Best Alternatives to Ridge WalletS: SAVE SOME MONEY

Is a Ridge wallet worth it? Is it really the best wallet? Should I buy one and ignore the ridiculously high price tag? Are there better alternatives that won’t cost me so much money? In this article, I’ll explore these questions and dive deeply into the many alternatives on the market.

But First: Why Are Ridge Wallets So Expensive?

As you may already know, carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum Ridge wallets have increased in prices. And this means that already reluctant consumers, like myself, become even wearier. Particularly, they become skeptical of spending all their money on what already appeared to be a teeny-bit overpriced.

And anyway, why are they so popular in the first place? Well, in the last 20 or so years, we’ve not had many wallets like it. It was the first metal wallet that was designed ultra slim. It was a trendsetter in the wallet world, a new durable smart wallet with a unique design.

But, a quick trip to their website could put you off from making a purchase. I mean, $95 for a navy aluminum wallet, whereas a new leather wallet from Amazon could cost you just $15. It just doesn’t seem very logical. They’re sold as the best wallet, but are they really?

And They’re Not So Great Anyways, Right?

I mean, if you think about it, who wants to carry around a slab of metal everywhere they go, not to mention:

• The edges of this metal slab of the Ridge wallet could damage the fabric of your pants.
• Metal can get hot! I mean, it conducts heat, after all.
• Your wallet could actually set off security detectors at the airport.

Or, maybe I’m just searching for reasons not to like them because of the cost. Okay, I’ll confess, they’re okay.

… and may even be the best wallet.

Fine, here’s what I really think about ridge wallets (if you must know):

Why I Think Ridge Wallets Are Actually Quite Good

So, now that I’ve complained about the wallets, let me get to why they’re worth it and why you should buy one, or rather, one like it. Let’s start by discussing what these wallets are made from and how that makes them as superior as sliced cheese:

Metal wallets aren’t just some trend. Modern technology has allowed us to make strong, durable, and lightweight cash-and-card-holders. Because these wallets are made of metal, they can be waterproof and resistant to drops and impacts. In addition, a Ridge slim wallet:

• Is much-much-much easier to clean. You don’t hear much (maybe I’m overusing that word) talk about metal getting stained with tomato sauce!
• Is secure in your pocket and won’t cause valuable papers or anything in your pocket to crinkle.
• Can easily slip in and out of your front pocket.

But the primary advantage is, of course, what I mentioned first: they’re simply more durable. A real leather wallet will last you, at most, around ten years. But a well-designed metal wallet could last you a lifetime. A Ridge wallet is simply reliable.

But, you probably already know most of this, which is why you’re trying to figure out if there are any alternatives that either won’t break the bank or perhaps have some unique design or spin to them.

Don’t worry. I’ve done all the hard work so that you don’t have to. Here’s a list of the best alternatives to a Ridge slim wallet.

Ridge Wallet Alternatives (That Leave Cash Left for Dinner)

So wallet manufacturers, realizing how expensive a Ridge slim wallet is, decided that now was the time to break into the market with, for lack of better words, much cheaper knock-offs.

1. Starting Off: Ranger’s Tactical Minimalist Wallet

See, at around $40, this is more along the lines of what you’d hope (and expect) to pay for a metal wallet. This USA-bred wallet is made of steel and has a coating of high-quality powder. Ideally, it should last you a while. Other features to look out for include:

• RFID blocking. Now, if you don’t know what this is, you need to get a new wallet. And you’re in the right place, so please stay a while and read my rambles about great wallets.(RFID blocking is caused by certain materials which prevent cards or your passport from being scanned. It’s essentially an extra layer of protection from theft.)
• A tool card with a bottle opener, wrenches, and a 1/4 tool driver.
• A lifetime guarantee.

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The Ranger Tactical Minimalist Wallet also comes in four different colors, so you’ll get plenty of choices. The only downside is that the wallet can only hold up to 8 cards as opposed to some, which can hold up to 12, even 20. Other than that, it’s quite a good everyday carry.

2. A Sleek Wooden Finish: Mountain Voyage Slim Minimalist Wallet

Okay, this durable smart wallet may not be made of metal, but hear me out. I still think that it’s a great choice. And at around $50 (sometimes less when there’s a sale), it’s around half the price of many Ridge wallets.

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And the Mountain Voyage Slim Minimalist Wallet also boasts the ability to block RFID signals, so along with a stunning wooden design, your cards will remain protected. In addition, this wallet boasts:

• The ability to hold up to 15 cards. That’s almost double what the Ranger Tactical can hold!
• A screwdriver.
• A removable cash strap if you don’t keep cash with you.

And just like the Ranger Tactical, it comes in three different color options. However, unfortunately, it only has a two-year warranty instead of a lifetime warranty. It can also be quite difficult to remove cards when you have quite a few in the wallet.

3. The Budget Option: SWZA Carbon Fiber Wallet

Maybe you’re on a budget, or your significant other has put you on one. And maybe that’s why you’re here in the first place. The SWZA Carbon Fiber Wallet is a great option for those of you who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg (and an ear and a nose) on a wallet.

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For about $20, you can get yourself this RFID-blocking metal wallet with a money clip to hold your cash and elastic webbing to keep your card from falling out. And as a bonus, it also makes a great gift as each wallet comes in a gift box.

4. The Even-Budget-ier-One: ROCO Minimalist Aluminum Slim Wallet

For under $20, the Roco Minimalist Aluminum Slim Wallet is frankly the cheapest option we’ll mention in this article. It boasts the usual great features of the awesome wallets in this list:

• It can block RFID scans.
• It’s made from a strong material. The aluminum plates keep your cards from bending. Though, some may argue that the aluminum scratches their cards.
• It’s incredibly slim.

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And the money clip can expand to hold up to 20 cards!

5. Heavier but Strong: Radix One Black Steel

I’d not normally recommend a heavy wallet, especially one that advertises as such. But the Radix One Black Steel seems to make it work. Particularly because the steel plates give it effective RFID protection. It’s also reasonably priced at just over $20.

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It also has a bit more of a substantial feel, which may appeal to some. Unfortunately, unlike some of the alternatives I’ve already mentioned, this wallet only holds up to 10 cards.

And, of course, it’s quite minimalistic and boasts a sleek design. It’s definitely a durable smart wallet.

6. The Convenient Choice: PLMCASE Minimalist Pop Up Wallet

This is a wallet for the modern man (or woman) who wants something that is durable, slim, and able to carry the essentials. You’ll slip this one into your front pocket with ease. And the pop-up motion that the PLMCASE Minimalist Pop Up Wallet boasts makes it much easier to access your cards.

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And let me not undersell when I said it was slim. I mean, it’s 4.3×2.6×0.5 inches. It’s pretty small. In addition, it comes with the usual bits and bobs:

• It blocks RFID waves.
• It has a sturdy money clip.
• There’s an ID holder.

And it’s not expensive. You could buy five of these instead of a new Ridge Wallet. It’ll set you back about $20.

7. Something… Savage? The Savage Spartan Tactical Wallet

Okay, the heading is just a bit of a joke on my part. There’s nothing particularly savage about this wallet aside from maybe how savagely great it looks. Maybe it’s the best wallet in terms of looks; who knows? Not to mention how it’ll likely be able to survive in the pocket of a reckless party-going college student with ease.

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Like the others on our list, guess what? The Savage Spartan Tactical Wallet has RFID protection. It also has a money clip to keep cash and elastic webbing. This wallet will cost you around $40.

Staying an Informed Consumer

It’s good that you’re here because it means that you don’t take things at face value. That thing you keep in your front pocket shouldn’t be that expensive. There are cheaper alternatives. And doing your own research will keep you from overspending when you could find a cheaper and “just-as-good” alternative for a third or even a quarter of the price.

I hope that I’ve been able to help you on your wallet shopping journey. Please see the below frequently asked questions to look at what people tend to want to know about what we’re talking about (Yes, I’m aware they’re almost all about Ridge wallets, but I don’t make the questions, I just answer them).

Popular FAQs

What type of wallet is a Ridge wallet?

A Ridge wallet is a metal wallet made from materials such as aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. It’s become popular because of its minimalistic design and many features.

Are Ridge wallets made in the USA?

Yes, Ridge wallets are made in the USA. These wallets were designed by Daniel Kane, who founded the company back in 2013 after an extremely successful Kickstarter that raised over $200,000

What is a minimalist wallet?

A minimalist wallet does exactly what minimalism embodies. It keeps things simple and keeps that which is only necessary. This frees up pocket space and keeps your wallet light. The best wallet is one that is easy to carry.

Can the Ridge wallet get scratched?

Yes, a Ridge wallet can get scratched. But they have been designed to handle a lot of wear and tear, so it’s not likely to happen that easily if you keep it alone in your front pocket. These are quality products.

Why are Ridge wallets so expensive?

Well, there are several reasons why a Ridge wallet might be expensive. People think of it as the best wallet, and it has a lot of pretty nifty features, such as RFID blocking and a lifetime warranty. But is it overpriced? Well, I think so, although I’m sure this is debatable among loyal Ridge customers.

Do Ridge wallets actually block RFID?

Yes, Ridge wallets do block RFID. They’re designed with inner plates that prevent wireless theft. This secures your personal information and cards.

IN CONCLUSION

Yes, Ridge wallets are state-of-the-art. However, they are pricey, and there are alternatives. We encourage you to seek alternatives to some of our suggestions. You will get the performance and have more cash in your wallet.