Leatherman Charge Ti -Initial Impressions

S

Sidewinder

Joined
Jun 2, 2001
Messages
887
Just got the new Leatherman Charge Ti. I am impressed with the new design. It is a beefier version of the Wave. It has Ti handles, tools that don’t clump together, stronger pliers and a 154CM steel blade. All tools now lock open. It also has 2 bit holders that can be used with the supplied bits:

Phillips and flat tip eyeglass screwdriver
Phillips #1-2 and screwdriver 3/16"
Hex 5/32" and 9/64"
Hex 1/16" and .050
Hex 1/8" and 7/64"
Robertson #2 and #3
Hex 3/32" and 5/64"
Screwdriver 1/8" and Torx #15

(The bit selection is different for the Charge XTi)

Overall, I like the new package. Mine comes with a nylon sheath that can be worn horizontal as was as vertically.

79797.jpg


Things that I don’t like:

Even though it has Ti handles, it is heavier then my Leatherman Wave. I don’t find that the handle design is anymore comfortable then the Wave's.

The bit holders only accepts proprietary Leatherman bits. It will not hold standard bits. This was something I didn’t know before I purchased the unit. Leatherman only has the stock bits mention above. I called the company and a rep stated that they will be coming out with additional bits in September.

Recommendation:

If you already have a LM Wave and don’t need a bit holder, I would pass on this model.

I will post more as I start to use the tool.


S.
 
When I read the weight specs on the Charge Ti, I thought it sounded heavy. Why oh why won't they come out with a lighter weight, slim titanium model with just the one-handed opening blade and a can opener and a couple of screwdrivers, and maybe a pocket clip?
 
12 gauge, I am with you all the way. I would so love to see a simple simple simple multitool with just a few functions built like Sherman Tank with a high quality steel than what they usually do.....which is to try to put a million different things on one tool.
 
I got a Charge Ti today and, I must say, I'm disappointed. IMHO, it seems like the titanium handle's purpose is to provide a "wow" factor and nothing else. It doesn't make the tool any lighter. One problem I found in the design is with the micro screwdriver. I tried to use it on a very small flat head screw on my watch and couldn't feel the tip of the screwdriver engage the slot of the screw because of the heft of the tool. When I finally got the screwdriver head in the screw slot, I noticed that I couldn't feel how much torque I was applying to tighten it. When dealing with micro screws, I think it's important to be able to feel the torque applied so as not to strip the screw. Can't do this with the Charge. If you remove the micro screwdriver from the Charge to use it you don't have any leverage whatsoever. It would have been better to leave the micro screwdriver option out of the design.
 
grnamin said:
I got a Charge Ti today and, I must say, I'm disappointed. IMHO, it seems like the titanium handle's purpose is to provide a "wow" factor and nothing else. It doesn't make the tool any lighter. One problem I found in the design is with the micro screwdriver. I tried to use it on a very small flat head screw on my watch and couldn't feel the tip of the screwdriver engage the slot of the screw because of the heft of the tool. When I finally got the screwdriver head in the screw slot, I noticed that I couldn't feel how much torque I was applying to tighten it. When dealing with micro screws, I think it's important to be able to feel the torque applied so as not to strip the screw. Can't do this with the Charge. If you remove the micro screwdriver from the Charge to use it you don't have any leverage whatsoever. It would have been better to leave the micro screwdriver option out of the design.
Click to expand...

I agree. I would rather have an awl than the micro screwdriver.

Also my wire stripper isn't sharp at all.

I think the Charge is okay, but it isnt the be all end all.
 
Peter Atwood said:
I would so love to see a simple simple simple multitool with just a few functions built like Sherman Tank with a high quality steel than what they usually do.....which is to try to put a million different things on one tool.
Click to expand...
Just for fun, go to Leatherman's tool comparison page, and compare the Pulse, the Juice xe6, and the Charge Ti. The only thing the Pulse really lacks is a saw. It's even lighter than the Juice.
 
Since the Pulse disassembles so easily, I would really like it if I could send one in to a "Leatherman Custom Shop" and have them swap a saw for the knife blade. :)
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but hasn't the Pulse been discontinued? I'm glad I have one. :) I returned the Charge this afternoon for a refund. Just too big and bulky for me. The one thing I liked about it is the fact that the other tools don't clump along with whatever blade you're trying to expose. A Pulse with easily removable bolts would have been nice.
 
The Pulse is still listed on their website. They have a couple of new multitools with about the same mix of tools, and they probably mean them to replace it, depending on sales. It wouldn't hurt them or their customers to wait and see which sells.
 
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