(if you want to see all the features and how many cards and cash it can hold, please watch the video)
Today’s review is on the Andar Pilot Wallet, version 2. It is their new popup box wallet and as with all Andar products, they come in a very typical packaging which is a sturdy brown fold up box that has a picture of the wallet you have purchased on the exterior of the box. I really like the consistency from manufacturers that sell multiple wallets. The wallet is then packaged in a canvas type bag which also includes a thank you card that gives you discounts, instructions with a QR code, and typical social media information.
This is a box wallet that is made from anodized aluminum with a black matte finish. It has a thin cut leather wrap that extends around the top half of the box area. There is a money clip on the exterior. You can also purchase the wallet without a money clip. The unique aspect of this wallet is that it doesn’t have a typical push button. There is a wheel instead. It is based on a spring, and when you roll it, It pushes the cards up. The wheel can only be turned in one direction. If you try to roll it in the opposite direction, it will automatically lock. This technique and presentation is an ingenious concept. I like the innovation for something around a box wallet.
The wallet can fit up to six non-embossed cards and five slips of cash.
The leather is a full grain oil waxed. It smells and feels really good. Unfortunately, there have been consistent reports that the leather begins to peel away from the aluminum as the leather is glued onto the metal chassis. It is very easy to pull away with your finger, therefore as you put this in and out of your pocket, the adhesion can become a problem and it starts to peel from the seam.
The version 1 Pilot had a little front pocket where you could have a quick access card, as well as it being tap capable. Many people have indicated they wished this pocket had remained in version 2. It naturally has RFID because of the metal material. It feels really smooth and will have no issues in how it will fit in your pocket. It seems very durable and the wheel mechanism is very unique.
If you would like to see a tear down of this wallet, please refer to the video.
The wallet is designed in the United States and made in China. When I ordered this wallet, there were some production problems where I ended up waiting about four months before I received it. As of this recording, they are still taking pre-orders for another product run. The company takes quality assurance very seriously, which is what you like to see with vendors.
It measures 4.5 by 2.5 by .5” and weighs 124 grams. There is a 12-month warranty included with the purchase which really helps with the mechanical pieces in case anything goes wrong.
For the final score: For quality a 4, price a 3, features a 3, usability a 4, and perception a 4. This gives us a final score of 3.7 out of 5.
Andar's product line can meet anyone's carry needs.
