Leatherman Wingman: not recommended

[powernoodle]

I did this little review on another forum, but it really belongs here in the center of the MT universe.   

I received a Wingman yesterday from a well-known online retailer.  According to other intel here, Home Depot has 23 per store, but they aren't on the shelves yet.



The Wingman, which retails in the $29.95 - $34.95 range, is definitely a step down the food chain from its more expensive siblings.  The thumb pad for the scissors, for example, is tiny and not comfy.  I would go so far as to say its poorly designed.  And the rolled edges of the handles just seem a little cheapish.  The wire cutters do not overlap slightly to provide a cutting action as with other MTs.  On the Wingman, the wire "cutting" surface - actually more of a crushing surface - is not machined and simply butts up against each other when closed.  It has a 2-dimensional phillips like the Wave (though not removable like that of the Wave), but I knew this going in.  3D is always preferable.  Has a pocket clip, but no sheath.  The clip is good, and may be removable, though it hard to tell.  With the clip removed, that pivot/torx may be too long. 

Upon using the Wingman, it became apparent that the lock on the scissor would disengage spontaneously, which rendered the scissor inoperable because the scissor spring tension is dependent on the lock engagement.  Additionally, the scissor can be very difficult to deploy as there is no nail nick or other means of extracting it.  If it resides too far down in the body of the MT, there is no easy way to get it out.  Honestly, this design and implementation is like a Chinese piece of cr@p. When using the scissor, its very easy to push the thumb pad down past the opposite scissor arm, which it clearly is not intended to do.  This is due to the tiny, curved profile of the thumb pad and the play in the scissor pivot. 

After using the Wingman some more, it appears that the lock is solid when the scissor is deployed.  But when you start to use the scissor, there are some strange physics going on that cause the lock to disengage - at least on my example.


Teeny thumb pad on scissor.



Now, I understand why the Wingman is the way it is - more labor means more cost.  Even the Leatherman stamp is missing from the plier pivot.

I love the spring loaded plier.  Every MT should have that.  The blade and scissor each lock, but the drivers, file, clam shell opener and can opener do not.

But overall, I would advise against purchasing a Wingman because of its design and assembly issues - at least on my Wingman.   Poor thumb pad on the scissor that hurt the thumb.  Crappy lock which won't stay engaged and makes the scissor unusable.  A wire cutter which, while it may function, does not incorporate the design of the PS4, Wave and other models with cutters that have a machined cutting surface.

The Leatherman Rebar, which has not been released, is on some websites (not in stock) for $49.95.  Its basically going to be a 2/3 size version of the excellent Supertool 300.  If the Rebar is anything like the ST300 in terms of construction, which it almost surely is, its going to be a much better MT for not much more coinage.  Vastly, immeasurably better. Just something to consider. 

As the owner of probably 20 Leatherman multitools, this is the first that has not hit the mark.  Leatherman gets credit for exploring the low end of the multitool market.  They just missed the mark on this one.  Better to save up a little more and get a Juice or Wave, or hold out for the Rebar.  Used PST and PST II's can be found on ebay, with a decent leather sheath, for about the same money as the Wingman.   

I take no joy in dissing this one, but it is what it is.

[Crouton]

Excellent review and thanks for the heads up.

I think an entry level tool with an outside opening blade is still worth consideration.  I can't wait to get my hands on one.

I think the rebar is interesting but I just won't carry a multi-tool that doesn't have an outside opening blade.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Thanks for the review.  Since I don't have one yet it's interesting to see what others think of it.  I have to say that I am somewhat impressed by the Sidekick- not because it's anything special, but because it's better than many things in it's price range.  I'd assumed the same thing about the Wingman, but now I'm not so sure.

I'll still get one, as if that was in any doubt, but I will keep your scissor comments in the back of my mind, because scissors are perhaps the most important part of a tool to me.

Def

[captain spaulding]

Thank you for the great review of the Wingman. I know I said this in another thread but you might want to consider sending it in for warranty work/repair for the Wire Cutter and Scissor problems.

[scrappy]

That is a Shame
My tool is awesome

[Chako]

The Wingman and Sidekick are the same to each other  Def.

I have played with my examples for a few days now, and I must say, my experiences on the whole has been positive.

I do not like the wire cutters. Anything you have to reef away on the handles in order for the blades to meet and do their job is poor at best. The Hardwire cutter isn't, but a designed stress relief hole...or so I am told (not having cut any hard wire with it).

The handles are very nice, and comfortable. I have around 20 Kick/Fuse/Blasts, and I can say with no qualms, that it was a real turkey shoot on getting one with razor sharp nylon inserts that would cut into the hands. The Wingman and Sidekick do not do that.

On top of that, the tool has a pleasant feel and weight to it. I was expecting far cheaper for the price point then what it turned out to be.

The scissors, I am not overly fond of either. I find that turned lip too small and badly shaped to use these scissors for any length of time comfortably . Something I am not at all happy to see change, as I found their older design far superior.

For what you get, pricewise, it is a steal of a deal. Some design issues notwithstanding.

Great review powernoodle. I always like reading other peoples thoughts and impressions. 

[Gareth]

The Wingman and Sidekick are the same to each other  Def.

I have played with my examples for a few days now, and I must say, my experiences on the whole has been positive.

I do not like the wire cutters. Anything you have to reef away on the handles in order for the blades to meet and do their job is poor at best. The Hardwire cutter isn't, but a designed stress relief hole...or so I am told (not having cut any hard wire with it).

The handles are very nice, and comfortable. I have around 20 Kick/Fuse/Blasts, and I can say with no qualms, that it was a real turkey shoot on getting one with razor sharp nylon inserts that would cut into the hands. The Wingman and Sidekick do not do that.

On top of that, the tool has a pleasant feel and weight to it. I was expecting far cheaper for the price point then what it turned out to be.

The scissors, I am not overly fond of either. I find that turned lip too small and badly shaped to use these scissors for any length of time comfortably . Something I am not at all happy to see change, as I found their older design far superior.

For what you get, pricewise, it is a steal of a deal. Some design issues notwithstanding.

Great review powernoodle. I always like reading other peoples thoughts and impressions. 

except for, you know, the scissors.

[nuphoria]

I'd still like to have a play with one, but they certainly don't appeal to me... your review might be the last nail in the coffin!

[Sean]

thanks for the review/thoughts on the Sidekick.  those scissors do look tricky.  

One of these days someone will come out with a stellar, light, quality, easy to
use tool with a pocket clip!  I've a few and am not happy with any of them to
make them a edc.

[David]

Thanks for the review PN. The Wingman really doesnt appeal to me at the moment. I`m sure at some point I`ll get one but I`m in no hurry to do so.

[El Rago]

too bad. A shame really, b/c I really like the looks of it. I was thinking it could be a great "upgrade" to a skeletool ( a bit low in the tool count), but I rather have a good low count tool, than a less stellar high count tool.

[edap617]

I was not attracted to the Wingman and Sidekick even at first sight.

[captain spaulding]

I was not attracted to the Wingman and Sidekick even at first sight.

That's how I was as well. When I first saw them I said OH NOOO..... in my head. Its just not my style of tool. I love the traditional style and actually think I like non-spring pliers.

With all that said I am still going to buy both the Wingman and Sidekick to add the the collection. 

[Chako]

Neil, there are more differences then that, but overall, they are similar tools.

[kirk13]

Nice to know I'm not the only one who doesnt get along with the Wingman