The New Wave vs The Old Wave

[cgusek111]

I have owned both the old LM Wave and the new LM Wave and always go back to using my old Wave. Personally, I think there are more tools in the old Wave (the four different sizes of flat heads and the larger scissors) . Not to mention the comfort that I feel when I have the slightly smaller outer tools open. I do like the new wave, but not as much as my old one. The fact that the old wave tools don't lock doesn't bother me. I have been using multi tools w/o locking mechanisms for a while and I just go used to it. How do you think the new wave stands up to the old?

 

[Matches]

I have both and have carried both on different occasions. In my mind, the new Wave was designed to be a sexier tool which (in my opinion) cut corners in the quality department. The feature of having accessible implements right out of the sheath is the only plus in my book.
The big goof on this tool (and some others) is the screwdriver bits that are used instead of having solid regular and phillips implements. I'm sure it's easier for Leatherman to handle as far as replacement, but I found the bits to be inferior to my needs. I went with the Core for that very reason.

 

[Millhouse]

I've had both. I preferred the old wave as the screw driver selection was better. I really don't like the bit driver on the new wave. I only wish the tools locked.

 

[pinetree]

I have a new Wave. I like it a lot, but I'd prefer solid screwdrivers rather than the bit system. And the little screw driver...waste.

 

[cgusek111]

The only thing I found the little screwdriver bit in the new wave was good for is changing door handles. I used it to stick in that little hole on the side of the handle to get the knob off.

 

[perpster]

I liked the OW, but like the 4 outside tools, locking feature and measuring scales of the NW are good. IIRC, the handles of the NW don't dig into my palms like the OW did.

 

[powernoodle]

The real 3D phillips on the old Wave is superior to that flat phillips bit on the new Wave. Plus, the old phillips is longer, allowing better reach. I hope the next-gen Wave (if such a thing ever comes into existence) reverts back to the old 3D, long phillips.

 

[hardheart]

only thing I miss is the regular phillips. the small bit driver actually gets used a lot. tools I don't use are the saw, metal file (diamond does a lot of sharpening), & can opener

 

[Papacat]

I have both versions of the Wave; both have their pros and cons, but I would still go with the original Wave.

Granted the New Wave has all-locking tools, the interchangeable bit drivers are pretty much useless. They don't have the same reach as the original, and I find the interchangeable eyeglass screwdriver irritating and useless. If you're going to have that tool, put it on a juice and/or a squirt, not the Wave.

If I could make changes, or when I get my hands on those security bit drivers, I would replace both interchangeable drivers with one long philips, a medium and small flat screwdrivers. Maybe even add an awl. That would be nice.

-Papacat.