You've probably seen the ads. One shows a sleek metal slab that looks like it could survive a grenade blast, while the other features a satisfying "snick" sound as cards fan out like a high-tech deck of cards. Choosing between code 118 vs ridge wallet isn't just about picking a place to shove your Visa; it’s a fundamental choice between two very different philosophies of "minimalism."
One is a tank. The other is a gadget.
Honestly, the "minimalist wallet" world has become a bit of a minefield lately. You have legacy brands like Ridge charging a premium for what is, essentially, two pieces of metal and some elastic. Then you have newcomers like Code 118 promising the future of card access at a fraction of the cost. But as we head into 2026, the gap between these two has shifted. It’s no longer just about price. It’s about whether you want something that works every single time or something that feels cool when you’re standing in line at the coffee shop.
The Core Difference: Friction vs. Mechanics
The biggest divide in the code 118 vs ridge wallet debate is how you actually get your cards out.
Ridge uses a "sandwich" design. It is dead simple. You have two plates of aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber held together by a heavy-duty elastic band. To get a card, you use your thumb to push them out through a notch, then pinch the bottom of the wallet to fan them out. It’s a bit clumsy at first. You’ll definitely faff around with it for a week before your muscle memory kicks in.
Code 118 takes the "trigger" approach. There is a small lever at the bottom. You flick it, and your cards pop up in a staggered window. It’s fast. It’s one-handed. It’s undeniably cooler to look at. However, because it relies on an internal spring-loaded mechanism, there are more moving parts that can, theoretically, fail.
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Build Quality and "Pocket Feel"
Ridge is the gold standard for durability. If you drop a Ridge wallet on concrete, the concrete usually loses. The plates are thick, and the screws are recessed. People have been carrying the same Ridge for a decade. It’s a "buy it for life" item, mostly because there’s almost nothing on it that can break besides the elastic, which is easily replaceable.
Code 118 is surprisingly well-built for its price point—often retailing around $30 to $50 compared to Ridge’s $95+ entry point—but it feels different. It’s made of 6061-T6 aerospace-grade aluminum, which is great, but it’s lighter. Some people like that "weightless" feel in their front pocket. Others think it feels a bit more like a toy compared to the dense, heavy heft of a Titanium Ridge.
One thing to watch out for with Code 118: the trigger. Some users on Reddit and EDC forums have mentioned the mechanism getting "gritty" or stiff after a year of use, especially if pocket lint gets inside. Ridge doesn't have this problem because there’s no "inside" for lint to hide in.
Capacity Realities
Let’s talk about the "up to 12 cards" claim you see everywhere.
- The Ridge: It can actually hold 12 cards. It gets thick, and fanning them becomes a workout for your thumb, but it works. The elastic expands. It doesn't care.
- Code 118: The internal chamber is hard-capped. You can usually fit 6 to 7 cards inside the pop-up section. If you have cards with embossed (raised) numbers, you’re looking at more like 5. They do offer a modular backplate or a leather sleeve to add capacity, but then you’re adding bulk to a "slim" wallet.
If you’re a "receipt hoarder" or someone who carries 15 loyalty cards, neither of these will make you happy. But if you’ve actually pared down to the essentials, the Code 118's 6-card limit is usually plenty.
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The Elephant in the Room: Customer Service
This is where the code 118 vs ridge wallet comparison gets a little messy. Ridge is a massive company now. They have the infrastructure. Their lifetime warranty is legendary, and they usually ship within 24 hours.
Code 118 has had some growing pains. While many people have a great experience, there’s a vocal segment of the community (look at recent Trustpilot or Reddit threads) complaining about shipping delays and "ghost" customer service. They offer a "lifetime warranty" too, but a warranty is only as good as the person answering the email. If you want peace of mind, Ridge is the safer bet. If you’re willing to take a small gamble to save $60, Code 118 is the value play.
Which One Should You Actually Buy?
It really comes down to your personality and how you use your gear.
Choose the Ridge Wallet if:
You work outdoors, you’re hard on your stuff, or you just want something that will literally never break. It’s the "Land Rover" of wallets. It’s expensive, it’s a bit rugged, and it’ll probably be in your pocket ten years from now. Plus, if you’re an iPhone user, their new MagSafe-compatible versions are slick.
Choose the Code 118 if:
You’re a tech enthusiast who wants the fastest access possible. If you mostly use one or two cards and hate fumbling at the register, the pop-up mechanism is a game-changer. It’s also the better choice if you’re "minimalist-curious" and don't want to drop $100 on a metal rectangle yet.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you click "buy," do these three things:
- Count your cards. If you have more than 7 "must-carry" cards, the Code 118 will require you to buy the extra expansion plate, which ruins the slim profile.
- Check for "The Notch" fatigue. Go to a store and try to slide a card out of a friend's Ridge. Some people find the "thumb-slide" motion frustrating. If you hate it, you’ll hate the wallet.
- Look for bundles. Ridge almost always has a "Starter Kit" that includes a key organizer or a pen. Code 118 frequently runs 40% off sales. Never pay full retail price for either.