A new use for clear pouches

[Shiva]

So yes: I do love the O-rings..and love that I can attach multiple pouches to them and make my life easier.
This is my latest use for them: carry jewelry!

I must say I am not that much a fan of the latest "clear pouches." They changed the material on them, and they don't "look" as clear as the old ones. I guess I am also getting older, and the "smoky look" of the new vinyl does not help me sans glasses!!! So for us, oldie goldies, I think TB should reconsider making them more clear so we can see what is inside!

peace
shiva

[ex machina]

Hi Shiva,
I recall the reason for the change is the hand of the new smoother, less clingy, and thus won't grip-bind against other items the clear plastic touches vinyl. I believe Darcy wrote on this in the blog or email when the change on this was instituted. I understand your preference, but i also understand the benefit of a smoother, less clingy, material.

In the TB wallet I use, i have my college ID card in the front clear window. This has saved me from fishing it out of the wallet many times. A great convenience that may not be accepted by they-who-want-ID with a cloudier window. I handle the clingy matter by placing the wallet in a pocket of my MCB, clingy side facing the bag front, clipped to a long strap tethered to an O ring. Works well, and no one gives me a hassle. This includes a hospital I visited that asked for ID and when they saw they card through the window, I didn't even have to take it out and was waved through.

I haven't gotten any items with the new texture of window-pane; I do hope it is transparent enough not to be an issue if an ID card is pressed against it. I will admit, I DO like the idea of vinyl that doesn't cling. :) I am sure I will be ordering some for comparison soon enough. ;)

[Darcy]

You can see a photo of the new Urethane vs. old here. It's not very "cloudy" at all - at least to my eyes. And the benefits outweigh that slight decrease in clarity. :)

[ex machina]

That looks to be an excellent trade-off. Is that urethane currently used in all TB products? Is there an inventory remaining that uses the previous Urethane?

Thanks for the link, Darcy. :)

[Shiva]

hi Darcy et al:
Thanks for posting that link. I am not trying to be picky or hyper critical at all; just that I don't think I can do what ex-machina is saying above: place the ID and have it be clear, which I could before. Hmmmmmm. maybe my eyes are going; cos what I have does not look anywhere as clear with items inside of them as the picture. I have placed an ID inside, and you can't see it. You can make out items placed inside---like if I have a card etc., but the numbers are not visible like it was in the old one etc., I will check again, but I am pretty sure.
I do like that it is non clingy, but I did not particularly have that issue before I guess, so it did not matter.

thanks again
shiva

[pretzelb]

hi Darcy et al:
Thanks for posting that link. I am not trying to be picky or hyper critical at all; just that I don't think I can do what ex-machina is saying above: place the ID and have it be clear, which I could before.

I'm surprised you could do that with any ID. From my experience, any ID check that had some importance would always ask that the ID be removed from behind the plastic. Wallets have had a crystal clear ID slot for years and for years I've seen people ask for the ID to be removed. So much so that I'm surprised they even make them in wallets anymore. But maybe it differs by region and the purpose behind the check.

[ex machina]

Oh for sure, pretzelb. I have found that ID checks where I am recognized or are at best perfunctory, save me the hassle of removing the ID by utilizing the clear urethane. I am sure many places do demand physical inspection of my ID, as was the case when I visited a consulate. Still, the convenience of not having to dig the ID out of my wallet, but rather simply flash my wallet for the cursory exams I am often subjected to, is one I appreciate.

[Shiva]

Finally figured it out, I think!
I had recently received 2 mini pouches; they are both Cordura and they have a dark color: one is deep blue, and the other the olive. I think that also makes a big difference! When I put the card or other items in the one which was "solar" I could see it far better! (at least, it was not entirely my eyes! I was beginning to panic!). I could not get the dyneema fabric ones, which are my favorite; but I think the background color makes a big difference.

Thanks,shiva

[ex machina]

After reading maverick's tip for multiple wallets in another thread, I will be ordering myself an additional wallet. If the new wallet uses the new urethane (which I expect that it will), I will post a comparison between the two. :)

[Darcy]

That's a great idea, ex machina!

[Darcy]

Finally figured it out, I think!
I had recently received 2 mini pouches; they are both Cordura and they have a dark color: one is deep blue, and the other the olive. I think that also makes a big difference! When I put the card or other items in the one which was "solar" I could see it far better! (at least, it was not entirely my eyes! I was beginning to panic!). I could not get the dyneema fabric ones, which are my favorite; but I think the background color makes a big difference.

Shiva,
I am sure there's nothing wrong with your eyes. I think it's perception: what seems not very "cloudy" to me might seem really cloudy to you. Neither experience is right or wrong - at least, that's my thought! We are continuing to test the new Urethane ourselves and time will tell whether we stick with it or go back to the previous kind. Regardless, we're committed to sticking with (ha ha) Urethane, and we won't go back to the PVC.

[falconea]

I think it's perception: what seems not very "cloudy" to me might seem really cloudy to you.

To my eye it's quite cloudy. Hovever, enroaching age may be a factor! Just comparing samples of both as I type, and the cloudy one really does reduce the visibility of small details, such as fine print on the back of my credit card, which is unreadable behind the cloudy and crystal clear behind the older urethane.

I also actually hate the feel of it. The surface of my fingers gets a really good grip on smooth surfaces, such as smooth plastic, china, metal, glass. They slide on the new urethane which I actually find unpleasant.

It also feels dirty - the slight texturing in it feels just like a piece of sticky silicone which is covered in dust.

All that said, I don't use clear anything much - I always buy the standard organiser pouches and not the clear ones.

Just another opinion to feed into the decision making process!

Audrey

[Shiva]

Audrey,
Glad that someone else on here has some similar experience. I felt this most when I bought the new 3D organizer cube; I gave away my old to a friend who loved it (India!--so can't even get it back!). That is when I noticed how much less clear or see thru: security has never bothered me with the old one--and I would just put it on the tray. With this one, I did have to open it etc., which defeats the purpose. This might have been an one-off--I hope so. I don't know if anyone else has had this experience with the new 3D.

Yes: I can say I am not a great fan of the "texturing" either--your description made me LOL!

I like the clear so I can see what is inside of it quickly since I use them so regularly. I am sure TB is taking our feedback seriously...

Thanks much
shiva

[aiethabell]

Shiva, Falconea, I fel your pain. I don't like the new urethane, either. Once I bought my 3D and realized just how cloudy the 'see-through' sides were, I immediately asked what Clear Organizer Wallets and Clear Pouches in the old plastic were available, easy to find out when you're feet from the factory!.

Before I knew it I had 4 Clear Wallets and six more clear-front pouches (in assorted sizes and colors) in my Cafe Bag to take home. Moral of story: if you really, really want the old plastic, call and ask! Or get to the store on an open day. I bought all of mine in July; there might still be some left.

I wish I wish I hadn't waited to get the 3D until they were changed! I have trouble seeing through it and have left the house without wanted items. That was never a problem with the Clear Quarter Cube (with the old plastic), but I don't have room for it in my Co-Pilot with everything else.

I never minded the Quarter 'sticking' a little in my Swift, the tradeoff with the easy view through the plastic was acceptable.

[MtnMan]

This thread needs photos!