Which do I keep? Wave or Surge?

C

CLICKBANGBANG

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Oct 12, 2010
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I picked up a unused Leatherman Wave and Surge for a steal. I told my brother that I would sell one along to him once I figured out which one I wanted to keep. Now I'm having the problem of being attached to both for different reasons and don't know what to do. This will replace a Blast that I do use quite a bit.

The Surge is big. 12 ounces does not go to well in my already "thick" edc bag. But with the size, the pliers are no joke. Also has wire strippers and crimpers which is a plus for me. Also I really like the tool bits that you can change out. If I kept this one, I would pick up the bit accessory tool sleeve to go with it. Furthering the fattening of my edc bag. But it would add alot of versatility in the added tool bits. The blast is the older model (one reason for being so cheap) and does not have the tool holder. The knife and serrated blade on the Surge are bigger but with an ESEE-4 around, who needs that. Saw and file are also replaceable. Scissors are on the outside to access easier. But I did not get a case in the deal.

Wave is smaller at 8 ounces and fits in the hand better. At 50% less weight, it would be better for the edc bag. It has four flat head screw drivers in different sizes but only one #1 cross point. It is missing the #2 and #3 cross. Knife and scissors are smaller but antiquate for me. Wave also fits in my Blast cheapo belt holster.

I'm at a loss. If you have played with both, which do you like? I only have $60 shipped into both of these multi tools. So I can't go wrong. Thanks.
 
CLICKBANGBANG said:
I picked up a unused Leatherman Wave and Surge for a steal. I told my brother that I would sell one along to him once I figured out which one I wanted to keep. Now I'm having the problem of being attached to both for different reasons and don't know what to do. This will replace a Blast that I do use quite a bit.

The Surge is big. 12 ounces does not go to well in my already "thick" edc bag. But with the size, the pliers are no joke. Also has wire strippers and crimpers which is a plus for me. Also I really like the tool bits that you can change out. If I kept this one, I would pick up the bit accessory tool sleeve to go with it. Furthering the fattening of my edc bag. But it would add alot of versatility in the added tool bits. The blast is the older model (one reason for being so cheap) and does not have the tool holder. The knife and serrated blade on the Surge are bigger but with an ESEE-4 around, who needs that. Saw and file are also replaceable. Scissors are on the outside to access easier. But I did not get a case in the deal.

Wave is smaller at 8 ounces and fits in the hand better. At 50% less weight, it would be better for the edc bag. It has four flat head screw drivers in different sizes but only one #1 cross point. It is missing the #2 and #3 cross. Knife and scissors are smaller but antiquate for me. Wave also fits in my Blast cheapo belt holster.

I'm at a loss. If you have played with both, which do you like? I only have $60 shipped into both of these multi tools. So I can't go wrong. Thanks.
Click to expand...

From experience with a Surge and Charge (close enough), I believe that
for carrying all day every day, the Wave would be more manageable. It wasn't that hard to belt carry the Surge, but in time I found myself more likely to strap on the Charge instead. When it comes to EDC, ounces count(ses.) Even as few as 4 oz. can make a big difference in an EDC item. However, since you don't plan to carry either one on your person, weight will mean less, so I would advise considering the Surge. Between the two, it provides more substance and versatility. In addition to its own excellent file and saw, the tool exchanger will accept T shank blades available at any hardware store. It has some really strong scissors and an awl, which the Wave lacks. It's a beast, but able to tackle anything a multitool can deal with. Although the Wave is an excellent tool, its lighter weight means more compromises. You might seldom need it, but when you do, there is no substitute for mass.
 
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I have owned both. I now carry my Wave. If you won't be packing either one on your belt, get the Surge. If you think that sometime in the future, you might pack either one on your belt, then go with the Wave. It's really that simple.
 
So I was by the sports store and found the bit kit for the Surge. I picked it up and have been fondling with it all evening. I do like this set up.

On the other hand, I belt carried the Wave all day. I forgot it was there till I needed to trim some zip ties before putting an electrical pannel back together on a 80 kw generator. Easy to carry.
 
If you're in a line of work where you use the tool day in and day out, keep the Surge. If it stays in a bag rather than in a belt sheath, keep the surge. Otherwise go with the Wave.
 
I had the same problem. I had both and wanted to carry only one. I went with the surge for the simple reason that it has an awl and you can replace the saw. The only problem with my decision is that I never wear the surge, it lives in my pack and giggle around like a brick. For the life of me, I don't know why leatherman doesn't put an awl on a knife like the charge. The Awl has been a standard in folders from the very beginning. My first swiss knife when I was 6 years old had the blade, can opener, awl, phillips head, file, saw, flat head, tweezers and a toothpick. Now if leatherman could make that with the pliers in a manageable size, I'd buy 10.
 
So after a bit of time, I have found the Surge to work best in my EDC bag. It is much too big with the driver tip kit and extra saw blades on the large pouch. But it is very hand. It is a real tool. Not just a man toy gadget.

The wave has become my carry multi tool. It is a great size to be able to carry and still be large enough to do work.

The old Blade has gone into my wifes vehicle survival bag.
 
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