Leatherman Wave vs Charge AL

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col902

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Mar 16, 2011
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What are your opinions on these two multitools? Is the charge worth the extra 20 or so dollars? Thanks.
 
I have the wave. Used every tool on it at least a dozen times. The changeable bits are a nice feature.

Don't own a charge. Base it on what your use will be. I EDC my wave for the most part. Use it at work, on the road or w/e else its needed and it holds up just fine.
 
The two tools are so similar that they are virtually same. You save 0.2 oz with the Charge AL. I think just a matter of aesthetics and its very subjective as to whether the Charge is worth the extra cost. From a purely functional viewpoint, I would say no, because the Charge is basically a Wave that is wearing a pretty dress. JMO.
 
what about the wave vs juice xe6? i know they are in different categories but they have the same toolset. Are the full sized pliers and locking tools worth it for the extra bulk/weight?
 
I have a wave that I tried to edc but it was just too heavy. the only comfortable way to carry it was the sheath but it still is bulky. great tool but the skeletool is a better choice imo. the skeletool has everything you would need and one the days when it fell short i had a full tool box/shop close at hand. i recommend going all out and get the version with upgraded steel. the regular version has taken more beating than an anvil. mine is now retired and living with my mother.
 
col902 said:
What are your opinions on these two multitools? Is the charge worth the extra 20 or so dollars? Thanks.
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That depends on how you intend to use it. If you expect frequent cutting chores with a PE blade, the Charge 154 cm blade will hold an edge longer between the need to resharpen. For occasional use, the regular 420 HC blade will hold up just fine. Whether the convenience of less frequent sessions on the stones is worth $20 extra is up to you (BTW, the Charge comes with an accessory kit including a pocket clip and qr lanyard ring, extra cost items for the Wave.) Otherwise, the two Leathermen are functionally identical.
 
I own both the Wave and the Charge. My personal preference is for the Charge. I like the blades slightly better but that's just me. The seat belt cutter/gut hook on the serrated blade of the Charge gets used a lot for a variety of things. The ability to change bits so handily is important to me in my work, and that gives the Charge the edge for me. Otherwise, I don't feel sorry for myself carrying either.
 
col902 said:
what about the wave vs juice xe6? i know they are in different categories but they have the same toolset. Are the full sized pliers and locking tools worth it for the extra bulk/weight?
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Yes

;):grumpy::D (these emoticons mean nothing, just a way to get in the required number of characters so this reply will post :) .)
 
col902 said:
what do you guys like better? wave or swisstool spirit x?
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Both good multi-tools, arguments can be made for either. A few years ago I did have a Spirit, liked it a lot. However, for the things that come up in my daily activities, I find the Wave/Charge suits my needs better than the Spirit, which wound up as a gift to my brother. He loves it.
Make of this what you will ;) .
 
col902 said:
wave or swisstool spirit x?
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For EDC, I much prefer the Spirit. Its more compact on the belt, and has a full sized, long shank real phillips (vs. the short, flat "phillips" on the Wave), a very useful awl (vs. no awl) and more precise scissors. And compared to the Wave, its built like a swiss watch.

This is not to diss the Wave, which is Leatherman's #1 selling tool, but I just prefer the Spirit.
 
powernoodle said:
The two tools are so similar that they are virtually same. You save 0.2 oz with the Charge AL. I think just a matter of aesthetics and its very subjective as to whether the Charge is worth the extra cost. From a purely functional viewpoint, I would say no, because the Charge is basically a Wave that is wearing a pretty dress. JMO.
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Don't know about the al version, but I like the charge TTI which I have. I agree with powernoodle about the dress thing :)

here's my review on both

[youtube]mRMohIXg1PQ[/youtube]
 
I have the Original Wave, the new Wave and a CHarge tti

the original wave is still my go to

The charge is lighter but the interchanging bits on the new Wave and Charge are good if you keep up with the bit kits. imo the bit kits get in the way and add weight
 
Its all a matter of the blade. The wave has 420hc (ok steel) and the al has 154cm (great steel). Just ask yourself how often are you going to use the blade on it.
 
I have had both. I have the charge with the 154cm blade and it is MUCH better than the 420hc version. The real info here is that the Charge does not bite into the hand as much if you are going to use it a lot. If you have gloves then it is not important. Bit kit is very useful and use it more than I thought I would. Just my .02
 
I used to own a Wave but sold it due to the horrible ergonomics when using the blades. (Good luck cutting some hard wood with a Wave unless you're wearing leather gloves or have a masons hands) And unless you get the extra pocket clip it's difficult to carry. At least one has the option of using a carabiner with the built in lanyard ring.

I'm waiting for a Charge al to arrive. I do like the OH opening option and I think the Charge/Wave have good quality tools. Good selection of tools. But not as good as...

The Spirit X. Best tool selection and highest quality of tools. (compare f.e. the large screwdriver on a Wave with the cap lifter/screwdriver tool on the Spirit. If you get enjoyment out of these things, admire their engineering and function, (which you are, otherwise you wouldn't exist on a forum like this) you will love the fit and finish of the Spirit. Everything clicks, feels precise and the locking mechanism is just beautiful. Most comfortable pliers due to curve. The Spirit is a thing to admire - it's the Leatherman PST perfected. The main problem with the Spirit, and it's a major problem, is that it's difficult to carry. Either you're forced to use the pouch or it basically lives on standby in a bag. The later scenario being true for me.


My most used and beloved multitool by far is the Leatherman Skeletool CX. Light and intuitive. Has ultra useful carabiner.

I'm curious to see how it will be edcing the Charge compared to the Skeletool.
 
I was given the wave and i allready had a charge ti.The wave has very sharp edges on the "scales" so no hard work without gloves :thumbdn:,i wonder why they made it like that but other than that its as good as the charge IMO
 
Especially if you're not living in the USA, the Wave would probably be a better option, unless you can afford buying a Charge or are willing to invest in it. They have similar functionality, but the Charge is more comfortable to use and some (or all?) Charge models are made of better materials. I carry a Charge TTi in my work bag, together with a 21 bit kit and bit driver extender.
 
As to the question of the Wave or Charge vs the Spirit X,for me,it's the Spirit X all the way.I don't like the can/bottle opener on the Leathermans near as much.Once I got the Spirit I have'nt carried my Charge TI.The individual can and bottle openers/screwdrivers are the same as on all Vic SAKs and work better for me.Plus it's a lighter tool on the belt.Fit and finish is flawless.
 
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