Groove Stealth Wallet: A Vertical Card Exit Done Right

Unboxing and First Impressions

When you first unbox the Groove Stealth wallet, it’s clear Groove Life put thought into presentation. It comes in a solid metal case—nothing flashy, just functional and protective. This kind of packaging sets a professional tone from the start, signaling that what’s inside is more than your average wallet.

The wallet itself looks sleek and understated. The model reviewed came in black, but Groove Life offers faceplates in several stylish options including gunmetal, carbon fiber, and a black-and-white American flag “Hero” version. While these are cosmetic, they give the wallet a chance to show some personality without going overboard. And yes, you can swap these plates out—though you’ll need a Torx screwdriver (not included), so keep that in mind.

Card and Cash Test

The Groove Stealth wallet can hold up to 14 cards if you don’t use the integrated tray—or 12 if you do. During testing, 8 cards and 3 folded bills fit comfortably, and the experience was smooth. The standout feature here is the tray, which stores cash internally rather than relying on a money clip or exterior strap. That’s a big upgrade compared to other wallets where cash is left exposed and sometimes flops around.

The cards are accessed using a large thumb push located at the bottom of the wallet. It’s designed so that the cash tray doesn’t interfere with card retrieval—clever and intuitive. When you push the cards up, they fan nicely thanks to the elastic bands along the sides. This makes it easy to pull the card you want without fumbling through all of them. It’s a great balance between security and convenience.

Construction Details

The Groove Stealth wallet is built using 6061 CNC-machined aluminum, giving it a solid, sturdy feel without being too heavy. It weighs in at 2.3 ounces (66 grams), which is pretty reasonable for a metal wallet. The faceplates are made from different materials depending on the design option you choose, but they all snap into place with Torx screws and can be swapped out if you want a fresh look.

What’s impressive is the tray itself—it’s also made of metal, not plastic. This isn’t just a gimmick; it genuinely adds to the wallet’s durability. There’s no creaking, no flimsiness, and no flexing when you press or push on different sections. The elastic bands run around the edge and are replaceable, a nice nod to longevity in a wallet that’s designed to be your daily driver.

Design Details

One of the standout elements of the Groove Stealth wallet is its vertical card exit. Rather than sliding cards out horizontally, they exit from the top. This makes it more ergonomic and quicker to access—especially if you carry your wallet in your front pocket. This vertical approach also helps reduce pocket bulge since the design stays no bigger than the cards it holds.

The integrated tray is the true hero here. It stores emergency cash and makes it easy to keep less-used cards separated. For example, frequently used cards can live in the front while archive or membership cards stay in the back. Need to carry just cards? You can remove the tray entirely and go ultra-slim. It’s thoughtful touches like these that elevate the Groove Stealth above other minimalist wallets.

Usability

The usability of the Groove Stealth wallet shines through in daily use. That thumb push mechanism? It’s generously sized and responsive. The fan-out of the cards makes selection smooth, and the vertical design just feels faster and more natural. Whether you’re using just a few cards or maxing it out, the elastic provides enough tension to keep everything secure without becoming a wrestling match.

Swapping faceplates might not be something you do often, but it’s still a cool option for personalization. Yes, you’ll need a Torx screwdriver, but this isn’t something you’ll likely do weekly—it’s more of a set-it-and-forget-it feature. The wallet is also serviceable if anything breaks, which is more than can be said for many slim wallets in the market.

Final Score

Quality

Built with aluminum and metal components, this wallet is solid and premium.
Score: 5

Features

The internal tray and removable faceplates add meaningful function and flexibility.
Score: 4

Usability

Easy card access, intuitive thumb push, and optional configurations make it a breeze to use.
Score: 4

Perception

It has a refined, tactical vibe, though exposed cards could raise durability concerns.
Score: 3

Final Score: 4 out of 5

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent internal cash tray
• Durable aluminum construction
• Vertical card access is fast and ergonomic
• Faceplates are swappable
• Easy card separation (front/back)

Cons:

• Exposed front/back cards may wear faster
• No tool included for faceplate swaps
• Requires some dexterity to remove tray

Final Verdict

The Groove Stealth wallet is a well-thought-out entry into the minimalist wallet category. Its standout internal tray solves a big issue for people who want to carry cash without showing it off, and the vertical card design improves usability across the board. While not without a couple of drawbacks—like exposed cards and the lack of an included Torx tool—it’s still a strong contender for anyone looking for something sleek, customizable, and easy to use. If you’re already a fan of the Ridge Lite wallet or Axwell but want something a bit more flexible, this could be the upgrade you’re looking for.