Leatherman Charge Ti or WAVE?

colubrid

colubrid

Gold Member
Joined
Nov 26, 2005
Messages
5,125
I have two SOG Powertools (different tools on each) and one LM KICK.

I can't decide on the WAVE or the Charge Ti. Which one of these should I get next?
 
My understanding is that the Charge is really just an upgraded Wave, with titanium handles and a knife blade with vastly improved steel (154CM). Some people think this is worth the additional cost--I would be one of those people. I have the Charge, and I'm very happy with it.

If only I could get a Surge with the 154CM steel. :D
 
colubrid said:
I have two SOG Powertools (different tools on each) and one LM KICK.

I can't decide on the WAVE or the Charge Ti. Which one of these should I get next?
Click to expand...

We'd need more information about you to answer. Do you carry a dedicated knife? If not, you may want the Charge, because the knife steel is better. The Charge also has Titanium handles, which are lighter than the Wave's handles, but the overall weight difference is only around 0.1 oz. Probably not enough to be noticable. The Charge can be considered both an "upgraded" and a "deluxe" Wave. "Deluxe" because it comes with a quick-release lanyard ring (although both models have an attached lanyard ring), a pocket clip, and six more double-ended bits. Note that all of these extras will work with the Wave, but they must be bought seperately. Consider that the six double-ended bits may not be the ones you really want to carry, though. IMO the Charge Ti and Wave are lacking in phillips drivers (I believe this is true with multi-tools in general... usually there's only one phillips driver). There's only a tiny one, and a combination of sizes 1 and 2. The bit kit that is available (about $20) includes a 0 and 3 phillips double-ended bit, and with that added to what's already on the tool, you can probably cover every, or almost every, phillips screw you're going to encounter. Don't forget about the Charge XTi, which has two double-ended bit drivers. Especailly if you're going to carry a Charge with the pocket clip and not carry extra bits, the XTi is more versatile for screwdriving.

The Wave is cheaper, but if you shop around on eBay the prices are so low that the difference may not even matter. For example I just bought a second Charge XTi for $65. In general, I'd recommend the Charge. I've owned many multi-tools, including SAKs, and the Charge is the most well-made that I've handled. If cost is a big issue and you don't need the better knife steel, you may want to go with the Wave. As I said above, the weight difference is probably not worth worrying about.
 
Go for the Charge Ti, you'll appreciate the better PE blade, more comfortable/grippier handles and the little pluses: removable clip, lanyard ring and additional screwdriving bits. =)
 
I agree, go for the Ti or XTi. Take your time and reseach the few different options each one has, then go for it.
 
I got a Charge Ti for Xmas and I do like the tool. However, Leatherman quality control has not been the best lately. My Charge had a bad rivet on the spring lock when just out of the box. Also, the Charge nylon sheath is not very good- the first day I wore the sheath, the belt loop tore out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top