So WHAT'S NEW? Ridge vs Aviator wallet COMPARE

Following up on the original comparison, we take another look to compare review of the Ridge wallet to the Aviator wallet. So what has changed? Both are slim wallets, RFID protected, money clip, coin trays and even self-maintainable.
WATCH THIS NEXT:
Ekster Senate vs Aluminum Cardholder - better or the same? - • Ekster Senate vs Alumi...
INTERESTED IN BUYING?
Aviator Slide - www.walletopia.info/aviatorsl...
Ridge Carbon Fiber - www.walletopia.info/ridgecarbon/
TIMESTAMPS:
Intro - 0:00
Aviator Intro - 0:25
Ridge Intro - 2:01
Card & Cash Insertion Test - 3:03
Card Capacity - 4:30
Cash Strap - 5:14
Cash Clip - 5:46
Coin Tray - 6:20
Beveled Entrance - 8:37
Card Backstop - 9:49
RFID - 11:44
Manufacture - 12:29
Purchase Options - 12:39
Maintenance - 13:30
Carry Options - 13:58
DISCLAIMER: Walletopia is reader/viewer-supported. When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more at www.walletopia.info/about-us/
NEED HELP FINDING A NEW WALLET? GO HERE!
explore.walletopia.info
GET IN ON THE SURVEYS, ASK A QUESTION!
Review all the wallet rankings! - bit.ly/2lsWd2O
What wallets do you want us to review? - bit.ly/2UdgZUn
Ask us a question! - www.walletopia.info/ask
FOLLOW US IN THESE PLACES FOR UPDATES:
Website - www.walletopia.info
Instagram - / walletopia
Facebook - / walletopia
THE GEAR WE USE
Canon M50 Mirrorless Cameras - amzn.to/2CFWaGt
Fovitec Softtbox Continuous Lighting Kit - amzn.to/2JCV5oP
JOBY Gorilla 3K Kit - amzn.to/2U8Fdyh
Savage 12x12 Background Stand - amzn.to/2CBAJ9m
Neewer C-Stand - amzn.to/2Wm1Uwv
Neewer Light Ring - amzn.to/2CBHatl
Neiko Digital Caliper - amzn.to/2WlUaKY
** This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers. The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons. #walletopia

[@WalletSurfer]

I hadn't realized that Aviator released a thumb slot-less model until I saw this. That was an excellent historical overview of the various iterations of both wallets.

[@walletopia]

Just last month! Great to hear from you Kim!

[@Ethica]

Never knew this crazy wallet world existed till I searched for Ridge a couple years back and found your channel. After about 3 days worth of binging every review you had back then I went with the Aviator Slide and I got to say, this wallet has been great and I can't thank you enough for introducing me to the world of wallets. Now I own way too many wallets you've reviewed but alwasy go back to the trusty Aviator I got first.

[@walletopia]

Thank you! And yes, it can become a slippery slide into a hobby you never thought you'd be in 😀

[@ahmedhishamdr8485]

Comparison test very well thought out and put together…great post as always 👍

[@TheAnvil1971]

Many thanks for this entertaining update, my first Aviator Slide in carbon fibre is on it´s way to me. Bye the way, congratulations to your nice Tudor Pelagos watch. This is a fine one. Greetings from Germany and thumbs up to your channel.

[@theglamthropologist]

you can also have an option to use both clip and strap on the Ridge wallet, which is what i do. I use the clip to clip it onto my pocket for extra protection and cash in the strap. I also have used it to put pass cards in the clip area that i want to hold up to doors that the RFID blocking would prevent from working.

[@dedwardmalick]

Love your videos as I am in the market for new wallet. Also, I like your watches. All the best.

[@jdawg206A]

I just discovered your channel and I must say you're the best wallet reviewer on KZbin. You give comprehensive history and review on the latest wallets. With that being said, I think I'll go for the Aviator in the future.

[@imgumbydmnt]

Great video as always, and thanks for giving me a wallet addiction.

[@Panda-ho7ef]

Love ur videos. Thorough, to the point, and you got a great personality. Team clip or team strap? Wait that doesn’t sound right. Lol

[@bengalsfan42]

great content, just found your videos. No one covers the ridge and aviator as well as you

[@texcrawford44]

I was hunting a new wallet and coming from yet another damaged slim leather. Was thinking of one of these. This just made me realize neither of these are for me. You just saved me money and frustration. I’ll go back and hit up one of your best of videos for something else more suited to my needs. Keep up the good work, love the videos. Gracias.

[@Echobyte_]

I just ordered the ridge forged carbon and am very excited. I was carrying the Nomad card wallet plus, however I noticed that I was taking cards out of my daily carry and now I am down to carrying just 6 with some cash MAYBE. Even one of those 6 cards I dont really even need. So I wanted to get a smaller wallet that has the option for cash and the ridge was my choice. Although I do wonder if i should have the aviator. I dont really want to tinker with my wallet to much however that coin tray in the aviator could come in handy if i need to store something else. I dont carry coins. I just put them in my pocket and then in my coin jar when i get back home. Overall I am excited for my Ridge to come in and cant wait to start using it. Asked a few girls what they though of the forged carbon and they really liked the color. Like they were impressed.

[@kUdtiHaEX]

As Erich Maria Remarque would say - All Quiet on the Western Front

[@jaylal768]

Really nice watch👍🏼

[@The_0ther_matt]

It’s crazy to me that Ridge (or anyone for that matter) hasn’t come out with front plate mods. Aside from different colors and materials. A screw on coin tray seems like a much better idea compared to the tray that you have to slide inside the wallet. Or some kind of flip out key attachment similar to the Fantom attachment.

[@SmoothbassmanStudios]

Thanks for the video. After watching this I decided on the Aviator. I love it so far. The pull strap is awesome. Customized it to exactly what I need with a 3D printed clip with my logo on it.

[@326avinash]

Yoo, what’s the difference between 3D printed clip and carbon fiber clip. Is it just for the looks ? Or does it help in in functionality ? Also could you help me with coin holder options ? What have you chosen ? And last what is the whole hype about the inner frame ?

[@Speed.Racer.5]

I got the Aviator Slide about a year and a half ago. I don't use cash often, so this type of wallet is great for me. I love having the coin compartment. Keeping a fold bill in there keeps the coin/key from rattling. Got a credit card sized comb, so I've got everything I need in a small size. My only complaint is the price, but I doubt I'll have to replace it.

[@ermal6157]

How has it held up?

[@Speed.Racer.5]

@@ermal6157 Great. Still feels brand new. I got the carbon fiber, so no painted metal.

[@ermal6157]

@@Speed.Racer.5 I only ask because I've purchased the Slide 9 months ago and while it was great at first the elastic started wearing off and the plates move and the cards really never feel secure.

[@andresggcf]

@@ermal6157 same thing just started happening to mine, I guess its normal wear and tear, sucks that they dont include a replacement elastic in their box

[@ermal6157]

@@andresggcf I think its the fact that we overstuffed our wallets and the screws were built in different categories of how much cards you can carry. I think thats my theory but I dont know.m

[@TheGeishakuula]

Waiting on my Ridge to arrive currently. But definitely also getting Aviator one day. Like you said, coins are still "needed" outside US so can't really have just a card holder. Shame that cash strap looks so bad on Aviator.

[@r.9264]

Hope you're enjoying your Tudor Pelagos; blue over black for sure.

[@TheProzonedCreeper]

The outlook notification got me at 5:34 lol

[@Simpsonsnut101]

Both look fine but I am a aviator guy. I got ride of my big leather wallet and my wallet is a lot lighter. I love it. Aviator has been trying to improve / have the wallet evolve. Cool that you can add to the wallet

[@ermal6157]

I wish Aviator designs were as good as the Ridge.

[@carljohnson1781]

Good evening Mark. Thank you for all your reviews. I was wondering if you planned on reviewing the Le N°03’ Couio origami wallet.

[@manleteater1970]

They've got a 4th of July version of the Aviator Slide up on their website rn lol. I'm actually tempted to buy it

[@manleteater1970]

Def gonna get the double aluminum coin holder so I can carry some emergency skittles to snack on

[@rabeelsyed9683]

Great structure of video. Would like to see your review of: - Monbue One wallet - Vanacci Stealth 3.0 - Brando 3.0 - Groove Wallet - Vulkit Side Slider

[@walletopia]

The Monbue and Groove are coming. I'll take a look at the others!

[@dlatua]

Great video. I prefer xsto wallet.

[@Boobtube.]

I will stick to my Secrid. Getting cards out of these 2 in the video seems like more of a hassle. The Secrid fans the cards out for easy access. Those coin trays seem like they would constantly get jammed up like a toolbox drawer that has something in it that gets moved around and jams up the drawer from opening. To me, the coin trays make better bill holders. But, everyone likes what they like, that is why we have options.

[@davidwatson3035]

Nice Pelagos!

[@K03sport]

🤔 But how does each do when putting in and taking out of pockets (front and rear). How does the money clip feel when in a pocket? Does the elastic strap hinder pocket ib/out operation? This pocket testing should also be included in your overviews.

[@gabrielsolaguilar5441]

Nice review!!! If you were to rank Xsto, Ridge and Aviator, who would be your number 1 choice? No need for elaborate explanations 😅 Thanks

[@musicandcoffee2853]

I’ve always loved the idea of the Ridge. I bought a knock off just to try it and I couldn’t get on board with how it carries cash. I also just love leather. I went with Ashland Leather and I bought a Johnny The Fox and it checks all the boxes for me. If you haven’t done a video on that one, I’d love to get your take on it.

[@duckymomo7935]

People don’t really carry cash anymore

[@Melch3848]

@@duckymomo7935 some of us do. I am in the US but watched the ATMs shut off in Canada a short while ago and started carryingire cash. Still buying one of these wallets.

[@duckymomo7935]

@@Melch3848 :O yea in foreign countries like Germany and Japan, use of credit cards is very foreign to people there (mostly bc it is taking on debt which is unfavorable)

[@Peter-976]

@@duckymomo7935 Bullshit! Cash is king.

[@randomrants8294]

Contemplating to buy Ridge wallet for quite a long time, but looks like my good ol' i-clip wallet (ca.7-8yrs old) is even more functional

[@clou1969]

I prefer the Aviator by far.

[@raychow5419]

So with the same amount of cards and cavity tray inside the ridge compared to the Aviator, which one is thicker?

[@yelyl136]

Between these 2 sandwich type wallets I think the Aviator Slide wins just because of that pull tab alone. It just makes it so much more easier to use. I would still prefer my Trayvax OG 2.0 though. I don't really care much for coin trays.

[@ermal6157]

Ridge designs are super nice. Thats what makes me want to get the Ridge

[@K03sport]

@@ermal6157...start w/the $30 clone/copy/knock-off...then, if you like it, get a ridge (to impress) or if you don't like it, then it was only $30 vs $95.

[@hustler666100]

Objectively the Aviator is better but the Ridge is better for ME which is really the most important thing when choosing a wallet.

[@ermal6157]

The design of ridge is flawless.

[@DirkCleiren]

I like your Tudor

[@bjh8560]

I like the topology orange. How does it look in person?

[@vuk0625]

You commented on the ridge tray needing to be taken out with the cards, it seems that it prevents use of the "pinch" mechanic of looking through cards without removing them?

[@walletopia]

Great point, the pinch method with the tray could be very problematic

[@jordanwalsh9300]

You can put both strap and clip at the same time on the ridge

[@kevinsyd2012]

I don't get the functionality of these sandwich wallets. Do you need to take out all your cards and thumb through them to find the one you need? In that case you may as well bundle them together using an elastic band around them. As for the coin tray, who uses coins nowadays?

[@sdalt001]

Also, the MOST important reason why to carry wallets like these? They block RFID. Those little copper chips in all your credit cards can be read wirelessly, if someone is only with ~3 feet of range. Read that in Popular Mechanics. Dude goes to a concert with an RFID reader to prove a point. He managed to get addresses, phone numbers, card numbers, etc from over 400 people. That's what actually spurned me to get one of these styled wallets.

[@michaeldegregory4674]

Nice Pelagos, @walletopia!

[@XaqNautilus]

Over 5 years ago I retired by massive leather behemoth wallet and move on to a Ridge Wallet with the money clip. I can safely say that Ridge's money clip is pathetically small and they do not offer any larger sized clips. It struggles even holding as few as a half-dozen dollar bills. If you want to strap $500 to the side of a Ridge wallet with the money clip, you don't have an option. But even if you don't want to carry a a massive wad of cash around, the clip will struggle to hold very much other paper you might fold and store using the clip.

[@walletopia]

Agreed, it's first and foremost a card wallet.

[@richardajoy79]

I do like these types of wallets, but I prefer a wallet that allows a chain to be attached...these need an accessory to attach a chain for extra security.

[@bjh8560]

How did you get the blue screws in the carbon fiber wallet?

[@sdalt001]

With the Ridge, you push the thumb slot. Cards spread just fine, if you use the tip of your thumb, and not flush. Cards arc. Very easy. Aviator does not come with a clip, only the strap. Pain in the ass to load the strap. Also, you MUST quad fold your bills. I hate paying with bills and they look like they came out of a kids wallet. With the Ridge clip, you can bi-fold your bills. Superior when spending them.

[@smaao]

Do you need to upgrade the coin holders on the aviator

[@michaelandrew8493]

I love the ridge. I tried to be different and get the ekster aluminum and the button keeps getting stuck now. Haha

[@Rika-sensei]

Honestly I think it’s fine that Ridge hasn’t changed. It’s a minimalistic wallet, so they should keep the changes to a minimum

[@miketuppen6438]

I've had an Aviator for 18 months now and used it maybe 2 or 3 times. Card access with the pull tab is amazing, but the cards never feel really tight and snug and the plates move about. The adjustment of both pull tab and elastic is very fiddly and annoying, with potential to lose the (expensive) tiny screws. The coin tray can't take £1 coins - you have to send €30 to get the deeper one. It can take UK cash folded twice, even with the loss of width to accommodate the slide. The cash strap is next to useless, difficult to use and with very little capacity. If you buy the (expensive) clip, it makes it even less easy to slide cash in! It looks very cool, but is really best as card-only. It's awful in your front pocket too as you can't carry anything else for fear of damaging the wallet, or whatever else you have in your pocket. If your pants are tight, like jeans, it's very uncomfortable, even potentially dangerous! I'm probably going to sell mine now after failed carry experiments. Shame, as I had high hopes for it.

[@walletopia]

Thanks for sharing Mike!

[@eni3k]

hello! which version do you have? if carbon - i would like to buy

[@miketuppen6438]

@@eni3k - I have the Obsidian Black Slide...it's a great wallet, really, but it requires some adjustment to your carry habits - best if you don't use cash too often. It has been a real talking point when I've used it!

[@ermal6157]

I have realized this as well. If your carrying cash the wallet gets worn out eventually.

[@kittleeagle]

I want the Aviator Slim Slide, but I don't want to order it from overseas. Sad days!

[@rommelbautista6480]

I love ridge!! They even added the apple airtag case

[@ermal6157]

Its hard to access cards?

[@rommelbautista6480]

@@ermal6157 no, I’ve been using mine for 2 years. The quality are very good! Get carbon fiber if u preferred a lightweight

[@ermal6157]

@@rommelbautista6480 weird ive read some comments where ppl sometimes said it was pretty annoying having to take cards out..

[@rommelbautista6480]

@@ermal6157 it was at the first time especially if you used to use the traditional wallet, my the transitional was smooth. i guess everyone has own experience

[@ermal6157]

@@rommelbautista6480 is there a trick to an easier card access?

[@ctn830]

Someone please help me decide between the pull strap or the simple finger push of the cards. For me that’s all it boils down to

[@DustinGrady]

Do either hold metal cards without them slipping out when shaken?

[@vegsquat]

It's me, the 1000 likes guy

[@williamhiestand8811]

I wonder how the Vandium metal wallet compares to the aviator…..?

[@ivannunez8795]

Between these wallets and the AKeeni xsto, which one would you choose?

[@walletopia]

I've carried them all and the XSTO worked best for me.

[@craigmurdock4740]

I honestly do agree on the stagnation of the brand (Ridge), but at the same time... It's such a "if it ain't broke-don't fix it" wallet. Kinda conflicted! Love mine, though.

[@matthebert3179]

I went with grip6 as they are made in the usa.

[@keithgreen5177]

The ridge is way more work to get cards out of then the aviator, especially with that pull tab. Used a horizontal wallet like the ridge before and I quickly replaced it. Both of these lose to a good leather wallet anyways.

[@carloscervantes836]

I think if Aviator redesigned it to be a push up from the bottom like the Geogrit while keeping the elastic hooked on one side so it pushes them out in steps, it would be a much better system.

[@autumnmatthews3179]

I had a first gen Aviator and it fell apart completely in the supermarket. Never used it again after that

[@kocho5612]

You could get it repaired. They offer lifetime warranty.

[@aethelread5967]

thoughts on pacsafe v100?

[@Mstymntntop]

Why do you want a chunk of metal in you pocket? Get the Mitchell leather Horween money clip. I bought the Cordovan version years ago and it is the best wallet I have ever had.

[@guillermovelazquez1700]

Send me one this way I would love to try one out …

[@TheIMMVP]

I never considered this before, but could you use say an oyster card in the cash strap slot to give tap access to a card? That would actually genuinely make me consider getting one of these wallets.

[@edwardcook5560]

The short answer is yes you can. I can confirm a Ridge wallet works no problem (I have used it with a building access card many times) but the design of the Aviator means the width under the strap is smaller so I don’t think a card would fit (I could be wrong). But definitely can with Ridge.

[@theglamthropologist]

I have with my ridge wallet by putting it in the clip while using the strap with my cash. but you could also do it the other way around. the Ridge allows you to use both clip and strap if you want.

[@dak6028]

When fully loaded with 20 cards how thick is the Aviator in inches? Thanks in advance.

[@voice5sur5]

(20 cards width + empty Aviator) inches

[@barrybambmessagedeletedbyy7467]

You don't want a minimalist wallet.

[@jasonriccoboni5931]

No question that I'm a watch nerd given that your entire video is about two wallet brands, but I can't take my eye off your watch...is that a Tudor Pelegos that I'm seeing on wrist??

[@joshs3916]

Nice Pelagos 2:10

[@DrDennis]

Owned a Ridge once sold it.

[@tsenif]

Same here. Sold it about a month later. They're nice in theory but to get to the cards easily & quickly is kinda annoying.

[@ermal6157]

@@tsenif The only good thing about Ridge is their REALLY NICE DESIGN.

[@cybersechs1368]

15:02 I'd tend to disagree. I'm getting something custom manufactured right now(in CHYNA) similar to this

[@ermal6157]

How?

[@user-py6kc2ms9k]

Kunpairn wallet is better one with 14 pocket and 4 external pocket for quickly access.

[@user-py6kc2ms9k]

on amazon,"kunpairn wallet"

[@KarlHeindel]

I recently bought a Trayvax Contour, and it‘s all your fault 😀. Thanks for your videos, I would love to buy a New wallet every month. One question: wäre did you get your demo credit cards?

[@walletopia]

I had them custom made

[@KarlHeindel]

@@walletopia but from whom? Can I order there too?

[@walletopia]

@@KarlHeindel Jump on Alibaba and search for custom credit cards. You give them your graphics and they'll get them done.

[@marcospelaez5970]

As soon as you showed the aviator with the slide window I thought that was a way superior design to the ridge. The ridge is very cumbersome to get the cards out (literally testing it as we speak) just not worth it I don’t think. Going to return it. Might switch to aviator or just keep my awesome slim leather Dun bifold. Great wallet

[@dasc0yne]

I've come to favor carrying a piece of honest, crafted leather in my pocket over carrying a deck of cards.

[@sjin8896]

Sometimes I get many coins in change, no ridge for me.

[@Paa375]

Chunk of metal in your pocket just is not the same as leather

[@mephistovonfaust]

Yeah, I'm not paying more than 30€ for any of these... these prices are insane

[@dcphilipsTX]

That watch tho

[@Lien03]

I don’t think a man would put coins in his wallet. I would think he’ll just put them in his pocket or give it to his wife, so I got my man the Ridge.

[@pupoje]

I thinks both looks cool, and that's all. In terms of funcionality secrid is the best. I mean if you are at the bar and need to pay the drinks and then you have to take the wallet appart in order to pay.

[@elflakeador09]

What are wallet companies fascination with coin trays? In this day and age people barely carry notes never mind coins

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

Ill go with whatever is cheaper lol

[@TongueJedi]

Aviator has a better design but way overpriced. no matter what wallet I build to my liking $300-$700

[@implodingbacon2687]

I cannot understand the pricetag behind these. Minimalist wallet, maximized price. I want to give them a shot, but the price gouging versus the cost it takes to make them is laughable.

[@keefyboy]

My opinions: If you like eye candy or a type of man (or lady, I guess) jewelry, go with the Ridge. They are visually cleaner and better built than the Aviator, GeoGrit, or Axwell. The Ridge may be over priced but I just replaced the elastic (for asthenic reasons; not functional reason) on my 7+ year old carbon fiber model and it is back to brand-new.

[@elsen7125]

The cash strap is the most unpractical thing ive ever seen on both

[@scottylawson9472]

😂🤣😂🤣 $160 and some of you are paying that 😂🤣😂🤣

[@7up713]

first

[@Paa375]

$250 for a ridge wallet wow I think the avaitor looks much more useable ridge looks difficult to get cards out but the avaitor they have a thump push and strap pull best of both worlds go avaitor

[@mikelewis4260]

Xsto wallet is still better than both of these. No comparison.

[@ermal6157]

Ugly design

[@ekendra21]

I thought ridge was manufactured in USA...

[@walletopia]

Sadly, no.

[@greenpowerhans24]

@@walletopia You said in on of you older videos of the Ridge wallet that they were actually made in the USA! How come now it is the contrary?? Also, they should indicate this VERY important detail on their website! if you google the same question you will find in most answers that they say it is made in the USA! The Ridge company should be clear about this and rectify those who "think" the Ridge wallets are made in the USA! I too thought it was made in the USA! I bought 2 wallets from them and was thinking they were made in the USA, but after the second purchase I saw on the backside of the packaging "made in China"! The question here is that at their price tags it is veeeery expensive for a regular double plates minimalist wallet not made in the USA!!!

[@walletopia]

@@greenpowerhans24 when I did the original review, everywhere I found, it was said to be made in the USA. However, I could not confirm country of origin. As I reviewed more, I was able to discover that it was indeed made in China.

[@kocho5612]

Its made in CHINA. But iphone is made in China , so are high-end sneakers that cost thousands. China made will not affect quality as long as its well-made.

[@Peter-976]

Having to fold your cash TWICE is why I won't buy any of these type of wallets.

[@RedRyz3n]

I'm sorry but Ridge wallets are a complete scam for the price they are selling these for. Xsto wallets are a better value and work significantly better. The ROSSM wallet on Amazon is $30 and about 98% the same quality as Ridge, let that sink in.

[@walletopia]

In my knockoff comparison, the ROSSM is at the top. I also did a materials comparison to the sales price of the various Ridge wallets and it’s telling.

[@jefferytorrisi]

wow that is way over priced ... I will just stick to my rubber band .

[@Leinsterbaby]

Rodge is overpriced and frankly not as good.

[@accountaccount180]

Adding additional things to minimalist items. lol. kind of counter productive.

[@saish9225]

Please review foxhackle wallet.

[@TheProzonedCreeper]

The outlook notification got me at 5:34 lol