For 2019 Leatherman came out with a line of multi tools that have free hinging pivots and tools are held closed with magnets and springs. When I received it, I was very pleased at how hefty and solid the tool was. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. So what has Leatherman changed on the new Wave? Each is fitted with anywhere from 6 to 21 tools, from scissors and bottle-openers to rulers and screwdrivers, and, of course, a wide variety of blades. I purchased this for myself to replace the Leatherman PST2 that my wife commandeered for her purse. After lugging it around for a few weeks or so I ended up just putting it in my back pack and will use it on hikes and leave it in the car for emergencies. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Wave+ has most of the features you could want at a pretty affordable price. The Leatherman Surge feels stronger than the Wave, if only because it is so much larger. I tried to fix this by loosening the hex screws but that just made the knife and file tools floppy and wobbly, so I tightened them back up again. Using Leatherman's proprietary bit driver format, one can acquire almost all the driver bits you might desire. I find it so vastly superior to the PST2 that I'm tempted to purchase one for my wife. The Leatherman Wave sets the standard! Better ergonomics are available when the knife blades open from outside the closed pliers handles, as they do on this tool. large multi-tool that is slightly smaller as the original Leatherman Wave multitool Wood-cutting saw. Great tool though. The locks work reliably and the blades stay out of the way when using the pliers. and the leather pouch looks cool and i can slip it on my belt, Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2010. In terms of ergonomics, the Wave+ and the Charge are exactly the same. The Wave+ is built similarly to Leatherman's top of the line products. I hope this Leatherman New Wave Multi Tool review helped somewhat, if so every second of research and writing was worth it. The differences are few but important. It was the year 1983 when Tim Leatherman sold his first Pocket Survival Tool. Our best-selling multi-tool ever gets upgraded with replaceable wire cutters made in a premium material. Leatherman Wave Plus Multi Tool Review Leatherman launched the original Wave in 1988 as their first multi tool with outside accessible blades and one hand deployment. April 17, 2019. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Leatherman is the original American multi tool that was created by Tim Leatherman in Portland, Oregon almost 34 years ago. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The Wave Plus is Leatherman’s best selling design because it is the best multi tool for most users. All are assembled with threaded fasteners (instead of rivets) and all have just the right amount of friction built into the various hinges. 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. Well the Sheepsfoot blade has changed somewhat, rather than the spine curving down to meet the blades edge there is a sharp angle to it more like something you would see off … I like the selection of tools but wish it had tweezers. Very well made and versatile. The materials in the Charge are top notch while the feature set and included accessories are comprehensive. I love the Wave, but I gave it only 4 stars because I would like better pliers. The clip point knife and serrated blade are both 2.9 in long and one-hand opening. Owning one ensures you’re always prepared for the unexpected loose screw or unopened bottle. About The Author Morry Banes. Of course, some are even heavier. Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2013. You can also purchase an aftermarket pocket clip and/or lanyard ring. Bernard Capulong. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Leatherman has always done a great job stuffing tools into a small package. Whether in your expedition repair kit or in your every day pocket, the Wave+ is optimized and handy. It has been a staple for the camper, hiker, hunter, do-it-yourselfer, and anyone looking for a useful multi tool on the go. Better than the Wingman, with some flaws. Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2012. With over 1,100 reviews on Amazon, it is easy to see how the Leatherman Wave is amongst the most popular of multi-tools. Signal Vs Wave+. The wire cutters are replaceable, the blades are good, and the screwdriver set is somewhat customizable. The Surge. This event marks the beginning of a new era in the world of multi-tools.Thanks to the immediate success of that product, Tim Leatherman’s company stayed in the business, subsequently becoming a true industry leader. 3. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The Surge is one of the best Leatherman tools they have made. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. And with a bit of practice (and once the knife has loosened up) you'll be able to do it with one hand. Without a doubt, a lot of individuals love this Leatherman multi-tool for its dependability and, multiple specifications, and affordable price. Currently, the top of the line "Free" product has fewer features than the Wave. We've had absolutely no issues with the construction quality of the Wave+. This page works best with JavaScript. A growing subset of multi tools come with integrated pocket clips. The first thing I thought of was "Get the SOG Powerlock". The Leatherman Wingman continues to be the favorite because of its pocket-sized form factor and ability to handle pretty much anything you may throw at it. Thus presented with an opportunity to purchase a replacement, I elected to try out the brand that made the multi-tool famous - and am very glad that I did. Leatherman produces four sizes of what we all recognize as a multi-tool: keychain, pocket, full, and heavy-duty. The Leatherman Blast Multi-Tool is the Swiss army knife of the handheld tool world. Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2013. The pliers wouldn't hold. I'm a little disappointed that the Wave pliers do not spring back like my Wingman. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Pros:. It is nearly perfect, and the next step up is much more expensive. But Leatherman Surge and Wave will substitute full-size tools. Upgrade with a couple of accessories and you have nearly everything that's great about the Editors' Choice, all at a lower price. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leatherman-Wave-Plus-832563/304094947 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. Most importantly, Leatherman used quality steel, which resulted in a tool that could take hard use. Even budget options like the Wave+ are including this excellent feature. Here, the Wave+ on a camper-improvement project. Leatherman makes and sells multi-tools at many incremental steps along a long continuum. If anything, the smooth external plates of the Wave are a little more comfortable in some conditions than the texture on the Charge. very good quality and just as decribed. Let us know! Our primary "function" wish with the Wave is that its bit driver should better accommodate standard 1/4" bits. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2018. I will buy a smaller one for my pocket. All pivots are tight, and the overall build is stiff enough for all but the most stubborn of rusted tasks. 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. ... 5 reviews with an average rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars. There's a problem loading this menu right now. I bought this Leatherman Wave as a replacement for one my wife boughfor my birthday 4 years ago,i do saltwater fishing and i broke a Blade trying to get a hook out,it is a very versatile Utility Blade ,the best i have had in a long time,as a full time electrician i use almost every one of its tools,the pliers,cutters and the small screwdriver,even the can opener. Keeping in mind that the multi-tools will never replace the full-size tools contained within either multi-tool. Leatherman has its reasons for including its proprietary bit configuration, but we fear that those reasons are more business-oriented than practicality-based. Definitely get the aftermarket nylon pouch, the bit set, and the extender. The Leatherman Wave multi-tool is an 18-tool powerhouse containing two interchangeable bits (big and small) for numerous options aside from the included Philips head and glasses-sized flathead screwdrivers. Functionality – Leatherman carefully selected which tools to include in this multi-tool. The Wave has become one of the sole most popular multitools on the market, Leatherman’s “flagship” tool has sold more and influenced more multitool manufacturers to strive to create a better tool. Choosing a multi tool from the multitude of options is... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews. When it comes to Multi-Tools, Leatherman is the brand of choice amongst many EDC fans. It’s one of the first 30 pieces we got when we were starting the website. Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2012, very handy and useful. 0 Reply. Both of the tools that score better, overall, than the Wave also cost quite a bit more. When Leatherman redesigned it in 2004, they gave the new Wave larger knives, stronger pliers, longer wire cutters, and all-locking blades. The Wave+ strikes a balance between size, weight, portability, and ergonomics. The biggest products in our test are half-again the mass of the Leatherman Wave+. It is 18 popular tools and belongs in every survival kit and EDC. A multi-tool for every demand. The average of those 500 reviews, amongst the most reviews when it comes to multi-tools, is an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars . The Leatherman Wave+is exceeded by a couple of products, but not by much. We wish that the bit driver was more readily compatible with 1/4" standard bits, but Leatherman has chosen to save some space (and sell more of their branded accessories) with the proprietary design. People with 120-140 to show off will buy a Free. Most users will not notice the trade-offs in the Wave+ as compared to the Charge TTI. For instance, when using the knife or saw blades, we wouldn't want the handle to be any larger. That the Wave+ can be configured this way is welcome and appreciated. Anyone who loves fixing things will tell you that multi-tools are one of the best things that ever happened to their craft. I probably will. This, plus making the pliers somehow lockable, would make the Wave/Charge family of multi-tools perfect. Sharp blades – There are two knives, one serrated and one with super-sharp edge.Speaking of sharpness, the same is the case with scissors which can cut through all sorts of materials. Those that prefer belt holstering their multi-tool will dig the simple sheath that is included. It's fair to say I'm … Disabling it will result in some disabled or missing features. It is solidly built, comfortable to hold, and easy to carry on your belt, or in your pocket. There are four outside access tools: a flat blade knife, serrated knife, saw, and combination diamond and metal/wood file. The Leatherman Wave+ comes with a belt sheath, but it is even better carried (in our opinion) with an aftermarket pocket clip. One-handed, externally accessed blades are the only way to go on a high-end multi-tool now. hiking, backpacking. Though small, the Wave+ scissors are handy, tight, and will cut anything the knife blade isn't suitable for. The Leatherman Wave+, as sold. Before starting this website, I have worked in a multi-tool factory for just under 10 years. Leatherman ships the Wave+ with a simple nylon belt sheath. Otherwise, the Wave is exactly the same as Leatherman's current top of the line product. 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. Below we'll elaborate on the differences. The Leatherman Wave has a multi-tool saw, which is a nice design. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. Got feedback? I'm a rather picky person when it comes to my tools and I honestly feel the Wave is perfection in every conceivable way when it comes to multi-tools. The pliers could be a little larger, and the handles are prone to pinching when there is something small between the pliers' jaws. 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. The Wave+ doesn’t disappoint in this regard, with 18 tools contained in a 4 inch multi tool. The proprietary bit driver on the Wave+ comes with one two-ended bit but can be accessorized with many more options. I requested this for Christmas last year and have been using it ever since. It's not too heavy and the handle is as comfortable as you can reasonably expect. Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2012. The Editors' Choice Charge uses better steel in its main blade, and titanium for the handle, but is otherwise the same as the Wave. You can't do better than to purchase the Wave+ for all kinds of multi-tool applications. This is the 21st bi-monthly update of the Leatherman Surge review. There's no mystery why Leatherman indicates that the Wave+ is its best-selling multi-tool. GearLab is reader-supported. I bought this Leatherman Wave as a replacement for one my wife boughfor my birthday 4 years ago,i do saltwater fishing and i broke a Blade trying to get a hook out,it is a very versatile Utility Blade ,the best i have had in a long time,as a full time electrician i use almost every one of its tools,the pliers,cutters and the small screwdriver,even the can opener. Krik of Black Owl Outdoors reviews the legendary Leatherman Wave multitool. Multi-tools are known for their portability, convenience of use and ability to combine many tools in one. For now, know that the Wave does almost all that the Charge does, especially if you source some of the aftermarket accessories. It is nearly six times the weight of the Top Pick mini multi-tool, the Gerber Dime. All 17 tools can be opened and locked with one hand to quickly, conveniently tackle any task. The Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool is not only the flagship product of Leatherman, but also sets the standard for Multi-Tools. But everyone will notice saving $60. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, 1,436 global ratings | 1,075 global reviews, Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2013. 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. There is no such perfect multi-tool available, so we settle for one of the many excellent next tier options. Keep reading our Leatherman Signal review to find out. Honestly, I thought the price was a little high, but all the reviews were just wonderful and I wanted to spoil myself with an excellent quality multi-tool. The Leatherman Signal is a great multi tool, but how does it compare to its biggest competitors? These four functions are accessible from the outside of the closed Wave+ pliers. The Leatherman Wave + is a superior multi-tool made in the USA. The external profile of the closed Wave is smooth and clean, catching minimally on your pocket or pocket contents. We can't think of another situation in which an OutdoorGearLab Editors' Choice product has a sibling that is essentially the same, but 60% of the price. At the top of the heap is the Editors Choice Leatherman Charge TTI. There you have it the five best Leatherman multi-tool reviews. About 25 years ago, Tim Leatherman used folding pliers as a platform and installed tools in the handle. Also, and this is the main flaw that I have found, when closing the tool one of the hinges is quite stiff; it opens ok-ish but when closing it grinds near the plier hinge while the other side moves much more easily. Good Leatherman tool but can be a bit heavy if you wear it on your belt. Their final decision was to pick 17 different tools that regular users should find useful in everyday life. The feature set of the Best Buy Wave+ is about the same as that on the much larger Leatherman Surge. Leatherman. Surge Multi-Tool (40) 40 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. With that additional mass and bulk, you get excellent functions and tools that work very well in action. $119.95. Leatherman Signal Vs Comparable tools. Hands On Review: latest Leatherman Wave multi-tool is a powerful array of stainless steel weaponry forged to fit in a tiny nylon sheath! A good selection of features means it's useful in a wide range of situations. $129.95. The Leatherman Wave+ is the company’s current flagship multi tool. The knife was wickedly sharp and the entire tool is of very good quality steel and top notch construction. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. I had to use my Wave today to clamp down on something I was working on. Vise Grip & Locking Pliers Multi-Tool Review The primary purpose of any multi-tool is to ensure that someone does not have to 53 Likes 18 Comments 26 Shares Related Gear: ... People with 120-140 to spend on a tool to use will buy a Wave or Surge, maybe a charge. This is a great knife - side-accessible locking blades mean you don'thave to open the whole thing to get the knife out. The Leatherman Surge is heavy and large. Leatherman pliers do the job almost as well as dedicated pliers. A virtual toolbox on your belt. Most of our test team prefers this method of multi-tool carry. The blade is both easier to deploy and better in use. It's all we keep in our kitchen now for various small tasks. At around 8 ounces, the Wave+ is pretty typical in mass for a full-function multi-tool. Carried loose in your pocket the Wave+ is pretty smooth but heavier than you'd wish. The multi-tool idea is not new. There are pliers, scissors, wire cutters, two blades, two saws, a can/bottle opener, and a plethora of screwdriver options. A review of the original Leatherman Wave. Leatherman Wave Plus Tools. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2016. How can we improve GearLab? An international best-seller, the Wave Plus has all the essential tools of the original with the addition of replaceable, durable wire cutters. And vice versa. Review of the Leatherman Wave 2004 multi tool. Pretty convenient. The Leatherman Wave multi-tool is hands down the most popular model, made famous by its outside-accessible blades that can be deployed with just one hand. 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. Between uses, though, the Surge is difficult to carry around. ... Built-In tools The Leatherman Wave Plus comes with 15 great and useful tools including a range of pliers, screwdrivers, files, bottle and can openers, ruler, scissors, saw, serrated and plain knives, wire stripper, and wire cutters that are replaceable. When it comes to such tool… The bit-holder works with Leathermans set of extra bits, increasing the range from flat-head and Phillips to include Torx and Hex bolts as well (additional purchase required). Some of the functions would be better if they were larger, but some would actually decline in functionality with increased size. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Leatherman Sidekick Multi-Tool with Black Nylon Sheath - 831428 at Amazon.com. In some ways, the Wave+ has all the features you would want. This tool includes all … Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question. The Wave multi-tool is one of the best and most popular units made and sold by Leatherman, a renowned company when it comes manufacturing great multi-tools today. But most multi-tools used to be gimmicks and gadgets attached to a knife, and the quality was poor. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 7, 2018. All trademarks property of their respective owners Review: Leatherman FREE P2 Multi-tool. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. While the material used to make these Leatherman Wave blades (420HC) is not as sturdy as the 154 cm and the S30V steel used on the premium Charge ALX and Charge TTi, it's still harder than the plain 420 stainless-steel. Leatherman® Wave® Multi-Tool features 18 tools that can be opened and locked quickly and conveniently to tackle any task Comfort, convenience and innovation make this tool a keeper Designed with 4 exterior locking accessories: clip point knife, serrated blade, saw and file The Wave is only 4.0 in long and 8.5 oz, making it easy to carry in the sheath or by adding a pocket clip. Let’s face it; a multi-tool is convenient to have around when a tool box is not readily available or practical at times i.e. Packing a punch, the Leatherman Wave multi-tool is seriously sharp and fully featured with easy-to-unlock blades and heavy-duty strength that can tackle any job you throw at it.

leatherman wave multi tool review

Cheapest Rowan Big Wool, Cumin Powder In Swahili, Cauliflower Bake With Cream, Where Are Revoace Grills Manufactured, Raw Banana Kofta,