Pitaka MagWallet UE, The Minimalst, Modular, RFID-Blocking, Carbon Fiber Wallet

Carbon Fiber Construction, RFID Blocking

The Pitaka MagWallet UE is a minimalist wallet made out of machined carbon fiber.

If you’re looking for a super slim wallet that is going to keep looking good with use, this may just be it. In its standard, six-card configuration, it weighs 3.4 ounces and is a hair under 1/2 an inch thick. It may look like a black deck of cards, but the Pitaka MagWallet UE is an RFID-blocking wallet that offers a high tech alternative to traditional leather versions.

Pitaka MagWallet UE is significantly more compact than this minimalist leather wallet.

Modular Design

The use of carbon fiber to make a thin, light weight, hard-shelled wallet is a starting point. But where the Pitaka MagWallet UE is different from virtually any other wallet on the market is its use of modules.

The MagWallet UE isn’t a single piece. It’s made up of layers. Each has a function, and each connects using magnets: a large one at the end, and several smaller ones on the sides. The combination holds the layers securely together, but the large magnet at one end makes it possible to pivot the case open with one hand, with that magnet acting as a hinge.

Pitaka MagWallet UE with a selection of add-on modules.

In other words, you don’t remove a layer to get at your credit cards, you slide a layer horizontally.

The modular design means you can actually make the MagWallet UE thinner than its default configuration by removing the Anti-Degaussing module --more on that in a moment.

Pitaka also sells optional modules you can use to completely customize your MagWallet. My review kit included a Money Clip, a Box Layer (that worked really well for storing a handful of coins), an Extra Layer (to hold additional cards), and a handy Tool Card that includes integrated wrenches and a bottle opener. You can not only customize your wallet, in seconds you can customize it for a specific purpose-- then switch it back.

The Money Clip and Box Layer modules are especially useful if you still carry cash.

Magnets...

While magnets are the key to the MagWallet UE’s customizability and easy access to contents, they are also its potential Achilles' Heel. Magnets and the magnetic stripes on cards do not mix. Banks and credit card companies are increasingly turning to chips cards, but all of mine use both a chip and a magnetic stripe.

The MagWallet UE includes an Anti-Degaussing module. Pitaka says it can hold two magnetic stripe cards and shield them against the magnets, protecting them from any ill effects. However, the wallet also arrives with the warning below emblazoned on the packaging...

Magnets are key the Pitaka MagWallet UE's flexibility, but could spell trouble for magnetic stripe... [+] cards.

The cards in that module should be safe from demagnetization, but if you accidentally slip one into a different module, or pass it too close to one of the magnets before placing it in the Anti-Degaussing module, you may be looking at a dead card that requires replacement.

Recommendation

There’s no denying the high tech, cool factor of the Pitaka MagWallet UE --especially when you add in those optional extra modules. It can be a very sleek alternative to a traditional wallet. However, it’s not cheap. The pre-order price is $89 (regularly $119) with add-on modules priced from $15 to $35. Buy at the regular price and add all the modules and you’re in for $244. And if you regularly use a handful of cards with magnetic stripes, you need to keep the potential hazard in mind.

Pitaka MagWallet UE is a high tech, durable minimalist wallet option.

But if you want a durable, minimalist, RFID-shielded wallet that you can customize at will, the Pitaka MagWallet UE is a pretty cool option. Especially if you’ve moved to primarily using chip cards.

Disclosure: Pitaka provided a MagWallet UE but had no input into this review.