Leatherman Charge TTI vs New Leatherman Wave Multitool
Review of the Leatherman TTI:
The Leatherman Charge TTI is a multitool constructed with stainless steel, with a titanium scale finish. It weighs a mere 1 pound, and measures 10 x 2 x 8 inches in dimensions.
The tools featured on this device are:
(numbering 1,2, 6,7, 12, 13,14,15,16,17,18,19, 20,21,23,30,31,32,33 on the tools list on the Leatherman multi-tool manual for easy reference)
- Needlenose Pliers - Pliers used for cutting and holding
- Regular Pliers - Used as a holding tool, for bending and compressing as well.
- Spring Action Wire Cutters - As opposed to traditional scissors, wire cutters cut the wire by indenting and then wedging the wire apart. Spring action just makes it easier.
- Hard Wire Cutters - These are wire cutters meant to deal with the harder types of wire to cut, those which are much tougher to cut than standard wire.
- Crimpers - Crimpers are devices that are used to join two pieces of metal by deforming one or even both of them in such a way that causes them to hold each other. A good example of this is how LAN wires or telephone wires are crimped so that the RJ-45 or RJ-11 plastic connectors can be connected.
- S30V Steel Knife - A knife is always a handy cutting tool, particularly when it's been made with high quality S30V steel. S30V steel holds its edge longer, and is much stronger than regular stainless steel.
- Serrated Knife - A plain edge has the advantage while making push cuts, like peeling an apple or shaving. But serrated takes the cake when it comes to making slicing cuts, grabbing and cutting tough surfaces easy. It performs well at slicing even if it gets dull, as the serrated nature does most of the work.
- Scissors - A time honored tool, used for basic cutting operations.
- Saw - Used for cutting through material, mostly wood.
- Diamond - coated File - The diamond coating makes it a better file, harder and longer lasting as compared to a standard file.
- Wood/Metal File - A standard file is used to rub against the edges of wood or metal, continuously wearing it down to give a smooth edge as opposed to cutting it.
- Cutting Hook - A blade in a hook or elbow shape. The blade is located inside the crux of the 'elbow'. Its main purpose is in rescue operations as a line cutter, or to cut seat belts.
- Large Bit Driver - Similar to a screwdriver, but with replaceable bits, so no more worrying whether the screwdriver head will fit the screw.
- Small Bit Driver - Like a large bit driver, but for small sized bits. Mainly used for electronics.
- Large Screwdriver - Used to rotate and thereby drive in screws.
- Ruler - Basic measuring equipment, used to measure length.
- Lanyard Ring - A lanyard is a string or thin rope, usually looped, that you hang something on. A lanyard ring is just the ring you use to feed the lanyard through. Think of it as a belt loop, but for a lanyard, not a belt.
- Wire Stripper - Used to strip the insulation off of wires.
- Can/Bottle Opener - Take the cap off of a bottle or slice through the top part of a can.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Finish: It comes in a durable titanium finish, which makes it lightweight, corrosion resistant, and long-lasting.
- Length: The length of the multitool is just perfect for the average hand size, and it feels like a perfect fit.
- Weight: The weight of the TTI makes it evident that high quality steel was used, without skimping out, using cheaper and lighter metals.
- Blade: The blade is made of high quality S30V steel, and will endure harsh wear and tear. The fact that this is a clip-on blade that can be accessed from the outside of the tool, rather than having to open up the multi-tool and bringing it out from the interior definitely makes it one step ahead of the competition in usability.
- The Pliers: Leatherman has always been known for its quality tools, but in the Charge TTI, they have improved the build quality of the pliers, increasing the strength of the materials so that it can face up to 133% more squeezing force exerted on it.
- Locks: The tool locks on the TTI are 50% stronger than the original Leatherman multitools.
- Bronze Bushings: The TTI, as in all charge iterations, make the interior tools smooth and easy to open.
- The Tools: The Leatherman Charge TTI is one of the highest-end survival multi-tools out there, and so it is expected to have a large number of high quality tools. It delivers on this as well, giving the user access to quite a few (nineteen) different tools, each of which hold up to the highest standards.
- Sheath: The Leatherman Charge TTI comes with a premium leather or nylon sheath, with pockets to keep a mini-flashlight or the bit drivers.
- Warranty: Leatherman stands by its products firmly, offering a 25 -year warranty.
Cons:
- The price: The high price of this Leatherman TTI multitool is really the only con that one can think of.
Review of the Leatherman Wave:
The Leatherman Wave is a stainless steel multitool that weighs in at 12.8 ounces and measures 4 inches in length while closed (and 6.3 inches when open).
The tools featured on this device are:
(numbering 1,2,6,7,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,23,30,31,32,33 on the tools list on the leatherman multi-tool manual for easy reference)
- Needlenose Pliers - Pliers used for cutting and holding
- Regular Pliers - Used as a holding tool, for bending and compressing as well.
- Wire Cutters - As opposed to traditional scissors, wire cutters cut the wire by indenting and then wedging the wire apart.
- Hard Wire Cutters - These are wire cutters meant to deal with the harder types of wire to cut, those which are much tougher to cut than standard wire.
- 420HC Steel Knife - A knife is always a handy cutting tool, particularly when it's been made with high quality S30V steel. S30V steel holds its edge longer, and is much stronger than regular stainless steel.
- 420HC Serrated Knife - A plain edge has the advantage while making push cuts, like peeling an apple or shaving. But serrated takes the cake when it comes to making slicing cuts, grabbing and cutting tough surfaces easy. It performs well at slicing even if it gets dull, as the serrated nature does most of the work.
- Spring Action Scissors - A time honored tool, used for basic cutting operations. Spring action just makes it easier.
- Saw - Used for cutting through material, mostly wood.
- Diamond - coated File - The diamond coating makes it a better file, harder and longer lasting as compared to a standard file.
- Wood/Metal File - A standard file is used to rub against the edges of wood or metal, continuously wearing it down to give a smooth edge as opposed to cutting it.
- Large Bit Driver - Similar to a screwdriver, but with replaceable bits, so no more worrying whether the screwdriver head will fit the screw.
- Small Bit Driver - Like a large bit driver, but for small sized bits. Mainly used for electronics.
- Medium Screwdriver - Used to rotate and thereby drive in screws of medium size.
- Ruler - Basic measuring equipment, used to measure length
- Wire Stripper - Used to strip the insulation off of wires.
- Can/Bottle Opener - Take the cap off of a bottle or slice through the top part of a can.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Longer Knives: The knives have been made longer than ever before.
- Length: The length of the multitool is just perfect for the average hand size, and it feels like a perfect fit.
- Weight: The weight of the Wave makes it evident that high quality steel was used, without skimping out, using cheaper and lighter metals.
- Stronger Pliers: The pliers have been made stronger to withstand more squeezing force than before.
- Wire Cutters: The wire cutters have been made longer than earlier as well, to help with reach.
- All Locking Blades: All Locking Blades mean that each tool locks once it is extended and so can be used without flopping around.
- Bronze Bushing: The all new bronze bushing means that one handed knife access is now a breeze, with the knives and other tools easily sliding out.
- Blade: The blade is made of high quality S30V steel, and will endure harsh wear and tear. The fact that this is a clip-on blade that can be accessed from the outside of the tool, rather than having to open up the multi-tool and bringing it out from the interior definitely makes it one step ahead of the competition in usability.
- The Pliers: Leatherman has always been known for its quality tools, but in the Charge TTI, they have improved the build quality of the pliers, increasing the strength of the materials so that it can face upto 30% more wear and tear.
- The Tools: The Leatherman Wave is one of the highest-end survival multi-tools out there, and so it is expected to have a large number of high quality tools. It delivers on this as well, giving the user access to quite a few (nineteen) different tools, each of which hold up to the highest standards.
- The Pricing: The competitive pricing of the Leatherman Wave is definitely something that increases its appeal.
Cons:
- Rough Edges: The Leatherman Wave is hard to grasp while using the blade because of the rough edges that are exposed while the blade is extended.
- Unprotected Pivot Screws: The Leatherman Wave doesn't have protection around its pivot screws, which could mean they are more susceptible to wearing down.
Comparison of Leatherman Charge TTI vs New Leatherman Wave Multi-tool:
The Leatherman Charge TTI is definitely the costlier of the two, with its site-listed undiscounted price of $170 as compared to the cheaper Wave, with its price of $90. So the biggest question here is, does the extra features on the Leatherman Charge TTI warrant almost double the cost?
Even at a cursory glance, it's easy to tell that the Leatherman Charge TTI has extra features as compared to the Wave. What are these extra features that are exclusive to the TTI and are not present on the Wave?
They are:
Titanium finish: The TTI boasts a titanium finish on the multitool handle that leads to greater durability. However, it doesn't mean merely this. It also solves a common problem on the Wave. On the Wave, while grabbing the tool in a fist in order to use the knife blade, it feels quite uncomfortable due to jagged edges sticking out and the edge of the handles not quite feeling right smooth and easy to use. The knife blade on the TTI however, is much easier to use because you can grasp the edge of the multitools without having to worry about it hurting your hands. The titanium scales on the TTI, as well, run all the way up to and around the pivot screws on the multitool, whereas the covering on the Wave does not. So it might be a safe bet that wear and tear on the TTI is going to be less than the wear and tear that the Wave will undergo under the same conditions.
Fish Hook Cutter: The Cutting Hook is present on the Leatherman Charge TTI as compared to the Leatherman Wave, which does not feature one. Now, the cutting hook is quite good at cutting seatbelts and other belt-like materials. However, would you be able to do that with a serrated knife? Yes, you would, perhaps with less efficiency though. However, cutting through seatbelts itself is not really an everyday occurrence, and if you had to cut through one, it's probably a safe bet that time would be of the essence. Oh, and of course, you don't run the risk of accidently giving the person you're cutting out of his or her seatbelt a nasty cut as well.
Final Verdict:
The final verdict on these two would be based on your use of the multitool. Are you someone new to using multitools looking to get a cheap one to keep in case you need it? Take the Leatherman Wave.
Are you an experienced multitool user who might need to use it in case of an emergency? The Leatherman Charge TTI is what you need!
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