help plz: MUT or Surge BO?

[xamoel]

hello folks,

i'm looking for a multitool for my chest rig/plate carrier setup.
i've taken a closer look at the Leatherman Surge BO and the MUT (when it's available of course).
wheight is not my concern, but durability and ruggedness is!

now which one would you rather get, based on your experience? (buy both is not a valid answer, i don't want to carry both on my vest)

someone wrote the Surge rattles, is this still present in the new (2010) versions?
on amazon.com i've seen Surge BO versions with cap crimpers, but i haven't seen them on the official LT site?
on the MUT-thread i read something about a "super-surge", do you know something of an update for the Surge?

thank you for your help, please forgive my noobness!

[genevabuck]

I guess that it depends on if want want a utility tool or something more designed for the M-16.  My Camo BO Surge is rugged and doesn't rattle. 

[Styerman]

You are obviously either LE , or Military , or else have some serious social problems . I think I would go with the MUT . The Surge is a fine big multi , no kick against it , just not worth the weight penalty .

Chris

[Xelkos]

Think the only ones that have had experiences with the MUT are reviewers and those few in the Great Sand Box. It's really hard to foretell the future to say about MUT experiences.

My BO Surge doesn't rattle. It's quite snug in it's case, and in use it's just fine. Now if you take it out and put in on the hood (or truck bed) and go driving down the road it might rattle.

Think when you hear rattle it's the way the handles can slap one another because of it's weight. That only happens when closing the tool up to put in a case or something. If you're worried about that small issue, then don't get a Velcro case. The enemy will hear the Velcro rip long before the slap of the handles.

[sawman]

I wish I could advise you but I haven't handled a MUT.  I can tell you the Surge is an awesome multitool and I'm very happy with mine.  Do you intend to service an AR15 with said multitool?

[xamoel]

well the rattle-issue was only in the review on multitool.org, posted about 4 years ago. that was probably resolved in newer versions.

the option of cleaning my rifles is just a nice extra, not necessarily a must. but if that means a big cutback on other features i'd have to rethink it.
f.e. the MUT doesn't accept the bit kit, does it? that's a minus imo.

[sawman]

As for the bit kit, the MUT has it's own longer bits which are not compatible, and who knows if they intend to release a bit kit for the MUT (I should think so if it's popular enough).  I really like the standard bit kit however and it can be purchased at $15 directly from Leatherman.

[Xelkos]

As for the bit kit, the MUT has it's own longer bits which are not compatible, and who knows if they intend to release a bit kit for the MUT (I should think so if it's popular enough).  I really like the standard bit kit however and it can be purchased at $15 directly from Leatherman.

Are the MUT bits compatible with the standard Large Bit Driver?

[SlackOne]

The MUT's bit holder will use standard Leatherman bits.  It includes one of the shorties that's carried in the bit holder by default (I think it's the same Phillips/flathead as the Wave).  The two longer bits that ride on board simply fit into the bit holder, and stick out three inches.  Otherwise the extra length would be totally wasted.

I'm fairly sure the longer bits will fit in standard LM bit drivers as well.  They're notched for the retainer in the same place as the normal short bits...there's just two sets of notches now, with a couple of inches of steel between them

If you check Leatherman's page on the MUT, they have the standard bit kit listed as a MUT accessory. 

[sawman]

That's good to know.  If it takes LM bits then it's even more of a plus to possibly get one.. hmmmmm 

[xamoel]

i contacted leatherman about a month ago, and they told me that the standard bit-kit won't work with the MUT, as it only has a large bit driver?

maybe the people here who got a sample for review can confirm that?

and another thing i thought about: is the BO finish somewhat more (or less) corrosion and rust resistant than the standard one?

[Xelkos]

If you check Leatherman's page on the MUT, they have the standard bit kit listed as a MUT accessory. 

So that's where Leatherman hid it. Was looking for the bits in the Accessories area.

[sawman]

Now I'm cornfused.... somebody let me know when we get to the bottom of this 

[Xelkos]

Now I'm cornfused.... somebody let me know when we get to the bottom of this 

The bottom of what, which bits will fit which tools? Was curious if the longer MUT bits would fit the rest of the large bit driver equipped tools. Went to all the links last night, could not find any long MUT bits.


You was at the bottom, till I replied. 

[SlackOne]

Yeah...both questions need answered.  Personally, I think all of the bit kit bits will most likely fit the MUT *except* for the spare tiny phillips/flathead that's used in the small bit drivers on the Wave, Charge, and Blast.