim profile that holds 12 cards as well, but while both wallets met my dilemma, I didn’t love that the cash strap on the Ridge wallet was exclusively built into the exterior. This made my cash not only feel a little more susceptible to theft or loss, it appeared bulkier and less contained in my pocket. Ekster, at least, gave me the option. The Parliament Wallet keeps cash conveniently covered and tucked inside its strap.
My Problem Solver: Ekster
My Problem: I could never seem to find my wallet when I was in a rush.
Sometimes I think wallets can sense when you’re in a rush and somehow misplace themselves. OK, maybe not, but somehow I’m always forgetting where I put it down, causing 5-15 minute delays to just leave when I really don’t have the time.
I still continue to misplace my wallet, but with Ekster, I can actually find it in no time. By adding their Tracker Card, I’ve saved myself countless minutes of aggravation. I just ring it from my phone, then I’m ready to roll. I also get notified when I’ve left it behind somewhere (doh!), and can find it on a map, if need be.
Ridge didn’t seem to help with my habit of misplacing things quite the same. They offered some add-on AirTag holder accessories (which Ekster has too, I might add), but not the tracker itself, which doesn’t really deliver a one-stop solution for me.
My Problem Solver: Ekster
My Problem: I’m notoriously rough with my wallet, and may have run it over with my bike on at least two occasions.
I love hitting the trails with my bike, so I was hoping to find something sturdy enough for the climate. I needed a long-term solution so I could avoid going through this purchase cycle six months down the road.
I’ve got to hand it to Ridge - their wallets are built with really durable materials like aluminum, titanium, and carbon filter. They definitely seem to be designed with the rugged, outdoorsy person in mind.
Ekster offers a versatile set of wallets in leather, aluminum, carbon fiber, and even 18K gold, but not titanium. I don’t know if I’m so into extreme sports that titanium was really necessary, but Ridge takes that edge. That said, I’ve found Ekster holds up exceptionally well, and is more professional looking for my 9-5 workday.
My Problem Solver: Ridge (but just barely)
My Problem: I firmly believe my wallet shouldn’t cost more than the cash it can carry.
Look, I’m not a cheap guy, but let’s be realistic here: if I’m going to drop cash on a wallet, it better deliver in return.
Most Ekster wallets are priced at a comfortable price point of $79-$89, and the ROI in my experience has been, well, invaluable. Ridge wallets start at $95, and many of them soar well above the $100 mark. For my purposes, this felt a little steep.
My Problem Solver: Ekster
The Wallet I’m Keeping: Ekster
Upon experiencing both smart wallets, the decision to keep Ekster as my everyday wallet was kind of a no-brainer. It’s slim, functional, attractive, convenient, and priced just right. With it, I’ve managed to save time looking for my wallet, and feel more secure with my cash and its RFID-blocking protections. For slim and ultra-durable options, Ridge is a fine choice too, but Ekster just had a competitive edge that’s hard to top.
