Akeeni XSTO provides needed improvements on the original STOW
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- Опубликовано: 7 авг 2024
- The STOW Slip wallet we love has been reimagined as the Akeeni XSTO. With obvious insight into what needed improvement the new XSTO wallet addressed the few shortcoming the original STOW Slip had make a winner a champion.
SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES*
Akeeni XSTO wallet - akeeni.com/
Citizen Promaster Tsuno Chrono Racer Leather - amzn.to/3jwDfBr
Pelikan M620 City Series, New York - difficult to find
Transcript for episode - bit.ly/325Ed0P
TIMESTAMPS:
Intro - 0:00
Unboxing - 00:09
Feature Review - 00:44
Measurement & Weight - 02:18
Card & Cash Insertion Test - 03:30
Review Summary/Detail - 04:09
Final Score - 10:24
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Thanks for this review - and all your reviews. I didn’t know there was even such a thing as a box wallet but after spending a couple of hours watching your reviews I decided to buy an XSTO and I love it.
They should post this review on their web site. You were very clear about all the features and functions of the wallet and with your comparison to the original model. Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video. It was really helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
They have on their official RUclips page 😊
Thank you for bringing out the previous design and comparing the two. The newer design is leaps and bounds better than the previous model. I definitely would be interested to see your carry test on this one!
I have a few more weeks on the carry, but the video should be good once done.
Really wanted to love the XSTO. I ran into a problem that Akeeni mentions in one of their videos. A couple of my cards were actually too long. Went back to my Anson Calder Card Plus Wallet for now. Thanks for all that you do for the community!
Thanks for sharing!
I got the xsto a couple months ago and love it, i use the upper part to hold my mini cards for the stores. i have to say love it.
Thanks very much for another excellent review. You did an excellent job of explaining the differences and why they matter and I am definitely thinking of buying one, though I have to admit that I would miss having leather.
Glad it was helpful! Metal wallets are interesting, but if you're used to leather, it can be a shock and something to get used to.
Just curious did you end up getting this new xsto? I have never had a metal wallet I am also use to leather wallets. I’m trying to decide which one to get.
@@Paa375 No, I bought a Popov 5-card leather wallet, though I'm still tempted to buy the xsto. Maybe I'll use the stimulus, lol. From all of the reviews I've watched, it's the only metal wallet I'd be interested in at this point.
@@jslee102 lol...I agree thanks for the info. Cheers
Thanks for a thorough review of the new XSTO and pointing out the differences from the original STOW. It was very helpful in making the decision to transition to the XSTO from my previous wallet! Also love your straight forward presentation!
Thanks Dianna!
It seems like your content is going to be more important over time. Wallets aren't something people replace all the time, but when they do, if they find your channel and they're discerning consumers, they'll absolutely love it. I'll be recommending you for anyone buying wallets, and honestly, any women I know that want to give a guy a present. Through word of mouth, and natural replacement time (3ish years or what have you), I'm sure you'll gain the fan base you deserve.
For now, I just want you to know that your quality is impeccable. Even down to the links in the description box, it's all a lot of work. I see you, and I appreciate you.
I didn't want to subscribe because I won't consistently want to watch wallet videos after I make my purchase here soon for a new one, but you earned it. Least I could do.
Thanks man, that's very kind of you to say, we'll keep plugging along. I always like to say, if a shoe shining channel can get 200k subs then so can I 😂
Great review as usual. I own the original STOW and love it as my edc. In terms of functionality I would say the new XSTO is better, but I like the "open" design of the original more.
Yes, that change is interesting. If I get a chance I’d like to ask them what drive that decision.
I bought this wallet cuz of this review.. and OMFG I love it! such a small foot print and it holds everything I need.
How has it held up?
I really like the look of it and would get one but 62 is a bit much considering I already have one
Just ordered mine. Thanks for showing the discount code, basically got my carbon fiber card cover for free!
Glad I could help!
what discount code?
Bought 10-card XSTO through your Akeeni link. Wanted a metal minimalist wallet with a business card section. Made in U.S.A. Took your advice and also ordered carbon fiber business card upgrade. Wished they made a carbon fiber version as I would have sprung for the extra money. The family story made us feel good about ordering their wallet. "STOW10" still works, too!
Great to hear! They do have a great story and their continued refinement of the wallet system has been great to see.
That is a great revision to a great idea. I prefer the new one. Nice 👍🏻
This review made me finally try a metal wallet (my other favorites so far are the wingback wallets) - I really do not regret it! Feels very good. I would have loved it in titanium though, that is the only improvement I can think of.
Great to hear!
I’d love to upgrade, but I really have nothing negative to say about my Stow wallet!
Very quirky wallet mark.....as usual another excellent review from you mate 👍
Thank you kindly!
Damn it, you've just convinced me to upgrade my original stow for the new one come next paycheck! The "perfect" minimalist wallet just got more "perfect-er". Mine still holds up and hasn't let me down, ever! I'm normally a cheapskate and won't buy a wallet beyond $50, guess I may have to now. They also have an add-on card cover plate if you think having the cards exposed on the front is a no-no - it's an extra $3, but it's still worth it for those slightly paranoid about having an open-face wallet.
It's a great upgrade! And yes, I saw that cover plate too, great addition for those who don't like to show their top card.
Hmm, I recently purchased the FlipSide Wallet and while I love it - this looks great too. Gonna check to see what colorways are available, might make a purchase. Thanks for the review.
I also purchased a flipside and I didn't like it so I gave it away
I love this wallet! I switch between this, and my Trayvax minimalist wallets.
Nice improvement from the original stow! I carried it for a few months but my cards started to scratch too much from sliding over one another and the metal rubbing with the tops and bottoms of each cards; they started to peel. Had to switch back to my leather wallet. I wonder if they could implement a felt lining on the inside of the tension bars(?) in order to prevent that from happening. Not sure if other people have had that problem as well...
Great insight Randy, I'm carrying the XSTO now with embossed, non-embossed and also metal cards, so I'll watch for that.
That green colour is ❤
Do you have any other RUclips channels that I can check out? You provide some of the best presentations I see here.
Thanks that’s very kind of you. As of now, no, this channel takes all my spare time 😁
Love the review, You earned a subscriber.
I am super ready to get one of these.
Has anyone purchased the Cell Phone attachment piece?
I am hoping that with the Wallet removed, can I charge my phone with a Wireless Charger?
I have a Samsung Note 10 Plus with a Samsung Clear View Cover. Would hate to get excited for this attachment and find out I can't charge the phone.
Now for the toughest part too... Colors. I have always had a black wallet. Why so many colors... So hard to choose. White and red are contenders.
Would you need to take the outermost card out to use for contactless payments?
Would a key fit into the cash area, or would that compromise the integrity of the bottom plate of the wallet?
BTW, nice Craft & Lore guest appearance!
Thanks! It was a lot of fun, I've been interviewing wallet makers for single video mini-documentaries and happen to be up there when they were doing a live event. Great guys.
Just bought it the version 1 like 2 3 weeks ago and now they came out a new version...tempted
They made all the right improvements, but what they updated wasn't due to anything wrong with the original, the changes help expand the market (foreign currencies) and durability (stainless steel spring).
@@walletopia I know, my current stow having problem with $50 note so eventually I stored it at the business card slot. 😄
Thanks for the review, Mark. How does this work with a or multiple metal cards?
I'm finishing up a carry test with it now and I have 2 metal cards. Outside of taking slightly more effort to insert in the wallet, it holds it and operates just fine. The cards "click" in just fine like all the others.
Just wondering if you prefer this wallet over the lost dutchman wallets? Just wondering because I'm considering a couple of wallets from the lost dutchman.
I have a question... do you think i could throw 2-3 coins the in cash space? Like 1€ or 2€ coins? Or will they fall out?
Another great review! Interesting offer...but I just haven't been happy with any non-leather wallet that I've tried...
Understandable, they do take getting used to.
Nice review mark, got the original way back , i was thinking. If it coild fit a cavity card , so you could store coins and little items , on the business card slot 🤔,
It’s possible, it can carry 3 credit cards in that space so it would be an interesting experiment.
Well made!👍
If fold the cash only to half would it works? Especially plastic note
No, you would still need to fold it in thirds or twice (fourths).
I got the 6 cards wallet. Amazing. Should have got the 4 cards variant. You can add 2 cards more than their recommendation.
Man I just bought a dango D03 bifold in dtex, I lost my d01 bifold last year in BCT, if I would’ve seen this before I made a purchase, I definitely would’ve bought this.
What's the thickness of the different models? Really surprised you don't mention that!? Kind of important
Is the plate removable on this new version? Wondering if they cleverly hid the hinge mechanism underneath. Your video is the only one to address how the image on the website looks different from the final product. The original is (still) a great wallet. Very compact and light. Allowing foreign currency is a smart move.
It is removable, but is designed just like the plastic one where it has bent ends that rest across each side.
Very nice review. One thing I always wonder with these metal card holders of that style, which I think deserves to be tested too, is how does it perform if you do not fill it to capacity with cards in the main compartment, can # fewer cards easily escape by tilting diagonally in the mechanism (something I suspect this holder would be vulnerable to).
No, this wallet in particular holds onto a single the same as with multiple cards due to how card click into the card space so there no way for it to come out. Will it move around in the space? Yes.
Can I get an idea of why I would spend money on this over say a standard little metal case from a smoke shop or something?
Very cool 😎...but I think I'll probably purchase an Ekster aluminum. What do you think about the 2
Comes down to use case and how you carry. Both have a means to carry cash, roughly the same, but carry cards differently. . Durability-wise I would lean more to the XSTO due to the mechanical trigger on the Ekster, but again, buy what you want, or you'll be disappointed....when I don't go with my gut I tend to regret it.
Very helpful review. Thank you. Few questions though, what if i get the 8-cards version (for future proofing purposes) but only put like 4 or 5 cards in it.. will it “wobble” and make a lot of noises when i shake it? Second question, if i put all flat cards in (not a single embossed card), can i fit more than 8 cards in the 8-card wallet?
Great questions, yes, it will wobble when you have less than the maximum, but it's not really noticeable unless you have 5 or less cards in the wallet. I was able to get one more card in above the maximum, so 9 cards.
@@walletopia Appreciate the reply! Really helpful
How does it work with embossed cards?
Ya forgot to mentioned the credit card tool like Lever Gear can fit in this wallet?
STOW 2.0 baby
If I order this for 6 cards do you think it'll hold 3 or 4 cards firmly? I want to order bigger then I need in case I get more cards in the future I'd like too carry as well. Thanks nice video. I'm glad I found your channel! I recently lost my favorite leather billfold. 🙁 So I'm looking to upgrade to something modern and more minimalist. I'm also looking forward to putting my business logo engraved on the back!
Never mind! Someone on the website asked my same question. I'll be ordering the 4 card for my daily driver! If need be I'll take my business cards out and stick them in there! My phone holder has room for business cards.
This one looks great. I really want something that wont bend my cards. I just wonder about the top part being used for cards also instead of business cards do they hold in place well?
With cards up top, if you have cash which helps push the spring upward it helps hold them better. But barring that, even with the overcard slip they provide they are a little loose.
@@walletopia Thanks Mark, I just ordered one. Can way to see you extended carry for this one!
@@iedo how are you enjoying your xsto wallet?
hey! I am strongly thinking about purchasing the xsto. OR buying the simple card holder from Tasmanian Tiger. I dont really see the advantages of the akeeni compared to a super simple and way cheaper alternative except that it looks and might feel a lot better. Is it really worth the price? What makes it special, compared to a simple card holder from cloth like the Tasmanian Tiger one?
They carry different so I would say it depends on your material preference. The XSTO is US made, metal and has a very small footprint. Being that it's metal, it sits in your pocket like that versus more pliable.
Everyone who has one of these, what capacity wallet do you recommend? Has anyone purchased a 4 or 6 and wish they bought the larger capacity? Likewise, have you purchased the 8 and wish you had purchased the 6 or 4?
I bought the 6 card and wish I bought the 4 card for it to be even slimmer oh well i use the xsto everyday
@@JVGSNOW I now have the 6 and 4 card. There is a slight difference in size. The 4 card provides enough space because you can put your ID and another card in the top.
Almost about to buy it . Almost.
So what questions/concerns do you have?
You really helped me decide what wallet to buy! Thanks! I also got it custom !
Did you get an engraving on it? If so, when I put it on there on the website, it shows it as a green sort of colour, does it actually come out white? I’m just confused and don’t want a green engraving, I want it white ahha
how does the xsto work with cars that are in rfid sleeves? will they still fit in there without tearing the sleeve?
I would suggest using an RFID card as you last card instead of using sleeves, facing outward instead is a sleeve. With it, you’ll have total RFID coverage.
@walletopia how do you mean by facing outward? You mean the top business card slot, or the top most of cards in the stack, with RFIC card being the bottom most?
So it works fine with just 1orr 2 cards if i buy the larger version still?
Yes, the only potential item to be aware of is if you carry cash and only have a few cards in the larger wallet I’ve heard the cash could fall out. I never experienced that during my carry test but I always had more than a few cards in the wallet.
just checked the website, prices have increased by USD5 across the range of XSTO wallets.
How does it get usability of 5 when you have to fold bills into thirds? I may not use cash often, but I do carry it and don't like fumbling for it when I need it. For example, whenever I can, although I pay with a card, I like to tip waitstaff with cash. They definitely appreciate receiving it in hand. When travelling there are numerous times one has to tip a few dollars or even more on tours and such.
So, when are you going to review that elusive wallet that's bigger on the inside than on the outside? That's what I'm looking for! ATB!
Ah, THAT wallet! :). I'm still looking for that too, but some have some close. The ZNAP is a great example of that, a proper trifold in the size of the XSTO and for a trifold, the nivisto is impressive, a real trifold in the footprint of a bifold. Since all wallets in the XSTO, Ridge, ZNAP, etc. category require you to fold your cash, the usability came in the ease of which you can insert and access it. To me, it's easier than a clip.
Can you fit a single ID card on the backside of the wallet instead of business cards? Thank you.
Yes, I just finished a carry test and that’s what I did, works great.
I'm trying to decide between this, and the Dango A10. Have watched so many videos, but still can't decide.
I have both and like the XStow better. If you want to carry in your back pocket the A10 isn’t very comfy and tougher to get cards out
@@johnforlizzi1749 thanks for that info John, appreciate it.
Wow, nice improvements. I guess I'll order another 🤣. Also, tied for 1st! Thought it could of had 4 stars on price, which would have it standing alone. I demand a recount, rater fraud.
Oh there's no such thing as rater fraud, move along citizen! 😂
bought the new xsto and it is awesome! got the 8 card model and also ordered the carbon fiber back,and plastic cover for the front. Have to say the carbon fiber upgrade is well worth it.
Wallet was ordered first and received it in only 3 days! also excellent customer service when emailing questions.l Same for ordering accessories..Well worth the price.
Great to hear!
How do they hold up storing them in your back pocket being sat on?
Like a deck of cards. Wallet's like this, including those like the Ridge wallet are best in your front pocket.
Should there be an issue adding more than 10 cards to the wallet? I got mine today. I fit 13 cards, most plastic, a couple metal, to the main body of the wallet and it fit fine. I wasn’t sure if I was bending anything.
No issues if it can accept it. There’s no bending of the cards beyond the tension it provides on both sides when you insert them.
@@walletopia Thanks!!
Hi Mark. When you put the additional cards in the business card holder space, how secure are those cards?
If you applied some shaking force they might come out. The card overlay that comes worth it helps keep it in place so while it’s not as secure as the main compartment it takes a bit to get something to come out. That said, I’m not throwing the or dropping my wallet often so it’s not a big deal for me.
@@walletopia So you can insert the "card" that comes with the wallet to cover those, because I am thinking that is where my license and insurance card would go.
That’s where I put my ID and a few loyalty cards, they stay put just fine and the card cover makes it nice.
@@Spartan7476 Yes, the plastic card is the one with the bent ends that covers what you put in that top slot. I put my license and couple loyalty cards there and it works great.
I'm torn between the Akeeni XSTO and the Ekster Aluminum wallet. I'm really attracted to the Ekster tracking card, can you tell me if the Ekster tracking card will fit in the Akeeni wallet? Then I could have the best of both worlds.
Interesting idea, I just tested it and it works! The Ekster tracker fits into the XSTO without any problem, even "clicks" in. It's slightly looser than other cards, but you do have to put some force to have it slide out. So all in all, great idea, works well!
@@walletopia Amazing, this is so helpful! You just made my purchasing decision very easy. Thank you so much!
Where can I buy it in Europe?
I recently bought two stow wallets but am very interested in this one. What should I do?
If you don't carry foreign currency the STOW will do you very well.
Buy a Dango!!
feed your current wallets to your dog
I wish I would of waited to buy this one. My first is lost in a drawer somewhere. Lol!!
Oh darn! If you can't find it, you'll need the new one! 😂
Would this make it into a revised/updated "Top 10 Price Doesn't Matter"?
It's currently #2 in the rankings and removing price it still stays at #2. It's ranking goes from 44 to 46.
@@walletopia Nice.. and the previous #1 (which I thought was a tie?) is still #1 I guess? I like these non-leather wallets, so just might reverse them in the ratings. I'm not sure -- not having carried this one long enough, or the Port at all. Thanks for the reply.
I wonder how it feels in your pocket... It looks like it would be uncomfortable. I like my wallets to have a bit of flex to it
Do you think that because the cards are exposed, they're more likely to experience wear and tear?
The wear happens on the edges of cards due to the friction of the cards moving in and out of the wallet. It begins to delaminate through cards.
Please, make review of Zenlet 2 Plus wallet!!!!
Thanks Zwei, I have your vote added for that wallet!
Not my cup of tea, but I can certainly appreciate this very, very elegant design.
For a metal wallet, it's super clever.
Will the wallet get loose over time?
I've not read where that's a problem with the original so I wouldn't expect that to be the problem with this one. In fact, the way the CNC was done I would expect the new version is less likely to have that problem.
Does this wallet have RFID protection?
Through the materials used kinda. Although I’ll present the facts that RFID theft of credit cards isn’t a problem anymore, you could still carry an RFID card as your top card and would be good.
And... Not once did he only put in 4 cards. Do you have to load it up?
It’s an 8 card wallet, imagine it with 4 cards. The size stays the same.
Nit picky, but the cash should have had yellow checkmarks as it needed to be folded twice. Cool card holder though.
Great catch, I totally missed that!
Carbon fiber business card cover is nice. It should ship with it instead of being an option.
Agreed, it really finishes it off nicely.
So that's the highest rated wallet Il stick to my open sea 50 50 wallet
It actually matches the Craft and Lore Port wallet which has been alone in that spot for a long time.
@@walletopia I only carry about 4 cards. Trying to decide between this one and the leather port which looks gorgeous. I like the functionality of this xsto probably faster to get a card out of the xsto. I think if you carry quite a few cards and use some of them often the xsto may be a better option. I use 4 cards and only really use one most of the time. Maybe the xsto will be over kill for 4 cards. Decisions Decisions
Will this wallet scratch the sides of credit cards?
Yes, I've found that all metal wallets will eventually delaminate the sides of your cards. Not a bunch, but they will.
@@walletopia thank you for the quick reply, I appreciate your insight and expertise.
Is it rfid block?
No
All these tests with dummy cards that are flat, but what about cards where the words on the cards are protruding out?
Embossed cards, which are being phased out. What it means is that it reduces the number of cards you can carry by about 20% as you stack them versus flat cards.
aesthetically, XSTO did a better job of making a subtle improvement to the mechanism. grip6 just fixed an issue but didnt really bother to elevate the design even more.
Very true. The original STOW was done so well, that the XSTO represented.
I love the wallet but its just that its open at the front what i dont like about it
Thanks Senne, please explain your comment a bit more. Is it that the cards show, which I know is troublesome to many, or that a fully enclosed version would be more attractive? Or something else?
Not into the aluminum wallets no give in your pocket like leather good review Mark
Indeed, that's an absolute problem with all metal wallets.
Nice but I think it's a little to pricey. I would consider it at 39.99
If it was made in China I would agree, but with it all being made in the US, everything almost doubles.
Where's the RF blocker? 🤣
I must be the only person that carries a wallet in their back pocket. This would be painful sitting on.
Absolutely! Any of the metal wallets, while possible, would eventually be very painful or at least a distraction because there's no doubt you know it's there 😂
There design for use in the front pocket !!!!!!
How to scratch all your cards.
I've had a couple of wallets made of metal, never again. They don't offer anything better than any other type of material.
I'm doing an extensive carry test on this one with a couple metal cards mixed in to see how it does.
I heavily disagree with your ratings.
Xsto price is slightly cheaper than the ridge that you gave 1 star to (
That’s why I will often go back and do 2nd LOOK videos where additional learnings force me to make an adjustment. Interestingly there is a 2nd LOOK video on the Ridge coming out in a few days that addresses this.
@@walletopia ill keep my eyes peeled. Do you have a standardized quantification for your star ratings? I think that could help make the ratings more meaningful.
@@stoatski9143 Yes! Thanks for asking. You can see how it's weighted and put together here, ruclips.net/video/4rW2Pfspab4/видео.html I appreciate your comment because over time, things do change and I want to be as true as I can as reviews continue forward. Thanks!
Looks like a belt buckle.
This wallet destroyed my credit cards . I was disappointed.
Same here. I love it but it messes your cards, I wonder if they can come up with a better idea to prevent from scratching
Chinese money seems to be absolutely everywhere.
?
@@walletopia Thought he said Yen and not Yuan
Not $68 worth. Maybe, maybe $20
This looks totally useless. You might as well just put all your stuff into a metal container. A few bucks would buy you one.
Wow , must be one of the ugliest and one of the most gimmicky wallets out there