I’ve been a fan of Flipside Wallet’s products since I first saw, and later reviewed, the Flipside 2X Wallet. (Read the post.) Sure, the Flipside Wallet 2X looks a bit unusual, but I really like it. I like the fact that it keeps my wallet organized; I like the fact that my credit cards are shielded from crooks who might use RFID-readers to steal my information; and I like the fact that the rigid design means I can’t keep adding more and more stuff to my wallet. Yes, until I got the Flipside Wallet 2X, I suffered from “wallet-overstuff”, but the 2X cured me. Oh, and I like the fact that I get funny looks when I take it out to pay for something.
Now Flipside has released the STRATA, a smaller, slimmer version of my wallet-of-choice. Here’s a look.
From FlipSide Wallet:
We realized long ago that there are people who carry wallets, and then there are minimalists. These users tend to not carry much at all, which typically consists of 5 cards or less and next to no cash inside card carriers or money clips.
The Flipside™ STRATA™ Wallet was designed with minimalists in mind. It is very compact and thin, locks shut so nothing falls out, and shields your cards from unauthorized RFID Scanning. Our patented design also features a revolutionary new double-edged money clip that prevents cash from slipping off while inserting or removing the wallet from your pocket.
Features:
RFID Shielding: Main card slots prevent RFID scanning of your credit/debit cards
High Strength Polymer Design: Prevent your cards from being bent
Locking Button: Never lose anything out of your wallet again
Fast Card Access: Holds 5 cards in two fast access slots
Secure Clip Design: Patented design prevents cash from
The first thing you’ll notice about the STRATA is the money clip built into one side of the wallet. The clip can holds a few folded bills or a card or two or — if need be — a mix of the two.
I used to carry a separate money clip, and I love the idea of having my wallet and cash in one place. I also like the fact that, because it is fairly rigid, the clip forces you to think through what you are going to carry with you.
That carries through to the interior of the STRATA. I keep my driver’s license on one side and three credit cards on the other. That all that will fit inside, and that’s a good thing. Why? Because two credits cards, a license, a health insurance card and some cash is … enough. And because of the RFID shielding, the cards are safe inside once the wallet is closed.
Speaking of closed, being smaller isn’t the only thing that is different about the STRATA when compared to the 2X. While the 2X has a spring-loaded closure system, the STRATA is “manual”, and it requires you to open or lock it by hand. It isn’t difficult, but it is a different system that’s slightly more “old school” than the one on the Flipside 2X.
I’ve like the Flipside concept since the first time I saw it. Sure, when I move to the 2X I needed to make some tough choices with regard to what I would carry, but that was part of the idea. It has worked well for me ever since. Now along comes the STRATA. It is smaller, but it also has more of a refined look and feel. And, once again, I found myself having to cut down on the number of items I plan to carry. This time it was a bit easier since, thanks to my iPhone, many of the items I would otherwise have carried in my wallet can now be stored on my iPhone. And as Passbook becomes more powerful, I will likely be able to put even more in electronic format.
For me the STRATA works. If, however, you need to carry a bit more or you don’t need to have a built-in money clip, you may want to go with the X2. Either way you won’t be disappointed. The Flipside X2 is one review item I have used daily since first receiving it; the STRATA will be too. Learn more about both here on the Flipside Wallet website.
MSRP: $29.95
What I Like: Smaller and a bit more refined in look and feel than its older sibling; RFID shielding makes your cards more secure; Built-in money clip holds bills or an extra card or two
What Needs Improvement: Not for someone who needs to carry a lot on a daily basis.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample