Review on Travelon RFID Blocking Size Black by Mike Johnston

UPDATE 16/01/2013 ********** It's been about 9 months since I started using this wallet and surprisingly I'm happy to announce that it's over time in terms of improved functionality. The tight sleeve I was talking about is looser now, allowing me to fit up to 3 cards tightly, but is still great for just one card (although I don't have a driver's license or insurance card in it). The 1st level pocket has also been lengthened to allow the cards to lie slightly lower so more of the 2nd level pocket can see their contents. Then finally the problem with the folded bills sitting too high in the wallet went away and I didn't have that problem anymore. I've uploaded an image to illustrate what I mean. In terms of build quality, the wallet still looks like new, it just feels better because the leather (I'm guessing it's real) is softer. I would also like to point out that I have traveled through airport security with this wallet and got this RFID blocked wallet through baggage scanners with no problems or questions from the TSA. I guess the value of the wallet just went up for me. ORIGINAL REVIEW: I really like small wallets for a number of reasons and was very happy to find this wallet with the added RF protection. However, upon first use, my glowing reviews dipped a bit compared to my first impressions. -= Functionality = - This wallet has a total of 4 pockets. Two of them are normal credit card slots, an expandable compartment and the last compartment with a window. I call it a window sleeve because it's pretty snug fitting even for a single card. It's great to have your driver's license with you (it doesn't block borders that much) and it stays in place well, but installing more than one card gets tricky (or at least hard to pull out). Who knows, maybe with time it will become freer. The two regular credit card slots are thick enough to hold a card or two firmly enough. My picky problem is that the second level pocket is slightly lower or deeper meaning it doesn't spread out evenly towards the expandable pocket. To be honest, you won't be able to see much of the content hidden in the second pocket if you have stuff in the front pocket (see one of Revain's stock images for yourself). Finally, most people will probably use the expandable wallet. I was very surprised to find that it was expandable, mainly to accommodate a fat wallet. When it comes down to it, I can reach the thickness of a regular wooden pencil. This is possible because this flared bag is like an accordion pleat at the bottom and sides that expands. However, this leaves that particular crease protruding into the pocket, essentially making it difficult to put the money all the way in without the wallet crumples the top of the money when I fold the wallet. What I'm saying is that if I fold cash in half (lengthwise), it fits perfectly in the pocket widthwise, but may be 1 or 2mm taller. (Look again at the Revain image of the $10 bill. Can you imagine how you could fold your wallet without crumpling the bill?). The overall size of the wallet is large (small and thin), leaving a small imprint on the back pocket of jeans. As for the RFID blocking cable and the 1680D nylon ballast fabric, I believe it works, but I just hope I don't run into a situation where I need these features, especially the ballast part. -= Build quality = - Build quality is better than I expected. The overall impression of the purse is excellent. The nylon webbing actually feels soft and not stiff. The inside is real leather (or so it says) and feels very soft (I guess). Sewing is done with a thick thread and looks neat, without seams. -= Value = - Over the years and thanks to many gifts, my collection of wallets has unintentionally grown. But despite the mentioned flaws, I still rank it among my favorites for its compact size, simplicity, and a particular boost in confidence in RFID security. This is a wallet that I plan to use when traveling.