I'm thinking of getting a Leatherman and I have narrowed it down to the Core or the Supertool. I like the lighter weight and the cutouts for the blades on the Supertool. However the removable cutters worry me a bit. It seems like any advantage gained by being able to service them will be lost by a greater likelyhood of them being damaged or coming loose. Can anyone comment on that concern or voice their opinion on how the two stack up against each other?
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Core vs Supertool 300
- Thread starter Locust
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I dont think you have to worry about damaging the 154cm cutters. Theres been alot of Supertool 300 reviews and vids with people cutting nails and other things with them, and not one ive heard about has spoken about damaged cutters or them coming loose.
If youre real worried about them coming loose, you could a drop of loctite for screws, and youll be sorted.
The whole point with the removable cutters is, that you can swap them out for a fresh pair when the time comes. But if you dont cut that many things, the core will do just fine.
If youre real worried about them coming loose, you could a drop of loctite for screws, and youll be sorted.
The whole point with the removable cutters is, that you can swap them out for a fresh pair when the time comes. But if you dont cut that many things, the core will do just fine.
NO, GET THE SUPERTOOL 300!! The Core is nice, but the Supertool 300 blows it out of the water. It has much stronger pliers, sloped pliers that can get into smaller place, much better wire cutters that are replaceable, and it doesn't have the zytel inserts that the Core has. Also, the Core is a retired tool now so if you happen to break it, you may get a Supertool 300 back...
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What's wrong with zytel inserts? They don't seem to have any affect on performance, and there are no signs of wear I can see. To be honest, it is not even clear to me what function they serve; stiffeners for the handles, maybe?
If I didn't already have a Core, the ST300 would be my choice, but the tool set is identical except for the pliers head. Maybe the newer head is an improvement, but the Core pliers has been plenty strong and cuts wire just fine. In terms of form or function, I can find no reason to upgrade.
If it comes to pass a Core breaks and Leatherman Warranty substitutes a Super Tool 300 for it, where exactly is that a problem?
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My Fuse has Zytel inserts and i havent had any issues with it. Used it almost daily and it still looks as good as new.
What's wrong with zytel inserts? They don't seem to have any affect on performance, and there are no signs of wear I can see. To be honest, it is not even clear to me what function they serve; stiffeners for the handles, maybe?
If I didn't already have a Core, the ST300 would be my choice, but the tool set is identical except for the pliers head. Maybe the newer head is an improvement, but the Core pliers has been plenty strong and cuts wire just fine. In terms of form or function, I can find no reason to upgrade.
If it comes to pass a Core breaks and Leatherman Warranty substitutes a Super Tool 300 for it, where exactly is that a problem?
The guy isn't talking about upgrading, he is talking about which to buy between the two though? That being said, doesn't the Core have outboard components as in the Wave/Charge?
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No, not a one. All implements are inside the handle, although easier to get out than most others of that type.
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Measurements printed on websites don't always match the product. On the Leatherman site, their "retired tools" page puts the Core weight at 10.8 oz, not 10.2 as it weighs in real life. Also, Vic has the Spirit at 5.75 oz, way off, and it's been so listed for years. It may be a small issue, but sometimes I wonder how many sales are gained or lost by wrong specs
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My understanding is that the ST 300 implements clump but the blades come out separately, while each Core implement and blade comes out singly. That is certainly true with mine.
That sounds about right. A friend of mine has a Core and she says that there is no clumping at all. Does the clumping of the ST300 bug anyone?
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The clumping does not bother me, it helps get to the tool I need w/o breaking my fingernails.
What's wrong with zytel inserts? They don't seem to have any affect on performance, and there are no signs of wear I can see. To be honest, it is not even clear to me what function they serve; stiffeners for the handles, maybe?
If I didn't already have a Core, the ST300 would be my choice, but the tool set is identical except for the pliers head. Maybe the newer head is an improvement, but the Core pliers has been plenty strong and cuts wire just fine. In terms of form or function, I can find no reason to upgrade.
If it comes to pass a Core breaks and Leatherman Warranty substitutes a Super Tool 300 for it, where exactly is that a problem?
Nothing at all is wrong with the zytel inserts. The problem with them is salt water, dirt, etc can get caught between them and the handle and cause major rusting issues. Something similar happened on another forum with a Kick.
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Something you have to know before putting them head to head...
The SuperTool 300 is the successor of the 100 and 200and arguably Core, the 200 was discontinued at 2005 and the Core came in to replace the series from then on. On September 2009, Leatherman Re-introduced the SuperTool series, and brought the 300 back.
The 300 is a super rugged tool, being the only few Leatherman's with a thick steel construction.
I've had both the Core and the ST300, and I sold the core because it felt like a toy compared to a the 300. I have yet to own a Charge TTi, but I don't think the TTi can feel any more solid than the ST300.
Pic from Multitool.org:
The SuperTool 300 is the successor of the 100 and 200and arguably Core, the 200 was discontinued at 2005 and the Core came in to replace the series from then on. On September 2009, Leatherman Re-introduced the SuperTool series, and brought the 300 back.
The 300 is a super rugged tool, being the only few Leatherman's with a thick steel construction.
I've had both the Core and the ST300, and I sold the core because it felt like a toy compared to a the 300. I have yet to own a Charge TTi, but I don't think the TTi can feel any more solid than the ST300.
Pic from Multitool.org:
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This has been commented on elsewhere as well, but so far, I don't know how the difference in metal thickness has worked out in practice. Both have the same tool set. Although I can't say my Core has been torture tested, so far during 3 years nothing I have used it for has broken, bent or loosened any of the implements. What has been the repair record of this model?
