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.
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!
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'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..
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.
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.
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. th-cam.com/video/fDZjWBJwshc/w-d-xo.html
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.
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.
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. 🙏🏻
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
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.
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
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 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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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
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.
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.
@@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!
![ลักพาตัว เอาลูกเอิร์นกลับมา...!! [เอิร์นไดเม่]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/f4NVKlZ5qkk/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
Excellent work, Mark!
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!
Love the XSTO! Definitely prefer not having a cash strap. Cash is hidden behind with no worry of it being seen or falling out.
It's been an year! Did your card delaminate yet?
@@EldisUnwraps thanks man, will keep this in mind
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.
Great review bud! I think I'm really going to buy an XSTO. I really like how the cards slide in and out of the XSTO.
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.
If you like the xsto but like leather, check out the singular wallet. It's funky, but a similar footprint to xsto, and similar capacity.
Thanks for the review! Irrelevant question .. what’s your watch brand/model?
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..
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.
So what your saying is XSTO is bigger than Ridge & Aviator?
I came back often just for the intro song ... It's a masterpiece
Love the look of the Stow
XSTO, for a lot of the reasons already mentioned. Got a red one, had it engraved. LOVE IT!
Great review. Saludos desde Argentina.
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.
Can you review the King’s Loot traditional wallet?
Can you review the Frontier from American Bench Craft
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.
Thanks Boris, good to know!
@@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.
th-cam.com/video/fDZjWBJwshc/w-d-xo.html
i would like to see more comparison videos so itll help us all know each wallet and how its better lol
I bought the xstow and I love it. Where can I purchase a change tray?
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.
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.
Xstow has ugly desigb
@@ermal6157lol right!
How the hell haven't to got millions of subscribers 🤔🤔🤔
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 🤷🏻♀️
@@Paa375 I didn’t like how open the top card was at first, but I have a key card for work and now it’s super convenient!
@@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. 🙏🏻
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.
Akeeni offers an optional card cover to resolve your exposure issue. I put my DL or fishing license on top to do the same.
@@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
make that 3 for the XSTO
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 sharing
I really like the xsto and got it fully loaded with all the features. It just didn't work for me.
@@mengx94 what did you find that didn’t work for you, accessing the cards?
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.
Have the original Stow. Love it. Have that issue with the card edges but doesn’t bother me. Is the XSTO worth the upgrade?
xsto upgrade is completely worth it.
@@jlutz7675 how does xsto feel in the pocket?
@@ermal6157 Unobtrusive...super-light weight (I have the 6 card holder).
@@jlutz7675 you like this over Ridge Wallet?
@@ermal6157 Yes. by miles. Form, function, build - XSTO is better than Ridge.
XSTO Ftw
Hi sir, can u review Harber London business wallet please? :)
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
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 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.
Have you tried Aviator?
I own both of these wallets, but I prefer the ridges smaller foot print.
Would an Apple Airtag fit in the bottom of the XSTO?
I'm told it does (which it does when I tested it), but how to keep it from rattling is what I have yet to hear about.
@@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.
@@BradleyKerstetter Those should like good ideas!
XSTO is hands down my favorite.
For ridge, where would 1 put an ID?
You slide it in with all your other cards. They're all co-mingled.
@@walletopia ah, alright then. I guess I can see that as a disadvantage then. Thank you
What about paper Medicare etc. type cards?
I put those under the business card cover
3:10 you said the Ridge uses aluminum screws, but I'm pretty sure nearly every fastener is a steel.
The Aviator Slide is my favorite metal wallet. Seems that barely anyone knows about it unfortunately.
The aviator is a nice looking wallet but I don’t like the coin tray. I would have no use for that I don’t like cash at all
@@Paa375 Isn't the coin tray optional?
@@gvsly2008 it is. I bought mine with a coin tray but i took it out.
XSTO for the go!
what if you put less cards and more cash?
In the XSTO? Works just fine, it handles the balance well.
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.
I'm using a stow, but I miss the way ridge feels in my pocket. Stow just always feels weird in my pocket.
That’s interesting. I’ve had a Ridge for YEARS but looking at this as a possible replacement.
Why weird? Is XSTO bigger?
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.
Thanks Jimmy, good idea!
@@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.
A drop test would be useful.
Great idea, I'll add it to the next Q&A video.
Forget ridge😎. Go for xsto . You won't regret it. 👍
Why?
Hi
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.
I've wanted to carry test it so I'll put it on the schedule.
@@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.
I love my 10 card xsto. Designed and made in the USA. Ridge wallet is more expensive and made in China
How does that 10 card version sit in your front pocket? You satisfied with it? I have the 6 card version but running out of space :/
@@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
Thanks for letting us know that Ridge is made in China.
Xsto es muy superior , mejor manera de manejar las tarjetas , la forma de guardar el dinero es mas seguro , viene variedad de colores.
Yes it does handle cash much better than the Ridge IMO.
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.
Ridge has better designs though..
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.
It looks like a very hard wallet to access cards. I would rather have a leather wallet then the ridge
@@Paa375 Get Aviator, it has a thumb slot and its so much easier to access cards.
I regret getting the Ridge Wallet, specially their customer service, if you want peace of mind stay away from the Ridge.
XSTO is probably more functional, but you HAVE TO give Ridge credit where it is due - Ridge looks way better
Yes. They dope designs
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.
Xsto looks cheap asf. The function looks much better but the design is UGLY
Doesn’t anyone carry a drivers license
I do with all my wallets, does something stand out as odd with the kind of wallet it is?
I carry a Driver’s license , and medical Insurace cards all these reviews only use credit cards
@@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!
Stow looks cheap to me not only that 6 cards is not enough for me
It's built well and comes in 8 and 10 card models.
That's disappointing that the Ridge is made in China.
China is the main supplier of titanium.
RIDGE every day of the week.
The XTO is ugly
Both are ugly to me, but XSTO is very easy to use and the way it carry the cash and card inside is way better