Benchmade volli vs ZT 0566 ?? Help me decide!

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dangerhack

Joined
Sep 3, 2014
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Looking for a new EDC folder to carry along with izula
Between the volli and 0566 which would you get? And why?
I like the strong spring assist in the volli but prefer the looks of the 0566
Thanks for any input!
 
While I own neither, I do own a ZT 0300, 0560 and a BM Barrage. I do like the very strong assist in the benchmade, but over all the ZT's see more pocket time.

I would get the 0566, as it is just a scaled down 0560 and the ergos are quite good. My experience with the axis lock has been ok, though my Barrage has a little up and down play. Plus, I'm a sucker for a frame lock. It's also easier to close a ZT assisted frame lock one handed (imo).
 
I've had two 566's and two Vollis. I moved the ZTs and still have the Volli's. They get a good share of pocket time. I didn't like the weight and the feel of the ZTs. There was nothing wrong with the knives, I just didn't bond with that model.

The Volli, OTOH, is a very easy to carry & use knife. It's great as a slicer, which is 95% of what I do with a knife, it's a size that doesn't attract much attention when I pull it out and use it, and I can open & close it with one hand. I can also use it with either hand, something that's important to me and that I could not do with the ZTs or any framelock, FTM. Like the 566, it can be de-assisted if you want it that way.
 
I was just eyeing the Volli in a local store and can say the scales and backspacer look very, very nice as does the grind.

Think it landed on the to buy list!
 
Yea to me I prefer axis lock over frame lock any day and prefer the assist speed of Benchmade but the looks of the ZT perfect to me... Wish I could get the ZT with axis lock an stronger assist lol
 
I have the 0566, and really like it. The size is perfect for EDC, although I also have an 0561, and 0551 which also see a lot of pocket time. The 0566 is the easiest to carry due to its smaller size. I have no experience with the Volli, but if you were consider the BM 940 it would be a tough choice for me as that is one of my favorites also.
 
ZT 0566. Better steel ,built better, more comfortable. If your going to get something from Benchmade would get something else.
 
Ulf, I'm curious, how do you qualify that the ZT is built better than the BM? I own neither, but I know both companies are known for their build quality.
 
crom said:
Ulf, I'm curious, how do you qualify that the ZT is built better than the BM? I own neither, but I know both companies are known for their build quality.
Click to expand...

I don't qualify, just opinion. Every single assisted knife I've owned from BM I've had problems with. Their manuels or auto's are much better. I love Benchmade but HATE their assisted knives. The Volli deassisted is descent but will deveolope severe blade play and lock rock. It just feels junkie in hand to me also. Same with Barrage series. If you haven't had problems with their assisted knives I'd say your not using them enough. I had all and still have a 0566. Want a Volli gt a Volli. I would get something different from BM though. I don't like everything of ZT's either. The 0566 is my favorite from their models.
 
I have no experience with the BM assisted knives, only the AXIS autos. All the BM's I've owned or currently own have been top notch in terms of build quality, I thought you were jumping on the BM quality control nonsense, thanks for clarifying.
 
I got more BM knives than any other. There are problems with the assisted models IMO. To OP if you want a BM would suggest a Northfork or 943 or 275 or 551/556 or 5000 or Stryker model. If you want a assisted knife would get one of their autos' if you can carry them where you live legally and all of that. Really like the 5000. I do think the 0566 is better knife than Volli though.
 
I haven't handed a Volli, but if it's like the assist mechanism in the Barrage, the spring does stay engaged all the way through opening. By comparison, the torsion bar for the SpeedSafe knives only stays engaged about 50-60% (the first 90 degrees or so). I actually like the SpeedSafe better. The torsion bar sort of gives you a half-stop when closing the knife, which both keeps it from accidentally swinging closed on your fingers and provides some leeway for manipulating the knife closed using one hand. One handed operation is also possible on the Barrage, but it's less forgiving of little slips. I've accidentally cut myself on my Barrages (particularly the mini) more than any of my other knives.

My 0566 still opens up with a good amount of speed. The Volli might be faster, but you're likely looking at very small fractions of a second difference. The assist on my 0566 has never failed to open the blade all the way into a locked position (unless I put some obstruction in the path of the blade as it's swinging open).
 
I own both and I love both. The Volli is a bit lighter and deploys very fast and has been a great knife for me whatever use Ive put it through. The ZT 566 is one of my favorite knives and I have one assisted and one de assisted. its a bit more weight to carry but if feels so good in my hand and I don't really notice the difference in carry. I have found some people give me looks at pulling out the 566 not so much with the Volli. So for me it would be a matter of which feels better to you and if you have a preference of locking mechanisms. Both have been great knives for me. The one thing for me would be I have fairly large hands and the 566 just fits better but that's a personal preference. Can't really go wrong with either
 
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