LM Core VS. Vic SwissTool

[not-too-sharp]

I'm looking for a larger multitool to replace my wave for truck duty.
Other than the price, these tools seem very similar to me.(tool selection)
So mine is a simple question, which do you prefer and why?
Thanks -Andrew
EDIT: Title was supposed to read LM Super Tool 300 VS. Vic Swisstool. Sorry, I had the core on my mind lol.

 

[HAKnPocket]

Andrew I really like my VIC sprint. I can't imagine the Swisstool being much different in F&F as well as toughness. IIRC the Swisstool has a pretty blunt pair of pliers so that may make a difference. I haven't handled a 300 though so I can't make a fair comparison. Can't wait to see what some others say.

 

[JGON]

I just got done doing extensive research and I looked at several reviews before I ultimately decided to purchase the Swisstool.

I think both tools will do great for what you described, but some of the major differences are...

1. Swiss tool has more of a blunt pliers, LM has more of a needle-nosed shape. Both are considered some of the most solid in the Multi-tool arena, it's simply a matter of preference. Also, LM's wire cutters are replaceable, so if you anticipate using them a lot you may lean towards the LM. Pliers is a big selling point to each person, and each's person's needs and preferences are different.

2. Swisstool's major tools can be accessed from the outside of the tool without opening up the tool and pliers. Supertool 300's cannot. The tool needs to be opened to use them. For some people this is a non-issue. For me it swayed me towards the swisstool.

3. Overall the Swisstool's polished finish looks great, but it will show wear more readily than the Super Tool 300's finish.

4. Tools are similar in size and strength, and overall fit and finish is great on both. Of the reviews I saw, the fit and finish looked just a little bit better on the Swisstool.

Mine is on order, should be here in a couple of days.

 

[Noddy]

Got a Swiss Tool, and a Spirti and have found them much, much better built and designed than the Leathermans I have had (and therefore everyone else). They are heavier though

mind you, I'd still like a Ti Charge

 

[IUKE12]

Both nice tools. I find the lock much easier to use on the LM though, especially with wet, cold, or gloved hands.

 

[Voltron]

I have had two Swisstools in my life, and have twisted the screwdrivers on both of them. The soft SS Vic uses is a deal breaker for me. My Wave, which I allplies way more torque to, didn't budge. Plus, the polished, rounded drivers on the Swisstool seem to slip out of the screws when I use them, where as the drivers on the Leatherman grip better.
For a collector or light use tool, I would pick the Swisstool. For hard, serious work, Leatherman is the way to go.

 

[znapschatz]

Both nice tools. I find the lock much easier to use on the LM though, especially with wet, cold, or gloved hands.

I have had two Swisstools in my life, and have twisted the screwdrivers on both of them. The soft SS Vic uses is a deal breaker for me. My Wave, which I allplies way more torque to, didn't budge. Plus, the polished, rounded drivers on the Swisstool seem to slip out of the screws when I use them, where as the drivers on the Leatherman grip better.
For a collector or light use tool, I would pick the Swisstool. For hard, serious work, Leatherman is the way to go.

+1 :thumbup: to both of the above.

A few years ago, I gave each Vic a fair try-out, admired the design, fit and finish on both, and went with Leatherman. Although not the equal in f&f (but good enough), in general, I found the implements more "toolish" than those on the Vics. Outside opening would seem to be more convenient, but I found my nail beds smarting after lifting implements during several sessions of working with the larger Swisstool, and when my fingernails were wet, I needed a key or something else to access them, negating the advantage entirely. That is no problem for the Spirit, in which the springs are not quite as stiff, but the screwdrivers are no better, often don't fit screwheads as well, if at all. Neither of them can be worked without taking off gloves. OTOH, on my Core (same tool mix as ST300), most implements can be pulled out with gloves on or with the flat of my thumb. I don't agree that Swisstools won't stand up to hard use. In my experience, they proved to be quite tough. But like Voltron, I believe Leathermen are a better bet for actual work.

 

[Kronos]

I actually have both sitting next to me right now. day to day i keep the swisstool in my back pocket next to my wallet. its a great tool, and overall very sturdy and bombproof. That being said, i find the actual implements on the 300 to be a be a better substitute for individual tools like screwdrivers and blades. So for me it comes down to what the usage is going to be. the swisstool is great for my "make it work with what you've got" mentality, and i definitely abuse it, over torque the pliers, and generally beat on it with no worries. Since im in college however, the 300 is pretty much the extent of my toolbox on campus, and as such, its what i reach for when someone calls me to help them assemble a bookcase or something like that.