One of the things I’m hardly ever without is my wallet. Two of my favorite wallets happen to come from the same company. Spec Ops Brand T.H.E. Wallet Jr. and T.H.E. Wallet Mini are both made from 1000D Cordura and feature Spec Op’s patented “Shark Bite” closure.
EXTERIOR
The Shark Bite eliminates the need for noisy velcro or a zipper to keep the wallet closed and secure. It adds a bit of thickness but in practice its pure genius. You basically just tuck the lip of the wallet into its own pouch which holds it closed. It’s very easy to manipulate (even one-handed). Spec Ops also added grommets so 550 Paracord can be added for neck carry. I don’t use that feature but it’s a nice security option when traveling in areas where pick pockets run rampant.
The Wallet Jr., the larger of the two, has an id window on the outside of the wallet.
This is great for a driver’s license or company ID… basically anything that you have to pull out and show people on a regular basis. The window itself is made from a non-glare material that doesn’t rip and/or discolor like ID windows on typical wallets. The is my second Wallet Jr. and after 18 months of use, the original one (which was in Coyote) still looks as good as new.
INTERIOR
The inside of the wallets offer a lot of organization.
The Wallet Jr. has four credit card slots that can hold two cards per slot securely and a zippered challenge coin/spare change pocket. Also, this is one of the few wallets I’ve encountered with two integrated ID windows. I use one for my driver license and the other for my concealed carry permit.
The Wallet Mini also has four credit card slots but it’s more compact and therefore lacks the second window and zippered pocket. I think they could have incorporated a window on the exterior of the Mini, but Spec Ops opted not to do that (probably to preserve the price gap between the two).
The Wallet Jr. has a deeper cash pocket than the Mini. It features a second zippered pocket for receipts or other items.
The Mini’s pocket is more typical.
SIZE
At 4.25″ X 4.50″, the Wallet Jr. is a larger wallet than I would normally carry. I was skeptical that carrying a wallet this big would be doable but, most of time, I really don’t notice it in my pocket. The fact that it’s wide but relatively flat prevents the “back pocket rock” feeling I get when I carry the same amount of stuff in a traditionally sized leather or nylon wallet. I’ll grant you that it’s size does relegate it to back pocket, cargo pocket, or neck carry duty only. But, if I want to carry front pocket or just simply want to downsize, then I go with the 4.75″ X 3.75″ Mini, which works well in that role.
WRAP-UP
These wallets aren’t elegant, but they are extremely functional and they wear very well. You’ll probably go through several leather wallets before you would consider replacing one of these. Especially if you live an active lifestyle where sweat and rough duty tends to take a toll.
The Wallet Jr. has lots of wallet “bells and whistles” while the Mini is more minimalistic. Both are great in their own way. The Spec Ops Wallet Jr., which comes in Black, Coyote, ACU Camo, and MultiCam, is on sale now for $25.60. The Spec Ops Wallet Mini is available in Black and Coyote and is on sale for $22.40.
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