V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet is the Anti-Wallet of Wallets

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

We’ve looked at a few wallets over the years. We’ve reviewed the Flipside Wallet 2X, the Flipside STRATA, and we reviewed a host of iPhone cases that double as wallets such as this one, and this one, and this one. Today we are going to take a look at yet another wallet from V??? llc. More accurately, today we are going to take a look at an anti-wallet from V??? llc. (“Anti-wallet” is my description not theirs. Read on to find out why I am referring to it as such.)

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

V??? llc recently launched a line of compact CNC machined aluminum “wallets”. These accessories don’t look like any wallet you have ever seen, and they certainly don’t feel like any wallet I have ever used. In fact, the closest thing to these wallets in my experience is the clump of credit cards and cash my father-in-law carries in his pocket. He simply folds everything over and carries it in his pocket. No, he doesn’t even keep the pile bound together with a rubber band. It works for him so… so be it.

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

V??? llc’s wallet takes Mark’s approach, but does it a few better by adding a metal frame, some interest and the rigidity that comes with CNC machined aluminum. V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet looks like a small metal picture frame that is open along one of the long sides on the back. This creates an area into which numerous cards can be placed and protected.

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

The company offers three different sizes or depths ranging from .22″ to .48″. Obviously the greater the depth of the wallet the more cards and cash you can carry.

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

I really appreciate them charging one price for any color or depth. That is a bit surprising since many companies would likely charge a premium for the cards with the greater depth and argue that “the deeper cases use more raw materials and take longer to carve out”. Whatever. The company doesn’t do that and I respect that fact.

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

The wallets come in a nice box with the company name embossed into it. It is not a fancy presentation but it is better than the item simply shipping in an envelope. (They could have done that and save a few pennies but opted to give a better initial impression. Good call!)

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

The wallet (or anti-wallet if you wish) comes in a number of different colors. The frame is thick but leaves a nice opening. This is great since it means you can place your favorite picture in the first position and smile each time you pull out your wallet and see it. (You can also use it for your ID but that would be fact too practical in my opinion.)

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

On the back of the wallet you will find a rubber band that is thick, taut and connects at both ends of the wallet. The double thickness of the of the rubber band is actually rather functional.

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

It allows you to place the first card or picture beneath both layers of rubber band and then place subsequent cards BETWEEN the bands. Why is this important? Simple, if the first card or picture is mostly decorative keeping it separate from the other cards means you won’t accidentally remove it from the pile. The other cards can be removed and replaced but it will sit in place, remain undamaged (if it is a picture) and undisturbed.

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

After the first card or picture is in place you can add additional cards and place them between the two sides of the rubber band. It is a perfect fit and, at least in my use of the wallet, you are able to keep a picture, six cards and some cash in this version of the accessory.

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallet

V??? llc CNC Machined Aluminum Wallets are small, light and tough as.. . metal. Carved from a block of CNC machined aluminum they offer an I.D. or picture window, comes in different capacities and have an EasySwipe feature that makes it easy to remove cards. Finally, the company notes that the wallets have a proprietary finish that allows the base metal and machined texture to shine through. It is an off product that is strangely attractive and, much to my surprise, works well of you are looking for a minimalist wallet. You can learn more and order yours on the company website.

MSRP: $49

What I Like: Strong; Simple; Come in three sizes; Come in a variety of colors; Company claims they are RFID-blocking; ID and/or Picture window; Quite comfortable to carry and use

What Needs Improvement: Not for someone whose wallet needs to hold lots of cards, pictures and receipts; “Different” (which can be a good or a bad thing)

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.