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Ekster’s wallets have always long been one of my favorite cardholders (we won’t talk about the Parliament here) because they have an amazing capacity, are easy (and quick) to use, and look great as well. However, their plastic ejector mechanism and lackluster warranty definitely held them back. That is until they announced this Ekster Cardholder Pro!
The brand was kind enough to send one of them out (for free) to me to check out and put through its paces! So does it fix everything that was holding it back? That’s what we’ll be talking about in this article, including what it is, what I like about it, what I don’t like about it, and, of course, who it is for.
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What is the Ekster Cardholder Pro?
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- It has the metal ejector mechanism it deserves
- Seems more durable paint wise
- Inclusion of the more rubbery band is awesome
- Finally, it has a higher card capacity
- The rounded corner is a nice touch
- Expansion plates are the best
- Now includes a lifetime warranty
- Still wouldn’t recommend the money clip plate
- It’s still larger than the competition
The Ekster Cardholder Pro is the next level up from the standard cardholder from the brand. It offers up to a seven-card capacity on the interior of the aluminum wallet (which is fanned vertically at the push of the all-aluminum button and mechanism), and you can always hold up to seven more cards behind the aluminum expansion plate.
As for cash storage, you can either put them beneath a rubbery cash strap or behind an optional money clip (which is bolted to the expansion plate). Ekster also launched additional accessories, one of which is the tracker cards that I used with this wallet (as it’s an optional accessory), but you can also add a coin tray and a tool card (a multi-tool card) if you so choose.
How does the Cardholder Pro differ from the Standard Cardholder? The Cardholder Pro builds on the formula of the original Cardholder by maintaining most of the same design characteristics. However, the Pro adds an all-metal mechanism (including the button), while the standard uses mostly plastic in this area. The Pro version has a more rounded bottom corner (which is slightly more comfortable), and of course, they expanded the interior compartment to allow for seven cards instead of just six.
What do I like about this minimalist wallet?
1. It has the metal ejector mechanism it deserves
The number one biggest upgrade for the Cardholder Pro has to be the metal ejector mechanism. While the rest of the wallet was generally made of high-quality materials like aluminum or even carbon fiber (like this one I reviewed), the only moving parts of the wallet (which was the ejector mechanism) were made of plastic and were the obvious failing point of the wallet. However, the Cardholder Pro features an all-metal mechanism!
The metal button feels considerably nicer than the older version, and when you take a quick peek down inside the wallet, you can see the shiny metal that you would expect. While the longevity of the wallet (as a result of this change) is a nice thing, the best part is you can hear the difference. Pushing the button results in a metal clank (not too loud, though) that reminds you that you have the better wallet.
2. Seems more durable paint wise
I tested out the standard Cardholder Aluminum wallet a while back and found that the paint started to chip and show wear extremely quickly. While it was an awesome wallet, it definitely held it back. Now, what confuses me about the Pro is that it is also an all-aluminum build, but it seems to hold up considerably better than the standard version. I’m not sure if they are using different paint than before, but it’s worth noting!
3. Inclusion of the more rubbery band is awesome
Quite a few wallets nowadays are moving to the fabric style elastic bands. They tend to look nicer and hold up better aesthetically speaking. In fact, Ekster has moved to that with their Aluminum Cardholders. However, I was thrilled to see that for the Pro model, they included the rubbery band from the more premium Carbon wallet that I had tested before.
While the rubber on this band shows wear and tear within days of getting it (kinda a bummer), it doesn’t slide around on the wallet and holds cash considerably better than Ekster’s other wallets and other brands as well. I am more than happy to make the trade-off of aesthetics to have a wallet that will better hold onto my cash and not slide around.
4. Finally, it has a higher card capacity
One of my favorite things about Double Oak’s cardholders (read that review here) is that it had a card capacity of seven cards rather than six cards, like every other wallet on the market. I have no doubt that Ekster took note of that one-upping and decided to add an additional card to the Pro model of their lineup. While the addition of a card in its capacity makes the body of the cardholder slightly wider, it’s not noticeable unless you hold both styles of wallets up next to each other.
Seven cards seem to be the sweet spot for me when it comes to card capacity, and I very much appreciate that upgrade. Of course, Ekster also has one of the best expansion plates in the business as well, which allows for more cards than even a Ridge can have.
5. The rounded corner is a nice touch
One of the few aesthetic differences between the standard and pro versions of this wallet (as mentioned earlier in the article) is the rounded corner on the opposite side of the button on the bottom of the wallet. I can’t say that I have noticed that change in daily usage from a usability standpoint, but I do appreciate that they put a bit more thought into the wallet to make it feel different from their other wallets in the lineup. I also have no doubt this should help a bit with negating a bit of the wear and tear on your pants pockets that the old version is known for.
6. Expansion plates are the best
While there are hundreds of wallet brands out there, all trying to find unique ways to store more cards without a creating a larger wallet, I have found that expansion plates (with an ejector-style wallet) are the best way to overcome not having a large card capacity.
Ekster’s expansion plates specifically are likely my favorite expansion plate as well, as they have a beveled edge, so you can easily insert cards into the wallet without having to peel it away from the wallet. Regardless, for all of those cards you don’t use often but still need (insurance cards, library cards, etc), the expansion plate is the best way to do this.
7. Now includes a lifetime warranty
From what I have seen, Ekster says nowhere WHY the Ekster Cardholder Pro offers a lifetime warranty instead of the 24-month warranty the rest of their lineup has. However, we can make some quick assumptions. The major reason you might want to warranty a wallet like this is if the ejector mechanism fails. The rest of the lineup has a plastic mechanism, and this one has metal. You do the math.
Regardless, having the lifetime warranty on this wallet is an awesome thing to have, and it means you technically don’t ever have to “buy” another wallet ever again; you can just keep warrantying it out. Will that happen? Probably not. However, it’s a nice thought.
What do I not like about the cardholder?
1. I still wouldn’t recommend the money clip plate
I might be in the minority here (but I don’t think I am), but money clips just aren’t a good way to store cash or cards in wallets; they just aren’t. Cash straps are considerably superior in just about every way. I find it easier to put cash in and take it out. They don’t protrude from the wallet and into your pants. They don’t bend, they don’t catch things, and so much more. Unfortunately, that is still the case here with the Pro version of the Cardholder Pro from Ekster.
I would probably recommend using the standard plate on this wallet and keeping your cash on the other side of the wallet in the cash strap that is there no matter what. You’ll be happier, I’ll be happier, and we’ll all be good. Thankfully, that is something you can do easily!
2. It’s still larger than the competition
If you want to be truly minimalistic, this wallet probably isn’t for you. While it is truly awesome, and I very much enjoy this wallet, it technically adds bulk to your pockets. Think about it: it has a metal casing, a mechanism for ejecting the cards, a cash strap, and a money clip, all adding bulk to the cards you carry with you. It all is very nice, but if you are going to be truly minimalist, it’s not your best bet.
Alternatively, their main competitor, the Ridge Wallet (I reviewed it here), cuts much farther back on the material needed for an effective wallet. While the Ridge may not be quite as easy or fun to use, it is more minimalistic than this one.
Who should buy the Cardholder Pro from Ekster?
Ultimately, if you are looking to buy the standard aluminum cardholder from Ekster, you should just get the Pro version instead (Paid Link). It has all of the same upsides as aluminum, but it will last longer, be more future-proof, and you’ll be happier overall with a slightly higher price. The only people who shouldn’t go with the Pro version are people who might want a different material for the outer shell, such as carbon fiber or their gold-coated version.
I have 100% found that upgrading to the Pro model is worth it, and would have no hesitations. Now, of course, there are plenty of other great wallets on the market, so you’ll want to decide for yourself if you even want this form factor (as it’s not the only one).
Where should you buy the Ekster Cardholder Pro?
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- It has the metal ejector mechanism it deserves
- Seems more durable paint wise
- Inclusion of the more rubbery band is awesome
- Finally, it has a higher card capacity
- The rounded corner is a nice touch
- Expansion plates are the best
- Now includes a lifetime warranty
- Still wouldn’t recommend the money clip plate
- It’s still larger than the competition
