Should I Get the ZT 0551 or wait for the ZT 0561?

S

Stephen1337

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Nov 5, 2011
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Looking to get another ZT since Striders and Chris Revees are alittle bit to much money for me. So ima just stick to the ZT's. Already have 0300 so im thinking of buying the 0551 but in a few months the ZT 0561 comes out. So what should I do wait for 561 or buy 551. and no im not buying both...maybe.

ZT 0551

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OR WAIT FOR...
ZT 0561

061111BladeSat145.jpg

:D?
 
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I bought the 0551 before the 0560 was announced, and was pretty happy with it. Then I heard about the 0560 and was slightly annoyed that they were coming out with something that had ball bearings, 3D machining, a longer blade, and a flipper for about the same price as the limited. Now I see that it won't be about the same price, and I've grown to really like my 0551, even more than I originally did. It's just a very practical and functional design, so I'm just going to enjoy it now. Maybe I'll get the 0560 when it comes out, maybe not.

In other words, I think you'll be happy either way.
 
Depends on the folder deployment style you prefer. Even if you can use the thumbstuds on the 0561 (Can you?) you still have the choil protruding when the knife is closed.

But size and deployment style aside, I'd go for the Elmax, textured Ti slab and I believe they have KVT too. All for about $60 more that the 0551.

I have a 560 and 561 coming when they get here and I have a 0550 (have one, traded one) and the 0550 is no slouch whatsoever and is worth more than it goes for to many people.

Those 560/561's will probably knock a lot of socks off once they go out the door for street. And the 0551 and improved (minus blade steel) 0550 iterations are superb $200 knives as well IMHO.

All size, weight, styles aside of course. That's subjective.
 
Is there even an ETA for the 561? I was waiting on the piston and echelon but they took to long and now dont want one.
 
As someone else who owns neither, I must say that for me, the 0551 absolutely slays the 0561 in the looks department. I find the flipper on the 0561 looks too thin and pointy (gives it a weird "cowboy boot" appearance) and I think the texturing on the scale is way too busy; two features I don't care for on the XM-18 or -24 either. I do like the added length, but I would prefer if they just sort of "exploded" the 0551, like a Military-to-Para-Military in reverse.

Again, just my opinion based purely on looks.
 
I got the 0551 and am now waiting for the 0561 and will get that when it is avialable.
 
I'm waiting for the 560.
I skipped all the 550/551 stuff, and have my sights on the 560.
I don't really care about the flipper, because I don't use the flipper, but I like all the rest of it.

I have a nice little Bradley Alias II that I use for my "small pocket knife or work or dressed-up" needs, and so I wanted the bigger 560 for filling the beefy "tacticool" urge.
 
i will be buying a zt 0561 as soon as i can. who wouldn't want another amazing ZT knife with hinderer designs and ball bearings? i feel like once this comes out it will be the new best knife per dollar spent.

its very nice looking, powerful, and has hinderer features we all know and love. how could anyone go wrong with a 0560 ?
 
Well, this is obviously a question of personal choice and I'm not claiming to superior knowledge to anyone, but here are my 2 cents: I had owned and enjoyed several Hinderer XM's prior to purchasing the 0551. I find it to be a very poor substitute. The blade is fine, I like the elite nature of the Elmax, it cuts well, but it feels heavy and clunky compared to my XM's and I prefer the XM clip. Most significantly, the quality of the action (opening and closing of the blade) are not remotely close to the XM's, despite cleaning, lubing and adjusting. Additionally, I prefer having the flipper option rather than being limited to thumb stud deployment, especially on a relatively heavy (for its length) blade. For my money, the XM's already feel like they have ball bearing actions. The 0561 WILL have a ball bearing action, namely the KVT. So yes, I have an 056X on pre-order and yes I will buy one. I like the 0551 for its collector's item status, but NONE of my edged tools are safe queens, though most of them appear that way from good maintenance. So if offered a good price for my 0551, I would likely let it go. YMMV.
 
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I bought a 551 - loved it! Thought about waiting for a 560/561... gave up - grabbed a second 551. How do you beat a 551? Get two. Elmax is pretty good. Bronze bushings are nice - so are Teflon - easily replaced. Ball bearings get lumpy. Sleeves - well lubed - are smoother, witness my South Bend, etc, metal lathes. CRK uses bronze... and, now, S35VN. Hmmmm, maybe I need a 550? Love my 551s! Get a 551 while you still can - you won't regret it.

Stainz
 
I have been on the waiting list for a 561 since August. The 560/561 will be ZT's biggest knife to date. As long as there isn't any bs problems like rusty liners or other unforseen glitches, it will trump every other ZT knife by far. Yea, the specs are that good.
 
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