New Wenger Rangers

[supratentorial]

Several new Wenger Rangers are scheduled for release at the end of this month (see photos).

I'm unsure if the Ranger 70 and 74 will be available in the US since they are not listed on the Wenger North America website (WengerNA):

http://www.wengerna.com/browse/browse.jsp?cat_id=1&sub_cat_id=85

Unlike Wenger's SwissGrip and PocketGrip, these new Rangers feature a folding pliers.

This design also contrasts with the butterfly-opening pliers on the SwissTool from Wenger's rival (and owner), Victorinox.

But similar folding pliers have been around a long time. An old Hoffritz fisherman tool features a similar folding pliers (see link below)

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388470

and a similar pliers is also used by Aitor.

Although I am anxious to buy one of the new Rangers when they are released; I am also a bit critical of the design.

Based on experience with the Aitor Al Ligator, I'm not confident that the metal handle on the Ranger will provide sufficient leverage or an ergonomic grip for the pliers. Hopefully the handle on the Rangers will be more comfortable to use.

WengerNA shows a MSRP of around $85 but Swiss-Knife.com is listing prices around $55-60. I've heard that FelineVet will have similar prices.

What do you guys think of the new Rangers?

 

[MG_Saldivar]

As a backup tool or for use in the bush, the "lite" pliers would be handy to have, but I can't imagine using them as an EDC pliers the way one can with a Swisstool (or Leatherman).

Interesting to see the No. 70 with a file and Phillips head screwdriver but no can opener or flathead screwdriver..?

 

[supratentorial]

It is strange that they omitted a flathead screwdriver on the Ranger 70. I guess they didn't have room but they could have put one on the end of the file (similar to the SOG multi-tools).