What is the leatherman super tool?

[big philly]

I was at sports authority todat and was looking around and saw they carried leathermans, so apon looking around they had 2 leathermans and a gerber in the case to look at. So there was the leatherman wave, leathermen supertool and the gerber 400 compact.

I checked all three out and like the leatherman way the best so im getting that, but the supertool is about an inch bigger. and 15 bucks cheaper. how come that is? The gerber was a piece of junk. I was gonna buy one at menards for 29 bucks but then i waited, good thing i did. thanks for any help. I couldnt get anything in the search

 

[RunzWithScissors]

The Supertool and the Supertool 200 are both discontinued models. I have one of each and they are both good tools. The Wave, as opposed to the New Wave is also discontinued. The Wave is good in that you can one hand open the four main blades.

Chad

 

[Matches]

The Gerber Compact Sport is really not all that bad, although I admit it's not quite as sexy looking as the Leathermans. You'll find the Supertool, although heftier, is fairly basic in comparison to what's available now. I'd go with the original Wave if I had a choice

 

[Steely_Gunz]

The Supertool is tough as nails. If you are looking for an EDC, then i'd go with the wave. It's lighter and has more features to it than the supertool. However, if it's the old wave that they had, the be aware that the internal tools do not lock, only the 4 external ones do. All blades lock on the Supertool, and it's thicker and stronger than the old Wave.
I carried a Supertool for a couple of years after i broke my first wave, then I bought the new wave and loved the access to the blades without opening the tool itself, but missed the robust beefiness of the Supertool. I bought the new Surge which is basically the love child of a Supertool and a Wave. All the external features I want with the strength of my Supertool.
The nice thing about Leatherman tools is that you just can't go wrong. You might buy a tool that doesn't fit your need exactly, but they are all servicable.
Good luck to ya.

Jake

 

[Tango44]

The Supertool and the Supertool 200 are both discontinued models. I have one of each and they are both good tools. The Wave, as opposed to the New Wave is also discontinued. The Wave is good in that you can one hand open the four main blades.

Chad

Is the Supertool 200 discontinued???
When did that happened the site keeps advertising it.
You say that because of the Core Model???

 

[znapschatz]

This is all such a matter of personal preference I can only offer my own experience and opinion. Years ago I bought a Supertool and found it almost ideal. It's only drawbacks were an awkward blade closing procedure, the plier handle edges would dig into the hand when cranking down hard on something and no scissors. The blade closing I got used to, a Micra served for scissors, and a folded handkerchief in the palm worked to pad the handle for those hard use times.

What I like most was the selection of locking tools, robust constructiion and bulletproof simplicity. At 9 ounces it was hardly noticeable on the belt, although not comfortable in the pocket. Actually, I think most Leathermen carry better by belt. For example, despite its smaller size and 5 ounce weight, I prefered belt carry for my PST because there are sharp edges that could abrade pockets. OTOH, my son will carry his in pocket only.

That ST/Micra combo served so well that I was not interested in the ST 200 when it was introduced because it was not a sufficient improvement, and the Wave, despite one hand blade opening convenience, had too many tools that didn't lock, a deal breaker for me. Last April I acquired an ST 200 at a giveaway price and must admit the rounded handles and lock release levers were a greater improvement than I would have thought.

While the Surge seems to be an attractive rep[lacement, it is just a little too large, heavy, complex and expensive compared to the STs and unless you really need one hand blade accessibility, not much more useful.

The Charge Ti ($60 on sale at Sharper Image, how could I turn it down?) which I have been EDCing for a couple of months, is great for pocketability with the accessory clip, all tools lock, but it has IMHO a neary useless small screwdriver, the other drivers are stubby and it lacks an awl ( I want it Awl! ). I am still evaluating it as a possible EDC replacement and confess I love the one hand blade opening feature, but when I think a serious tool might be needed I still reach for a Supertool (If I KNOW a tool will be needed, of course, I take the tool box).

As a balance of weght, utility and price, the Supertools are still my top choice in the honking big multitool category. There are still some available as new stock here and there. But it's your choice and whatever it is, you're right.