Found a Strata.....for under $30!

[jerseydevil]

Today I was at an area sporting goods store with a friend.  I was upstairs in their outdoor section, and noticed a Strata in the display cabinet.  I've never handled one before, and asked to take a look.  I noticed that the price tag on it said that it was on closeout, down from $65.99 to $29.99!  When I asked the guy behind the counter about it, he told me that since it was a display model and there was no packaging or sheath, he'd take 20% off.  How could I refuse?   So, for less than $26 with the tax, here it is:




I've been playing with it for a little bit here, and I have to say I like it.  This ain't no Suspension!  It feels like a solid tool.  Opening and closing the tools is nice and smooth, and they lock up nicely.  I know that people have problems with the lock release on these, but I really haven't noticed it.  Granted, that's with clean and dry hands, and I can see where there could be a problem.  I also know to watch out about closing the scissors all the way.  We'll see how long I remember that before I pull a Captain Spaulding....   It fits perfectly in a spare phone case I have here, so no sheath is no issue right now.  For what I paid I'm very happy with it, more than worth every penny IMO!  Geez, a Wenger in my pocket and a Gerber of some sort on my hip.....when did I become the "off-brand" guy?!? 

[radiotecha1234]

What sporting goods store were you at? (just in case lightning might strike twice you know)

[EZ822]

The Strata is one of those tools that intrigued me but I never pulled the trigger because of the price and Gerber's reputation. For under 30 bucks I would say it was well worth it. Nice score!

[Grant Lamontagne]

That is an awesome price!

I like the Strata too- I think it's majorly underrated though.  It really is a good hard use tool.  If you can find a BG version for that price you could combine the two and have a really great tool- the lock covers and handle grippiness of the BG is really nice, although you lose the replaceable cutters, so you have to keep the head from the Strata.

Def

[jerseydevil]

What sporting goods store were you at? (just in case lightning might strike twice you know)

Actually, I got my Octane under similar circumstances from the exact same store!   It was at Dick's. 

@Grant- It sure does seem like it would hold up well under some heavy use.  If I ever find a cheap BG version it might be mod time.......

@EZ822- I can see where the original price might put you off.  Same with the rep Gerber has.  I had the same opinion of Gerber for a while, but they do make some great tools.  I have three other Gerbers in my rotation, and all of them are great- two MP600s, an MP450, and the Octane.  Any sliding head Gerber makes for a trusted and reliable tool IMO.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Gerber had a line of crappy tools for a while, but that was only because big box stores kept showing up with dump trucks full of cash.  I doubt anyone would have turned them away.  Even so, Gerber always kept the Multiplier 400 and 600 series going strong for people that wanted good tools and weren't distracted by the cheap stuff out there.

If anyone believes the "Gerbers are crap" reputation then they are just showing that they wouldn't know a real Gerber if it bit them on the ass.

Def

[EZ822]

Gerber had a line of crappy tools for a while, but that was only because big box stores kept showing up with dump trucks full of cash.  I doubt anyone would have turned them away.  Even so, Gerber always kept the Multiplier 400 and 600 series going strong for people that wanted good tools and weren't distracted by the cheap stuff out there.

If anyone believes the "Gerbers are crap" reputation then they are just showing that they wouldn't know a real Gerber if it bit them on the ass.

Def

I currently own an Mp 450 and at one time the MP400. I agree both are very solid tools. I've also owned a Suspension and a Method and we all know what POS those tools are. My point is with Gerber it's hit or miss. They seem to have redeemed themselves with the Strata and Octane and if they can sort out the wire cutter issue the Dime. I'm sure that they raked in the cash with the Suspension based tools but IMHO they turned off a lot people by putting out that crap including me. But I'm willing to give them another shot.

[Chako]

I am not a fan of the Strata. The issue with the scissors precludes my liking it for anything other than a shelf queen. They didn't even bother to fix the issue with the BG version...albeit the locking mechanism is much improved.

[AHB]

Good find J-D.. 

[Gareth]

$26 is practically free!   Well, in my head it is anyway.   Never had the chance to play with the Strata but from all I've heard about it I can't see how you could have said no, great find mate.

[jerseydevil]

Well, I took it to work today and gave it a shot.  Nothing too strenuous, but it did get a decent workout.  The blade is decent, though as a lefty the OHO aspect is useless to me  .  Most other OHO tools I can open OK with my left hand, I'll play with it a bit more but don't expect better results.  The scissors saw a lot of use cutting coupons for customers and the like, and I didn't stab myself at all with them.   The Phillips driver is great, nice long reach.  The large flat screwdriver worked well as a prybar, and the can opener worked OK opening tint cans, but it's no Victorinox, that's for sure.  I had no problems with the lock releases at all.  All in all, I like it, and it's definitely going to see time in my rotation. 

[Gareth]

Dang, that is another tool I've got to take a closer look at now.

[scrappy]

nice score

[50ft-trad]

Dang, that is another tool I've got to take a closer look at now.

You just need to get one before Friday 

[Gareth]

Dang, that is another tool I've got to take a closer look at now.

You just need to get one before Friday 

not at UK prices, no.