Leatherman ARC vs Wave alpha.

R

RubiSoHo

Joined
Aug 26, 2024
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I’m soon to enter the market for a Multi-tool. I think I’d like one of these two models after research. Main things that attract me are the Magnacut Blades (I’m a folding knife guy at heart, and really dig that steel) and tool complement of both.

Anyone have experience with both and want to weigh in on your preferences/experiences?
 
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What he said. I love the Arc. I've carried mine daily for over two years and I think it's their best tool. I still have my original Wave from 25 years ago and I used a Charge TTi for a long time. Having everything accessible with one hand on the outside of the tool makes a big difference in daily use. The Free series pocket clip is also much better than the quick-release clip they offer for the Wave tools. I haven't felt any real desire to buy the Alpha.

I'm sure it's a good tool though. If you don't care about the pocket clip, you don't mind opening the handles to get to your drivers, and you want the textured G10 scales and bigger scissors, go for it. Those are cool features. I don't think you'd go wrong with either one, just think about what matters more to you.
 
+1 for the ARC. I carry one and use it multiple times a day. Being able to access every tool on it one handed IS a big deal. I could do that with my Wave+ but not nearly as easy or fast.
 
waynemanning74 said:
I've never owned a wave alpha but I do own a standard wave plus and an arc and I'll say the action is so much smoother and just nicer than the wave. The free system the arc is made on is buttery smooth and everything just clicks into place.
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Have to confess, it's this. This right here. I own both an ARC and a Wave Alpha. I like the scales on the WA, but as a tool, the ARC is just better in my eyes. Everything is smooth, the tool can be operated with one hand, honestly. A multi-tool that can be operated with one hand is great, it feels like a real step forward.
 
Quiet said:
... but as a tool, the ARC is just better in my eyes... A multi-tool that can be operated with one hand is great, it feels like a real step forward.
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I am not going to buy an ARC.
I am not going to buy an ARC.
I am not going to buy an ARC...

Stay strong, man 🙉
 
I have an earlier iteration of the ARC mechanism on my P2 and if the ARC is as good or better, then it will be a huge improvement over the WA. That said, I bought the WA over the ARC as it was less expensive and looked better to my eyes. I really like the tool selection on the WA, as well. Can't go wrong with either, but the ARC is their halo model for a reason.
 
I have to say it’s definitely the Arc, but I do think the Alpha in Obsidian with the gold accents is really sharp looking.

You’ve got me trying to figure out where I’ve left my alpha now… Arc comes everywhere with me.
 
My vote is for the Arc as well. I recently purchased the Wave Alpha, and returned it 2 days later. That was due to an issue with the scissors malfunctioning. However, the Wave Alpha almost felt like a toy in comparison to the Arc in my opinion. The plier head just felt significantly weaker and smaller when holding both in my hands.
 
Maybe I can. I don't own the alpha anymore, I did, but what i noticed about the scissors at least on mine is that they didnt always "spring to life" when I opened them, I had to fiddle with them a bit before the scissors popped open" I found that annoying. I would have preferred a secondary blade instead of a large pair of scissors but thats just me.
But to answer the OP I had both and found the Arc made its way into the pocket more often, it felt more user-friendly and easier to operate one handed
 
ShaiHulud said:
Maybe I can. I don't own the alpha anymore, I did, but what i noticed about the scissors at least on mine is that they didnt always "spring to life" when I opened them, I had to fiddle with them a bit before the scissors popped open" I found that annoying. I would have preferred a secondary blade instead of a large pair of scissors but thats just me.
But to answer the OP I had both and found the Arc made its way into the pocket more often, it felt more user-friendly and easier to operate one handed
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I have a distinct inkling the "scissor issue" is user based. With the Alpha you have to extend the scissors all the way, until the lock kicks in, only then will the spring engage. It is designed that way. Smartly so, in my opinion.
 
.577NE said:
J Java1911 , can you elaborate on the nature of the malfunctioning of the scissors on your Alpha?
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Absolutely. The scissors opened just fine, and the spring arm provided the necessary resistance. However, when I operated the scissors, the spring arm would pop out around the scissor arm, so the resistance was gone. Essentially the scissors would not open back up wit the spring arm. Hope this makes sense.
 
Java1911 said:
Absolutely. The scissors opened just fine, and the spring arm provided the necessary resistance. However, when I operated the scissors, the spring arm would pop out around the scissor arm, so the resistance was gone. Essentially the scissors would not open back up wit the spring arm. Hope this makes sense.
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Makes sense indeed. Thank you for your feedback.
 
The scissors on my arc do the exact same thing. You have to mess with them before they will open when they are deployed
 
On my alpha I extended my scissors the entire way and they retained their collapsed shape, I remember having to almost open the scissors most of the way before the spring engaged, annoying but not a deal breaker for me
 
Got my ARC a few months back (slightly used on eBay for about half price) and have carried it clipped to my right front pocket most every day since. I love the buttery smooth action and the improved retention spring on the interchangeable bit holder and the razor sharp magna cut blade with a thumb stud. However, when I need a multitool spur of the moment, I much more likely to grab my fully accessorized first generation Surge that rides in a Skinth holster over my right hip. The arc will never replace my Surge as my preferred EDC, but, the ARC has a much higher fidget factor!! I don't see how a Wave Alpha would fit into my stable except as a novelty (Yes, someday I will acquire one!). T-A
 
Cliffr39 said:
I have the Wave+ (about 5 years now) and thinking about the Wave Alpha (love the orange), but wanted to hear your thoughts after you had it for about a month now.
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I am surprised how little one reads (good or bad) about the Wave Alpha. I have a distinct inkling that it will not be a bestseller for Leatherman. The Wave+ and the Charge+ however are. I have never seen the LM Arc, but folks seem to like it quite a bit. It could come out ahead in the Arc/Alpha comparison.

The Wave Alpha in my opinion has one major flaw. Even so the thumb stud is supposed to provide ease of hand handed opening, it is anything but an improvement over the generous thumb hole of the Wave. The stud is too close to the handle's edge, and way too low. A small gripe I know, but it bugs me a lot.

If you like scissors, it is for you :)

I bought one because of the orange handles but won't use it. It will make a nice present for someone down the trail.

I prefer the Wave+ and Charge+.

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