- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 6,104
I bought this to replace the ST200 as the flathead is twisted, and the wire cutters rolled and gouged on mine. While shorter, lighter, and not a replacement for it in the lineup, it was the new model closest to the ST200 in features, and that's what I'll compare it to.
The handles are shorter, and maintain their width instead of getting smaller toward the pivot end like the ST200. Along with the finger grooves, and the rounded Zytel edging, it's even more comfortable. The handles are a bit farther apart when the pliers are closed, and along with being shorter will have less leverage than the ST200.
The pliers are stouter, the pivot is enlarged, has zero play, and appears very strong. The wire cutter portion is longer, so you have more cutting surface, and the "hard wire" notch is enlarged.
Only complaint: the wire cutters are not as robust as I expected, being rather thin.
Lock for the tools is a wide pad that you push in, instead of pulling the little ears back on the ST200. Huge improvement.
The tools are a little stiff, but do not clump. Phillips head is a stronger design, and the scissors are a nice addition, though you lose the serrated sheepsfoot blade. I wish the file had the diamond file like the Wave, but it's not a big deal.
There is no side play between the handles and the head, or between the opposing sides of the pliers. No side to side play on the tools when locked open, though there is a bit of vertical play.
The knife blade has an edge that is almost perfectly even, and very sharp.
Fit and finish is excellent overall, and these new tools appear to be of much better quality than my ST200, Wave, and PSTs.
Price was $49.96 at Target.
One glaring fault. The lanyard hole opens just like the blade/tools, from inside the handle, unlike the ST200's which opens from the outside. It sticks out the end of the tool, and does not allow the sheath to be closed while it is open. Very poorly thought out, and not usable.
The handles are shorter, and maintain their width instead of getting smaller toward the pivot end like the ST200. Along with the finger grooves, and the rounded Zytel edging, it's even more comfortable. The handles are a bit farther apart when the pliers are closed, and along with being shorter will have less leverage than the ST200.
The pliers are stouter, the pivot is enlarged, has zero play, and appears very strong. The wire cutter portion is longer, so you have more cutting surface, and the "hard wire" notch is enlarged.
Only complaint: the wire cutters are not as robust as I expected, being rather thin.
Lock for the tools is a wide pad that you push in, instead of pulling the little ears back on the ST200. Huge improvement.
The tools are a little stiff, but do not clump. Phillips head is a stronger design, and the scissors are a nice addition, though you lose the serrated sheepsfoot blade. I wish the file had the diamond file like the Wave, but it's not a big deal.
There is no side play between the handles and the head, or between the opposing sides of the pliers. No side to side play on the tools when locked open, though there is a bit of vertical play.
The knife blade has an edge that is almost perfectly even, and very sharp.
Fit and finish is excellent overall, and these new tools appear to be of much better quality than my ST200, Wave, and PSTs.
Price was $49.96 at Target.
One glaring fault. The lanyard hole opens just like the blade/tools, from inside the handle, unlike the ST200's which opens from the outside. It sticks out the end of the tool, and does not allow the sheath to be closed while it is open. Very poorly thought out, and not usable.
That's too bad, I was hoping that since they lengthened them, they would also make them stronger. Have you/will you report back after you've used them? 
I studied the 3 new models best I could in their packaging, which is new and kinda cool, but I still like the looks of the old better. Is there anybody else like me that enjoys the packaging these things come in as well, or am I just a Freak? So, long story short I left with the Blast and have owned it now a grand total of three hours, so a little early to tell if it is "The One." <p> First impressions are good, I really like the simple lock mechanism and no clumping of tools, and it has the tools I seem to need the most. I know, the Charge has the better blade steel and the fancy Titanium handles, but for my money, this lineup seems better suited to actual use and will probably find it's way into my pocket more often! I for one am glad to see Leatherman improving their offerings, and I will probably own all of them before it's over ( Just don't tell the wife! 
) Happy Hunting!