As you would expect given the Surge’s heavy duty design both of these blades are a bit longer and larger than you would find on another multi tool. The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks. There is no such perfect multi-tool available, so we settle for one of the many excellent next tier options. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The Wave+ strikes a balance between size, weight, portability, and ergonomics. The Leatherman Wave is slightly limited in terms of flexibility to expand tools like the Surge can with the Blade Exchanger. Of course, some are even heavier. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The locks work reliably and the blades stay out of the way when using the pliers. The Surge has a very traditional tool loadout for a multi tool, with a few modern tweaks. It definitely can’t compare to the Surge in tool quality, build quality, or just general quality but at less than half the price of the Surge you can’t really expect it to. The tools are larger and more robust than you’d find on many other full sized multi tools and the handles themselves seem thicker as well. It’s extraordinarily well built, packed with useful tools, and combines all of Leatherman’s newest and best innovations into one tool. The Charge, and especially the Charge TTI, is Leatherman’s top of the line general purpose multi tool. The Surge packs 21 tools into very tight quarters and is one of the most ‘jack of all trades’ multi tools we’ve seen. How can we improve GearLab? We are betting that there will be a Wave/Free hybrid that integrates the ergonomic advantages of the Free with the features of the Wave. Then you gave up and went online hoping the … Large and small bit drivers include double-ended bits. All in all it’s a good tool, but it just can’t stand up to the overall quality and utility of the Surge. Anytime a multi-tool knife blade opens from "inside" the folded pliers handles, the working edge of the blade is in line with the center of said handle. Our primary "function" wish with the Wave is that its bit driver should better accommodate standard 1/4" bits. It’s about the same size as the Surge but weighs considerably less. The Rebar could best be described as Leatherman’s entry level full size tool. There are pliers, scissors, wire cutters, two blades, two saws, a can/bottle opener, and a plethora of screwdriver options. It’s big, it’s heavy, and it might be too much tool for a lot of people. A unique blade exchanger, replaceable premium wire cutters and four outside-opening blades … All tools can be quickly flipped out from the external access handles. If you’re just looking for one of the best EDC multi tools on the market you should check out the Charge. If your Wave … Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, A full-function tool from a great manufacturer at a reasonable price. Leatherman makes and sells multi-tools at many incremental steps along a long continuum. Upgrading from the Wave+ gets you better steel in the main blade, a cordage cutting hook on the back of the serrated blade, and many more bits. It provides a lot of useful features and is an excellent tool to have when you’re out in the backcountry. The Editors' Choice Charge uses better steel in its main blade, and titanium for the handle, but is otherwise the same as the Wave. The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks. Leatherman Wave. Bit Kit/Extender – One of the best accessories you can get for a Leatherman tool is the bit kit and bit extender set. ... Leatherman "Center-Drive" Wave. Using Leatherman's proprietary bit driver format, one can acquire almost all the driver bits you might desire. LEATHERMAN, Wave Plus Multitool with Premium Replaceable Wire Cutters, Spring-Action Scissors and Nylon Sheath, Built in the USA, Black. The bit driver uses Leatherman’s proprietary 3/16 bit fitting instead of the standard ¼. We’re never fans of proprietary systems on multi tools but Leatherman does at least offer you a workaround. The knives are larger and sturdier. The Surge comes in over at ¾ of a pound and even the best quality pocket clip has a tendency to fail at containing that much weight. Not only does it give you more room to work with but it allows your Surge to accept standard ¼ inch bits. Sitting firmly in the heavyweight division, the Surge aims to be the multi tool handymen, contractors, and others who work with their hands proudly wear on their belts. Most of our test team prefers this method of multi-tool carry. The pliers could be a little larger, and the handles are prone to pinching when there is something small between the pliers' jaws. The diamond file is an excellent addition to Leatherman’s tool lineup. It’s also significantly lighter than the Surge, an important consideration when you’re talking about hiking and camping. The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks.A unique blade exchanger, replaceable premium wire cutters and four outside-opening blades … Word of warning though, if you’re accustomed to using a smaller tool it can take some practice to get used to the sheer size of the Surge. In some ways, the Wave+ has all the features you would want. For a tool designed to be used everyday by folks who work hard, this is an excellent feature to have. They’re both great tools, but neither fulfills the same needs the other would. The success of the company is much accredited to its cutting-edge designs and product dependability. Better ergonomics are available when the knife blades open from outside the closed pliers handles, as they do on this tool. The Leatherman Surge is undeniably one of the best multi tools on the market today. It’s been over engineered to stand up to that kind of use and abuse over the long term. Different Colors – The Surge is available in two color options: Stainless steel and black oxide. These tools can’t really be compared. A unique blade exchanger, replaceable 154CM wire cutters and four outside-opening blades … Here, the Wave+ on a camper-improvement project. The Surge is simply too much tool for a lot of people. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Leatherman Surge feels stronger than the Wave, if only because it is so much larger. The external profile of the closed Wave is smooth and clean, catching minimally on your pocket or pocket contents. The MUT is another narrow purpose multi tool from Leatherman. A unique blade exchanger, replaceable 154CM wires cutters and four outside-opening blades … Both finishes provide excellent protection against corrosion and damage, though the black oxide does show scratches a bit more than the stainless. Leatherman ships the Wave+ with a simple nylon belt sheath. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Many multi tools, even full sized ones, neglect this feature to cut costs and save on weight. While it might seem that you have enough tools on the Wave as it is, the Surge has a slight advantage over the Wave … The feature set of the Best Buy Wave+ is about the same as that on the much larger Leatherman Surge. If anything, the smooth external plates of the Wave are a little more comfortable in some conditions than the texture on the Charge. It has a good mix of basic tools, removable wire cutters, and a lot of the functionality of the Surge. And vice versa. Leatherman released the Signal with a single purpose in mind, wilderness survival. There are both needlenose and regular pliers on the Leatherman Surge and we can say with confidence that they didn’t skimp on this tool. The pliers are well aligned, provide firm purchase, and the large size of the Surge really lets you apply torque on whatever you’re grabbing. It does have some downsides though. It has an almost identical tool loadout but comes in at half the Surge’s weight. The Leatherman Surge is designed for people who work hard every day. The Leatherman Surge is an excellent multi tool, but it does have a lot of competition. You can use the larger blade for light prying but we wouldn’t recommend you push it. 420HC is a good material for most multi tool blades as it holds an edge well but is still easy to sharpen. The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks. The Wave+ is Leatherman’s flagship multi tool. We've had absolutely no issues with the construction quality of the Wave+. The pliers slide out the top through a locking mechanism and are spring action for easy release. The Surge comes with a double sided file and saw attached to a blade exchanger. Even budget options like the Wave+ are including this excellent feature. The Super Tool 300 is a great tool but definitely can’t compare to the Surge’s rugged build quality. Otherwise, the Wave is exactly the same as Leatherman's current top of the line product. For those that find themselves in need of a tool that won’t quit no matter how hard you work it, the Leatherman Surge is an excellent choice. It has a nice sharp blade that easily goes through cans and opens glass bottles well. If you aren’t sure how to use an awl, check out our previous article about them. tshank blade exchanger, scalpel holder similar to the one on a Havalon Evolve, large bit driver, small bit driver, and even have some sort of holder … For now, know that the Wave does almost all that the Charge does, especially if you source some of the aftermarket accessories. Upgrade with a couple of accessories and you have nearly everything that's great about the Editors' Choice, all at a lower price. In 2006, the company was up against an $18m lawsuit for false advertising. The serrated blade in particular is great at sawing through things like rope, rubber tubing, cordage, and styrofoam. Instead of a traditional saw blade and separate file Leatherman has put a blade exchanger system in place to allow you to switch out your saw blades. The Leatherman Surge provides more opportunities for this than most multi tools. Everything about it has been taken to 11. The lanyard ring is a great add on for a tool like the Surge. The stranded cutters in particular work very well, adding a small circular opening that lets you cleanly cut the wire without crushing the delicate inner strands. One-handed, externally accessed blades are the only way to go on a high-end multi-tool now. The main ergonomic upgrade that could be made to the Wave+ would be for Leatherman to make a tool with the functions of the Wave and the hinges of the new "Free" series of products. The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks. A unique blade exchanger comes with saw and diamond/wood file blades. It’s usually about half the price of the Surge but has a similar design philosophy. It has excellent tools, a great set of replaceable pieces and is built to very high standards. A work-site juggernaut, the Leatherman Surge features easy-to-unlock blades, two bit-drivers with bits, plus a unique blade exchanger for added versatility. Leatherman took pains to make the most breakable and consumable parts easily and inexpensively replaceable. It does a good enough job at cutting through the coating on a wire but is somewhat fiddly to work with. This is understandable given how thin it is but we think Leatherman gets a pass on this one given the benefits of a replaceable saw blade on a heavy duty utility tool. In the allegations, it was foun… There is also a small wire stripper notch on the edge of the can opener tool. This is the multi tool you take when you know you need a toolbox but just can’t fit it in your back pocket. In our opinion this is one feature that should be mandatory on any high quality multi tool. Any version Charge TTi (TTi, Ti, XTi) Any version Surge (black oxide, stainless, original version, new 2014 version) Any post 2004 version Wave tool. The Leatherman Surge Multi-tool is a powerhouse built with tough pliers, long blades and easy-to-use locks. When you need a multi tool that can stand up to hard use day after day you go to the heavy duty category. A growing subset of multi tools come with integrated pocket clips. And vice versa. It’s decidedly heavy for a multi tool, weighing in at 12.5 oz at just 4.5 inches in length. The weight of the Surge makes it drag on your pants unless you’re careful. The saw on the Surge cuts well but has more give than a standard saw blade. By our estimation, the one fixed flat-head screwdriver built into the Wave+ could be eliminated to make room for a full-sized 1/4" bit driver. It has an excellent set of tools including a bit driver, removable cutters, and external opening knives, saw, and file. Descendant of the original 1998 Leatherman Wave design, the new 2004 edition Wave implemented the bit exchanger … 1/4. Sheath / Holster / Pouch – The Surge comes standard with a black nylon belt holster. These are some of the first parts likely to wear out on your multi tool. The Surge is a heavy duty tool built to the highest possible standards. A unique blade exchanger, replaceable 154CM wire cutters and four outside-opening blades … From shop AustinSchoolHouse. The Surge included a blade exchanger on the outside which included both a saw and a diamond coated file that you could … The Surge comes with a double sided file and saw attached to a blade exchanger. If you prefer that old school look you can also purchase a handsome leather sheath from Leatherman. This redesigned classic is a great tool but probably won’t do as well as the Surge in heavy use. All are assembled with threaded fasteners (instead of rivets) and all have just the right amount of friction built into the various hinges. The Leatherman Wave+, as sold. The wire cutters are replaceable, the blades are good, and the screwdriver set is somewhat customizable. At just over ¾ of a pound you can definitely feel it on your belt. The blade is both easier to deploy and better in use. All trademarks property of their respective owners Here’s a basic overview of the most common Surge accessories, consumable parts, and add ons. Both multi tools are almost the same price but everything about the Wave+ is just a little less robust and rugged than the Surge. It’s a neat design that works well, but overall the OHT isn’t as sturdy as the Surge. The traditional screwdrivers are both flathead and come in a large and small size. 4.8 out of 5 stars 2,127. The materials in the Charge are top notch while the feature set and included accessories are comprehensive. We’ll find out if this has the staying power to be a champ or if it’s just another contender. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Currently, the top of the line "Free" product has fewer features than the Wave. Therefore, it makes for a great tool for light users who rarely use the missing tools. Leatherman Surge. The Leatherman Surge is an absolute powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multitool blades and easy-to-use locks. In this video I present Bosch "T-Shank" Jigsaw blades as a viable replacement for the stock Leatherman Surge Blade. A unique blade exchanger, replaceable 154CM wire cutters and four outside-opening blades … If you need a heavy duty building tool, check out the Surge. It’s an attractive tool with a useful set of 14 tools. These four functions are accessible from the outside of the closed Wave+ pliers. We've had absolutely no issues with the construction quality of the Wave+. The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks.A unique blade exchanger, replaceable premium wire cutters and four outside-opening blades … The bit kit adds several more in various sizes but the bit extender is the real game changer. The Leatherman Surge was introduced in 2005 and redesigned in 2013. For folks who need a tool that can take a beating and keep going the Surge is the way to go. It’s useful for measuring screws, small wooden cuts, and other small scale projects. They should come out with a leatherman called "Leatherman Mode", which offers replaceable everything. Those that prefer belt holstering their multi-tool will dig the simple sheath that is included. We usually find ourselves carrying a folding knife in addition to a multi tool, but the blades on the Surge are large enough to make that unnecessary. The proprietary bit driver on the Wave+ comes with one two-ended bit but can be accessorized with many more options. Saw, Diamond Coated/Wood/Metal File and Blade Exchanger, Leatherman Surge Cons – Things We Didn’t Like, Conclusion – Final Thoughts On the Leatherman Surge, If you aren’t sure how to use an awl, check out our previous article about them, What is an Awl and Best Multi Tools with an Awl Tool. This one basically comes down to your style sensibilities. It does a good job putting a field edge on axes, knives, and other tools but we wouldn’t recommend you use it as your sole sharpening tool. The bottle and can opener on the Leatherman Surge uses the classic design familiar to multi tool and swiss army knife users. 1 year ago. Proprietary bit driver, All you should need, with proven pedigree, at a forgiving price, The sky-high standard by which other multi tools are compared, Clever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carry, Typical feature set packaged in a fundamentally different hinged package, This tool pulls no punches: it optimizes for function at the cost of portability, Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper, 1 serrated gut hook type, 1 straight drop point, 5 included/integrated. The Surge is a beast of a tool. Though small, the Wave+ scissors are handy, tight, and will cut anything the knife blade isn't suitable for. Saws and files are just behind wire cutters as the most frequently worn out tools on a multi tool. If you’re looking for a very high quality everyday carry tool the Wave+ won’t let you down. Both work well but be sure your belt is cinched tight. The Leatherman Wingman is a full size multi tool designed to allow anyone to try out multi tools without making a big investment. The Leatherman Surge is one of our two largest multi-tools; a real powerhouse, built with our largest pliers, longest multi-tool blades and easy-to-use locks. There is also a special edition Silver & Black Surge available. Choosing a multi tool from the multitude of options is... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Compact, light, with multiple carry options, smart, effective tools, Easy tool and plier deployment, Leatherman pedigree, Large, excellent construction, full-size functions, customizable, No bit driver, magnets pick up metal grit, Heavy and large; limited portability. It has all the tools you’d need to field strip and work on your rifle and includes some nice features to get the job done. In terms of ergonomics, the Wave+ and the Charge are exactly the same. $99.95 $ 99. Leatherman Wave Charge Replacement Serrated Edge Blade 420HC Steel Post-2004 Model Parts AustinSchoolHouse. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Comprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry options, Proprietary bit driver, no pocket clip included. Unfortunately, this may be it’s only real downside. If you need a heavy duty tool to put up with hard use daily, go for the Surge. Some of the functions would be better if they were larger, but some would actually decline in functionality with increased size. We’re firmly of the opinion that any tool can be made better with the addition of accessories. It’s built specifically with firearm maintenance in mind, specifically the M4/M16/AR15. A unique blade exchanger, replaceable 154CM wire cutters and four outside-opening blades … At first glance you can tell the Surge was built to last. They combine regular, hard wire, and stranded cutters all in one. There are two knife blades on the Surge, a clip point smooth blade and a serrated blade with a very steep modified sheepsfoot style. The Wingman isn’t really in the same league as the Surge. The ruler runs along the edges of both handles and measures 8 inches or 19 centimeters. We’ve had trouble before with spring action scissors breaking their springs but the one on the Surge has so far held up great to frequent use. It just doesn’t have the same heavy duty design that the Surge does. And 4 outside-opening blades … The Wave+ has most of the features you could want at a pretty affordable price. The Wave+ is built similarly to Leather… The Rebar doesn’t have a bit driver and only has internal access tools. At around 8 ounces, the Wave+ is pretty typical in mass for a full-function multi-tool. Minimally on your other tools doesn ’ t as sturdy as the Surge makes it drag on pants! 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