REVIEW – As much as I love tech and gadgets, one thing I have yet to modernize is my wallet. I still use an old leather bi-fold that I got on a clearance rack several years ago. It has served me well, but it has seen better days, a perfect time for an upgrade. I recently got the chance to review an ultra-modern minimalist wallet, the Fantom R10. Let us see how it compares to my bulky old bi-fold.
What is it?
The Fantom R 10 is an ultra-slim wallet that features a unique credit card fanning mechanism and an aluminum chassis that provides RFID signal protection.
What’s in the box?
- Fantom R-10 wallet
Money clip:
- Titanium money clip
- Screws
- Allen wrench
Silicone band:
- Silicone band
- Hardware
- Mini screwdriver
Design and features
The Fantom R wallet is completely customizable. On the website, you can build your own. You can choose the size, finish, and optional accessories. For this review, Fantom sent me the walnut finish R10 model capable of holding 6-10 cards. The wallet is also available in five other finishes, bamboo, brown dot leather, black leather, black diamond leather, and carbon fiber.
The first thing I noticed about the wallet is how lightweight (2.75 oz) and thin (11 mm) it is.
The chassis of the wallet is made of a ceramic-coated aluminum, and the inlay is made of dark walnut wood. Aside from making the wallet ultra-light, the aluminum chassis also provides RFID signal protection to help keep your personal information safe.
On the front of the wallet, there is an integrated quick card slot that allows you to remove the top card using just your thumb.
On the right side is something you usually don’t see on a wallet, a lever. The lever is used to trigger the R10’s unique credit card fanning mechanism. More on that later.
Accessories
When building your wallet you can choose between a couple of optional accessories, a titanium money clip, or a silicone band attachment. Fantom was kind enough to send me one of each to try out.
The titanium money clip is available in 10 various colors. It attaches to the left side of the wallet using two screws and the tension can be adjusted by gently bending it inward or outward before installation.
The silicone band allows you to conveniently hold cash, cards, and receipts. It attaches to the wallet using a frame made of the same ceramic-coated aluminum as the chassis. Allowing for it to blend seamlessly to its design. The band is available in black, blue, red, and green.
If you choose, both accessories can be used simultaneously by installing the money clip on the front of the wallet.
Setup
The video below shows you how to load cards into the wallet.
Card security
The video below shows how secure the cards are once loaded into the wallet.
The R10 is capable of holding anywhere from 6-10 cards. It all depends on the type of cards you have, embossed or flat. I was able to fit 2 embossed and 8 flat cards into the R-10. If you are unsure of what size wallet to purchase, they have a chart you can use.
Performance
The star of this wallet is the fanning mechanism. Accessing my credit cards has never been easier. Aside from some occasional difficulty pulling a card from the middle, it is a great feature that gives you quick and easy access to each and every card.
As far as the add-ons, I used the wallet with each of them for some time. Both worked really well. But, I came to the conclusion that I love the silicone band attachment. I like that it allows me to carry not only bills but other cards and receipts as well. It also does not add any extra bulk to the wallet as the money clip does. And I think it adds to the overall look.
Overall, the Fantom R10 allows me to carry everything I had in my bulky bi-fold. But, it does it in a more organized and easy to access pocket-friendly form factor.
As you can see in the comparison picture, it is a lot thinner than my old leather bi-fold.
It also fits nicely into my front pocket with no pocket bulge. And because it is so lightweight, it feels like it is not even there.
What I like
- Thin and lightweight
- Easy access to all credit cards
- Cards stay secure in the wallet
- Customizable with accessories
- Fits easily and comfortably in the front pocket
- RFID protection
What I’d change
- A little pricey especially if you purchase accessories
Final thoughts
The Fantom R10 is a fantastic minimalist wallet. It’s slim, stylish, and versatile. And it beats the heck out of carrying my bulky bi-fold. If you are in the market for a quick access minimalist wallet, you can’t go wrong with the Fantom R10.
Price: Wallet: $94-$104, Titanium money clip: $18, Silicone band attachment: $29
Where to buy: fantomwallet.com
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Fantom.
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Fantom wallet is a Terrible product and worse customer service . Finish wore off in like two days and screws were too short and worthless. Customer service was slow responding and said you can return but you have to pay the shipping even after they asked for pics and saw the issues. Don’t buy wayyyyyy to expensive for a verrrrrryyy cheap product but one on Amazon for $20 I’m sure it will be way better