Triumphrat

fivehundo

We being bikers and all, I'm sure we have some unique perspectives on the subject of "Multitools", like "Leatherman", "SOG", "Victorinox Swisstool", etc. However, I recently wanted to purchase a replacement for my original Leatherman, that I've had for nearly 10 years. I found that this decision is now somewhat harder to make because there are now "ranges" of Multitools, based on your own specific purpose. In all honesty, I thing the market is much better now than it was when my Leatherman was given to me because some of the tools now are arguably better for we bikers.

Be that as it may, I was hoping that well all could discuss the pros and cons of our choice, based on our intended use. I'll start:

After careful consideration, I went with the Leatherman "Supertool 300". http://www.leatherman.com/multi-tool...-tool-300.aspx

I also considered the Leatherman "Charge ALX", Leatherman "Surge", Leatherman "Core" and the Victorinox "Swisstool". At the end of the day, there were a few reasons why I made this choice. First, was the servicability of the pliers on the Supertool 300. The wire cutters on the 300 can be replaced if they get damaged, which does happen from time-to-time. My previous Leatherman has had the jaws damaged in the past (one of the reasons why I was seeking a replacement) so this would be helpful in the future, if the need arizes to replace the cutters.

Another reason why I chose the Supertool 300 is the ease with which the knife blades are now extracted. My old Leatherman was somewhat cumbersome but this tool has cut-outs on the side, so that you can easily select either of the knives. It's certainly not a "one-handed" operation blade, like the Leatherman "Charge ALX" has but It's a lot faster than my original Leatherman.

Lastly, was the price-point. While I liked the lightness of the Charge ALX, it was a lot more expensive and didn't have the replaceable wire-cutters on the pliers, like the Supertool 300. I'll put up with the extra weight for a little more servicability.

That being said, the Supertool 300 is a full-sized, Stainless Steel, Multitool. I'm not sure I'd want to have it banging around in the tail section of my bike. I clip it to the top handle of my computer bag and carry it to work daily. I don't really notice the extra weight but if that's a concern, maybe the Charge ALX is right for you. I just wish Leatherman made that tool with the replaceable cutters.

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"The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

TIE-Pilot23

I bought my Leatherman in 1987 when I joined the Army...still have it...love it...wouldnt know what I would have ever done without it...its in my chest/sunglass pocket in my jacket

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Black as Midnight...Black as pitch...Blacker than the foulest witch...

gn2

I have a Leatherman Juice Pro which was a gift some years ago.
Oddly I never carry it with me, I only use it around the house.

fivehundo

That was the problem with my original leatherman. It sat in the drawer because of the dull pliers and the can-opener I broke off... (while trying to straighten the exhaust pipe of my KX500... )

I am going to make it a point to carry this one daily. It does no good if you don't have it to use...

__________________
"The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

McQueen

I picked up a SpyderCo tool awhile back. Pretty cool.

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gn2

The quality of the one I have is superb, it's been subjected to some fairly robust treatment, it's just that I don't need it when away from the house.

95speed3

I agree with McQueen. The SpyderRench is good stuff. A little expensive at about $75, but worth the money. Seems unbreakable and works well for the things I've used it for. I like the belt clip so you don't have to carry it in a separate pouch.
I don't know how much money your leatherman was. Is it comparable? Does it have a pocket clip or a pouch?

seumas

My latest is a Leatherman Skeletool. It's pretty basic, but it has all the things I normally use; knife blade, pliers with wire cutter, bit driver and of course, a bottle opener.
I don't carry it all the time, but I do throw it in the bag when I'm on a trip. I usually do have a pocket knife with me though.

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"We fight not for glory, nor for wealth, nor honor but only and alone
we fight for freedom, which no good man surrenders but with his life."

fivehundo

I don't think I've ever seen one of these before! I like it!!!

__________________
"The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

McQueen

Here ya go, Five:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Spyderco-ByrdRen...item4a9c2dc5ed

I've found that no matter what the setup of the multitool, I'm always left wanting for another tool. The SpydeCo seemed as complete as I could find. But when I carry a Leatherman, I'm wishing for the SpyderCo's crescent wrench. When I have the SpyderCo on me, I'm wishing for the Leatherman's needle-nose pliers. I can't win.

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+ Ton Up Club NorCal +

Nothing says "it's my first day on the Internet!" like putting a picture in your signature.