IDViking PA U21 Review
Order placed with IDViking for free review copy on 10/14. This is a review of their PA U21. It was done without a physical for comparison.
VENDOR RATINGS
Customer Service: Good
Answered the one question I had, and seemed friendly. Not too active around the subreddit from what I've seen or anything, so I won't say too much about their customer service overall. My experience was satisfactory!
EDIT: Updated from decent to good upon IDViking offering two revised IDs with revised expiration dates and scanning issues based upon my initial review.
Shipping: Decent
Arrived 10/29. Considering it is a review copy, a 16 day turnaround isn't terrible. Some got their copy earlier since he sent them out in two batches. Just barely over 2 weeks. This isn't quick, but nothing to complain about.
Stealth: Decent
Obviously details aren't allowed. Regardless, it is domestic and stealth isn't a concern. It cleared the postal service, so obviously it meets the bare minimum. Overall stealth doesn't seem terrible, but no return address or anything provided. Also, it is apparent that there are cards in the envelope immediately upon picking it up. For domestic stealth, this is fairly average.
QUALITY RATINGS
Template Quality (8/10):
So, the template itself isn't bad. The fonts look decent as does the spacing. I don't have a physical to compare colors, but,all in all, it seems okay. There a few tiny little things you could nitpick about, but it is a decent template. The major issue I have here is that the licenses are expired. I'm unsure if PA expires at 21, but both have an expiration date of my 21 birthday, so I assume they do. This makes the ID unusable anywhere, so that is a huge deal. Technically, this isn't a template issue though so points weren't deducted here. Because of this flaw, however, I decided not to waste too much time reviewing the finer details. Finally, I'm currently unaware of where the raised keystone would be if the U21 has it, but it isn't present.
EDIT: IDViking has supplied replacement copies of his own accord which have a revised expiration date.
UV (8/10):
UV is satisfactory when compared with the barbook. No errors here. The UV on the front is too visible though, even without a UV light.
Holograms (8/10):
The holograms matched both the barbook and other descriptions I found of them. If my understanding of black and white holograms is correct, then we are all set here. Side note, however, one ID has the overlay misplaced slightly. Not terribly, but it is clearly off-center to the left. EDIT: The holograms are also too bright when compared to a real U21 as pointed out by a commenter.
Microprint (?/10):
Even after searching around, I can't seem to find mention of microprint anywhere on the PA. I looked with both 2x and 10x magnification and didn't find any on the prop. So, if anyone can confirm that there should be some I will check and update accordingly!
Photoshop (6/10):
The cutout is decent, however the edges are slightly rough. Because of my graphic design experience, I'm confident the cutout as a whole could've been smoothed out and made cleaner overall. Also, no ear shadows or shadowing of any kind was created. Not a huge deal, but mediocre photoshop.
Scanning: (9/10):
Interestingly enough, they scan correctly except for the fact that, when scanned, they say they expire in 2016 which leads to a successful scan. The front of both the ID and the dupe, however, say they are already expired. I'm assuming this is intentional. Regardless, it is not how the info should show up so I deducted 1 point until I know for sure.
Material: (10/10):
PA is a PVC state. ID looks and feels correct based on this info.
PERSONAL RATINGS
Usability (6/10):
Both IDs are expired and scan with incorrect information. Unless you get lucky and they don't check the expiration date OR they allow it anyways, the ID is unusable. This ID is unusable at anywhere that does their job correctly. 1 point awarded for the off chance it actually works though since it looks decent.
EDIT: Score improved from 1 to 6 based upon the fixed expiration date and scanning issues. That being said, the lack of raised keystone as well as the photoshop highly skew your odds of having much success at any bars, clubs, or stricter venues beyond lower end liquor stores, gas stations, or restaurants. It will be fine if you're just looking for basic bear runs or something though! Even the laxer bars and stuff you could probably pass with this.
Value (4/10):
Let me preface this by saying that IDViking has pretty high end prices anyways considering his CS, turnaround, and quality. You do get a dupe, but THIS ID receives a 0/10 since they are expired and they scan incorrectly. This is not at all worth the value you would typically pay for it which would probably be about $150 for 2 unusable IDs.
EDIT: Score revised from 0 to 4. The price overall is still very steep and PA is likely not your best choice, even from this vendor. Overall, the price just isn't really justifiable. Consider another state at least, even if you decide to go with IDViking.
SUMMARY
Pictures:
Link includes both front and back. http://imgur.com/a/d71cp
OVERALL SCORE (6/10):
Unusable ID from a newer vendor at a steep price. While the ID itself doesn't just have excessive amounts of problems, the problems it does have are unavoidable. Not worth the money spent, and retains no value due to the flaws it holds. Two points awarded for the fact that it is AN ID and it could potentially get you alcohol at places that don't care at all.
EDIT: Score revised from 1 to 6 based on other edits that are present and noted throughout the review.
Closing Comments
There is a lot to be said about newer vendors needing to earn trust, be active in the community, start out with good products, price fairly, be consistent etc. I think IDViking has a lot of work to do in these regards. There is potential in this vendor though! Do NOT, however, buy this specific ID. If IDViking is to continue producing it all, they should honestly just change the expiration date to a while after and ride on the fact that the barbook doesn't' specify that it expires at 21 and many lower security venues are likely to not know that out of state. The current state of the ID would make it so that many places would turn you down solely for the fact that it is expired and this is a very easy catch.
Posted Oct 29, 2015, 10:12 PM UTC · edited