Fantom X

i tried many brand..this one is the best...

I have been carrying a slim leather wallet for the past 10 years, over time, I accumulated points cards, gift cards and the like which made my wallet not so slim anymore. Trying to downsize back to 7-8 cards made the wallet loose and I started looking for alternatives.

I came across the slim metal wallets while watching videos about EDC and the like, and I was interested in trying one. This will date the review, but as a Canadian in this current political climate, I was eager to encourage a Canadian company. Learning that the Fantom wallet was made in Canada was a deciding factor in my purchase decision. The second deciding factor for me was the "why Fantom" section on this website. The explanation of the distribution of cost and machining was very informative for me and further convinced me this was the right purchase.

I chose the Fantom X slim (5-10 cards) with the optional titanium money clip. I've only owned the wallet for a month, but looking at the durability of the material, the quality of the construction and the repairability of the fanning system, I believe this wallet is a lifetime purchase. I cannot predict the future, but from experience, unless I lose or have the wallet stolen it will probably be the last wallet I ever own. It has already been dropped a few times on pavement and dirt and there are no scratches. I believe over time it will develop a patina which I am looking forward to.

If you are reading this review and are wondering about usability for your use case, let me explain mine: I chose the middle size wallet because I have to carry more than a few cards. My minimum amount of cards I have to carry every day was six; 2 bank cards, a keycard, driver's license, insurance card, and a transportation card, which leaves me with a few spaces in the slim wallet in case I need to temporarily store another card. I could have bought the extra-slim, but for the reasons listed below went for the middle size. If all you need to carry is 2-3 cards, go for the extra slim.

I did not buy the extra slim because I need to carry a thicker card. In my case, the keycard I use has a little more than twice the thickness of a credit card, and you have to take that thickness into account. A thicker card will take two or more spaces, and because the wallet is rigid, there is no play to squeeze another card in once you maxed out the space in it. I recommend getting the 5-10 capacity because it is the perfect balance between usability and decluttering. If you are worried about your supermarket points cards or library cards not fitting in the wallet, you can do as I did and scan them in a points card application of your choosing on your phone, and only keep your essential cards in your wallet.

The attachment system looks great but I have not yet tried it. Personally, I am considering the coin holder as I sometimes need to carry change or the odd SD card. For now the money clip has served me well as the occasional parking slip or receipt holder, as well as holding the few bills I sometimes carry.

I carry the wallet in my front pant pockets, or in the breast pocket of my jacket, and very seldom in the back pockets of my pants. I have never felt pain or anything annoying so far carrying it. I sometimes remove the money clip when I need to carry it in a suit jacket, the slimness makes it virtually invisible.

The cards are snug in the wallet, they will not fall out easily even if you shake the wallet hard after fanning the cards. They are not difficult to remove or insert, but they require getting used to the angle to put them in. It will take you a day to get used to, then it will be second nature. The first and last spot in your wallet should be reserved for your most frequently used cards, as they are the easiest to access. The middle ones are still not a problem to get to, and you shouldn't fumble around trying to find the right one.

The fanning mechanism is great, and works well as a fidget device when fanning and closing the wallet repeatedly. The closest example I can give is the feeling of opening and closing a Zippo style lighter.

All in all, this is a great wallet for the price, and a definite recommendation from me.

Really enjoying my Fantom X, can see the quality everywhere.

I was a little nervous about purchasing the Fantom X, mainly due to price. I’ve only had folding leather traditional wallets before but was interested in the Fantom because I’m tired of credit and debit cards bending and cracking, and because of the fanning lever. I fly a lot and also wanted an ID holder that was easy to access. I have to say I love my new wallet. It’s been great. I should’ve ordered it sooner.

The fanning mechanism seems really sturdy. Cards are easily accessed. I love it!