Old Wave or New Wave, which do you like better?

[Philthy]

I was comparing an Old Wave and a New Wave, and I noticed that the scissors on the Old Wave seem superior to the New Wave.

Old Wave
better scissors
thinner

New Wave
locking internal tools
2 bit drivers

Which do you prefer and why?

[gregozedobe]

New Wave because I like the flexibility of changing bits (I seem to come across lots of different Torx fasteners that need loosening/tightening)

[jcs0001]

I agree that the scissors on the old wave are nicer.  The bit driver on the new one is handier however.  One other difference - isn't the new wave held together with the usual 6 sided torx screws (tamper proof) instead of the 5 sided ones in the old wave?  I don't have a new one to compare mine to right now.

John.

[Mr. Whippy]

New Wave.  I don't need a handle full of flat drivers. 

[3rdpig]

New Wave, the bits and extension are just too handy, and too easy to carry, not to have.  And like Whippy, I have no use for all those flat drivers.  If only they'd give us an awl and a pry tool.  But I guess that's why I also carry a SAK.  Or leave it all at home and take the Spirit and ratchet kit.

[Zed]

Old for me as slimmer and prefer the scissors and actually like all the drivers just wish lm added the original supertools locks,for a mt for adding bits I've got its younger bigger Bro the surge 

[Smashie]

Old for me, it's smaller and lighter. The new wave is close enough to the Surge that I normally end up carrying that.

[Gilliand]

As stated before, Old Wave is more compact, slimmer and lighter. Plus you don't risk losing your screwdrivers.

However I disagree that old scissors are superior. They look better, yes. They're bigger and seem to be more reliable, yes. But after trimming nails with them I have to say that New Wave scissors did much better job with that, no idea why.

[AHB]

I like the old Wave way better, just because it's old.. But I use the new Wave around the house.. 

[CanadianLMfan]

New Wave because that's the one I have.

[Monrogue]

While I can't speak from experience on the old Wave, I really want one.  I had the new Wave and sold it, but not because it was a bad tool or anything, I just didn't need it.  I liked the Wave, and I think I'd really like the original as it's slimmer and lighter, and it's from a generation of LMs where the quality just seemed to be a bit better.  I don't mind all the flat drivers as one of them could be filed down to be an awl.  I'm sure the large one could be used as a pry tool.  I don't care about the bit drivers as I don't sheath carry, and therefore can't really be carrying the extra bit kit and extender (even though I do own them). 

So I guess I can't accurately answer the question, but I have a feeling I'd prefer the old Wave

[Goatlord666]

I love the old wave, while it is a little bit more streamlined than its current incarnation, it's still an MT that can take whatever you throw at it. It's a throwback to simpler times when you have but the basics. I actually prefer it over the current Wave (which I also love). I guess my tastes just go for the mts without the removable/replaceable bits.

[Aloha]

old wave;
- 4 flat drivers.  seems at least one cold have been an awl.
+ scissors are larger and easier to use for me
- Philips driver is not as good as the new wave Philips driver. im not sure what size it is but is seems smaller.
- + all implements clump on mine which actually is needed as the philips nail nick is very low due to how it sits in the chassis.
- less surface area on file due to thinner chassis
- no ruler ( yeah I actually used it ) it doesn't take up space so why not?
+ thinner chassis means easy to have in hand
- small lanyard loop ( I can get 550 thru the new wave one )
- the nub that keeps the outside implements from rotating all the way over can fail. the new wave solved it by using the chassis to stop the outside implements from doing that.
- non locking inside implements
- no accessories ( pocket clip, lanyard ring, bit kit, extender )
+ thicker spine on main blade ( it tapers toward tip )
+ thicker spine on serrated blade

new wave
all locking implements
bit kit
accessories ( pocket clip )
secret lanyard loop
micro driver ( im a glasses wearer and I have used it as a awl type tool to pierce thru heavy material )
flat driver is used as light pry tool
and last but not least mine is now SHINY

needless to say I like the new wave very much and while the old wave is a great tool the flexibility of the bit kit is just so darn handy.       


 
   

[bdAmmo]

Well put Aloha. 

I prefer the new Wave over the original for many of the same reasons you listed. Bigger and stronger blades, all locking tools, and the bit exchanger make it a better all around tool.

I still love my old Wave though, it would be the very last Leatherman in my collection that I would ever give up.

[Keensnake]

I like the new Wave. As others have stated, I like the ability to change bits.

[AimlessWanderer]

I've not tried the older version, but locking knives and non-locking drivers just seems totally backwards to me. My vote goes to the newer version

[Zed]

I've not tried the older version, but locking knives and non-locking drivers just seems totally backwards to me. My vote goes to the newer version

i know what you mean Al but if you had one in your hand you might possibly feel differen,i know I've got a sentimental attachment to the old wave but it's a much nicer size and needs no attachments as has enough flatheads 

[Magic Bus]

I too think the old Wave had something going on. As Paul says, the size was right and I found the flat drivers useful plus the scissors were really good.  But, I can understand the thinking behind the new model with the versatile bit driver even if it has it's limitations too. All multis are subject to compromise 

[detron]

I too think the old Wave had something going on. As Paul says, the size was right and I found the flat drivers useful plus the scissors were really good.  But, I can understand the thinking behind the new model with the versatile bit driver even if it has it's limitations too. All multis are subject to compromise 

well said.  the whole idea behind a multitool is compromise, otherwise you would have all your tools handy

[powernoodle]

I have always dislike the short, replaceable driver on the Wave, Charge, etc., and prefer the "real" 3D phillips with long shank on the original Wave.  Many phillips screws are buried way down in a hole, and you need that long driver to reach them.

[dbirchum]

Old Wave for me.

Of course, when I got it, it was the 'new' wave.

But my Old Wave was my first MT.  I still have it here with me as I type this.

That, and I don't have the New Wave to compare...

[Craiger]

I had an old Wave for years, which I enjoyed using a lot and couldn't have asked for more. When I broke the pliers, I sent it in (and was tool-less for weeks!).

It must have been around 2004, because I got a new Wave in the mail, and was thinking I got hosed. Then I started using it..... and totally loved everything about it!

I use the small driver for replacing watch batteries, other electronics and occasional tooth-picking (don't tell my wife!) but thanks to this forum, now realize it is a zip-tie unlocker.    For my job, this is beyond cool. The locks for the handle tools are a winner for me as well. The 2D bits have yet to let me down, and the bit kit increases the useability many times over.

My old Wave served me well, but I don't miss it at all 

[zrxoa1]

I had a newer Wave, Black oxide. Sold it. I loved my old Wave over it.

But now I’m looking for a newer Wave again. I have started carrying mine at work. Using a Nite Ize clip on it. But to not worry bosses I try to wrap the clip with tape so as not to scratch any cars.

The newer Wave, using the removable clip, will be easier to deal with. I am not a big fan of sheaths.




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[Kev D]

I've never owned an older wave but would pick the newer version just because of the replaceable cutters in the pliers

[CallsignBadger]

New Wave.  I don't need a handle full of flat drivers. 

I agree. For years I had an original, but sent it to warranty, where they gave me a new one. The bit driver turns out to be more valuable than you’d think.

[Old man Chris]

I much prefer the New Wave Way more flexability , I like the ability to take a pocket clip , the covert ( I didn’t know it existed , till I saw it on the diagram ) lanyard loop . A very worthwhile feature ! The bit holder /cards , bit extender , are a huge step up . Works for me . I may be in error , but the new Wave like lifeforms ( I have a Wave, and a Charge ) , apper to be better made , they don’t feel as gritty as the early ones . Not too much of a surprise , manufacturing equipment , and control systems tend to get better , over time . Leatherman has also gained a lot of experience over time .

Chris