Love my LM Surge for duty use... but what about ...?

Zatx

Zatx

Joined
May 4, 2007
Messages
194
So I'm an EMT and love having my Surge on me at all times while on duty. Nothing beats this beast of a tool for the myriad of strange predicaments I get myself into.

However it just isn't working out for me when off-duty in most applications. It's getting to be summer time and I enjoy wearing shorts or at least lighter weight clothing. The Surge riding on my hip just gets in the way a lot of times, and it weighs a ton.

Can you guys recommend a multi-tool that is lighter weight, thinner, and possibly have a pocket clip?

I've been eyeing the Juice S2 and the new LM selections coming out soon.. the Wingman and um.. forget the other name.

Must have tools I need on the multi-tool are:

Scissors
Pliers
Phillips head
Flat head

Other than that I'm not real picky.

Thank you!
 
Zatx said:
So I'm an EMT and love having my Surge on me at all times while on duty. Nothing beats this beast of a tool for the myriad of strange predicaments I get myself into.

However it just isn't working out for me when off-duty in most applications. It's getting to be summer time and I enjoy wearing shorts or at least lighter weight clothing. The Surge riding on my hip just gets in the way a lot of times, and it weighs a ton.

Can you guys recommend a multi-tool that is lighter weight, thinner, and possibly have a pocket clip?

I've been eyeing the Juice S2 and the new LM selections coming out soon.. the Wingman and um.. forget the other name.

Must have tools I need on the multi-tool are:

Scissors
Pliers
Phillips head
Flat head

Other than that I'm not real picky.

Thank you!
Click to expand...

My choice is the S2 which replaces my usual Charge or Super Tool 300 for light duty. It is SAK sized but with the all-important pliers not available in comparable Vic products. No pocket clip, but I prefer carrying attached by quick release shackle to dummy cord from belt into LF pocket. Clips are too hard on my pockets, shredding the lip seams. If you need one, though, I can recommend Nite Ize eClips, which I have on my cel phone and works great. Those pending Leathermen look cute, but scissors too small for me.
 
I can always use this if there is no clip:

http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1145



index.php
 
I think you should consider LM Fuse. At 6 oz it's literally half the weight of the Surge, yet unlike the Juice it has full size pliers. I prefer full size pliers because in my experience the small ones are not very useful.
 
How does the weight of the Fuse compare to the Juice? I found some dimensions and it looks like the Fuse is .36inches thinner, but it is all stainless steel versus the aluminum of the Juice.

My big concern is the pocket-ability.
 
Last edited:
I had the Juice S2. While it's definitely pocketable it's also rather hefty (4.4 oz) for its size, which makes it feel chunky. Currently I carry a 5.5 oz 4" SOG Pocket Powerplier in pocket, and it doesn't bother me. Once in a while I carry the 8 oz LM Wave in pocket, and it's noticeable (not fully convenient). I had the Surge; that one is not pocketable.

For extra 1.4 oz and 3/4" in the Fuse you're getting full size pliers and all locking tools. I think it's more than a fair trade off.

Edit:
I should mention that I use this rig to carry my tools in pocket. This cheap holster prevents the tool from going horizontal and creating an uncomfortable lump.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00165P8DC
 
Last edited:
If you want a small multitool but want more than the basic tools, consider also the Juice XE6. This one has been made naked, but you get the point:

juice1.jpg


juice5.jpg


Consider also the Swisstool Spirit. Its a little bigger, but still much smaller than the Surge. But for just the basics, the LM Kick or Juice S2 may be the way to go.
 
I went ahead and ordered a Fuse and a Juice S2. Figure I'll try them both and see which I prefer.

My initial impressions are that the Fuse is what I picture as a typical Leatherman multi-tool, only a bit lighter because it just has the tools I consider required. The Juice S2 has the required tools, but is more like a pocket knife both in size and opening characteristics.

I consider both of those impressions positive. So there in lies my conundrum. I'll just have to carry around both to figure out which I like best for the application I have chosen (shorts/dress pants carry).

The one that doesn't get chosen will just go in my new Maxpedition Jumbo Versibag that is on it's way to me. :)
 
Well I got my Juice S2 before the Fuse. Wow this little thing is impressive. The Fuse will have a hard time pushing this out of my pocket!

The multi-tool was much smaller and lighter than I expected from the pictures I have seen. I put it on a P7 Suspension clip and have it hanging next to my 4Sevens Quark Mini 123 (also on a separate P7 suspension clip). Can't even tell it is there. I can see how some would say with the weight you would feel it in your pocket if it was down at the bottom of said pocket, but I always suspend everything in my pockets.

Can't wait to get my hands on the Fuse now and hope that it also surprises me with how small and light it is.
 
Just to give an update and comparison.

I received my Fuse to compare with the Juice S2. The Juice really fills the roles I was looking for better than the Fuse. While the Fuse has larger pliers and tools, I don't think it fits as comfortably in the pocket and it just felt... cheaper. The metal felt a little too light and looked a little too stamped. Granted those issues make it easier to pocket it if you were so inclined.

The Juice feels like a well crafted tool. It feels like a pocket knife that also has a bunch of other useful tools on it. It has smooth lines and the fit and finish is excellent. The Fuse doesn't feel like any of those things.

I can see why some would like the Fuse. If I wasn't going after very specific requirements I'm sure I would use and enjoy the tool. If I was wanting or needing a light weight, medium duty, entry level cost, multi-tool to wear on my hip I would hold onto it.
 
The Juice CS4 is pretty handy. It is light enough that it doesn't need a sheath. When I carry mine, I carry it in my pocket.

juicecs41.jpg


The Juice CS2 is even lighter. I don't have a real need for the scissors as I can always use the knife blade if I have to cut something. Although I rarely need a cork screw it comes in dang handy for untying knots etc. and even pulling a cork when needed.

juicec21.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top