Switch Plier 2.0 Initial Impressions

Grant Lamontagne · **on:** May 30, 2015, 12:04:54 AM

Not trying to step on Omar's toes, but I just got the 2.0 in myself and I'm actually really quite happy with it, at least initially.

Unfortunately I don't have my original one handy to compare them directly, but luckily I do have some pictures of it in the MTO Gallery.

Opening the box the first thing you notice is that there's no sheath with this one. The original had a nice nylon sheath to carry it in, but the 2.0 instead has a fancy pocket clip, not so surprisingly with SOG written on it.

When you handle the 2.0 you can feel almost instantly that it seems much more solid in the hand than the original. Time will tell how well it actually holds up, but it actually feels pretty good from the get go. This is a very positive move for SOG and I hope they keep it up. I'd love for them to re-release some more updated classics with this kind of quality.

The plier spring is external on this generation and feels quite sturdy. The button really needs a good solid squeeze to fire the head open, so you don't feel like it is going to go off at any moment- which is why this one is much better for pocket carry than the original!

The plier head also fires open with enough authority that it always locks into place, while the previous generation seemed to only manage that seven or eight times out of ten.

Inside you have pretty well the same innards as the previous generation, but with the addition of the awl. Like most of SOG's better tools, the innards can be swapped out for other tools depending on your needs.

Inside it also has a brass liner to make sure the plier head rotates smoothly for years to come. A company wouldn't bother with a detail like that if they weren't expecting a tool to last for a while, so they much have some serious faith in the 2.0.

The 2.0 rides nice and deep in your pocket, so you won't have to worry about it falling out, and unlike many other pocket tools the 2.0 is not bulky in the least.

Overall I am quite pleased with this one, and I really look forward to putting it to some use and seeing what it can really do and how well it holds up.

Def

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #1 on:** May 30, 2015, 01:19:04 AM

I'm actually surprised how many people are giving these good reviews in the early stages. Bob gave it the schrade killing death grip with no ill effects too

I think there's only one person so far who has said it's light duty, and specifically lighter duty than a Skeletool.

I've still not got the confidence (or spare cash) to pull the trigger on one, but it's nice to hear a bit of positivity about a new SOG release

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #2 on:** May 30, 2015, 01:35:56 AM

Actually I wouldn't consider this a heavy duty tool like a SuperTool, PowerLock or SwissTool bt it is actually surprisingly robust. Now bear in mind, this is out of the box, and the tools are a bit gritty, but I'm quite positive about it for day to day moderate use.

Def

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #3 on:** May 30, 2015, 01:39:52 AM

How about in comparison with a Juice or Balance? Would they be more in line with your first impressions?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #4 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:06:19 AM

I'd say it feels tougher than the Juice models and I don't have a Balance to compare it to.

Def

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #5 on:** May 30, 2015, 02:07:35 AM

Thanks Grant

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2015, 05:40:16 PM

I have had a bit of a chance to get some use out of this tool today fixing up the lawnmower and weed whacker for the season.

The internal tools are pretty much like any other SOG tool so no issues there. The pliers and cutters worked with no issues squeezing hefty spring pins, cutting trimmer line and whatnot.

While it may not have been anything that heavy, but it did the job workout hesitation.

Def

scrappy · **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2015, 06:20:16 PM

I think it looks very promising. I am quite interested. Maybe down the road as prices come down due to more availability I will get one.

BASguy · **Reply #8 on:** May 30, 2015, 11:12:02 PM

I really like the tool load out on this guy. I've got zero experience with SOG, and have never seen one in the wild for that matter, but this guy looks pretty interesting.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #9 on:** May 31, 2015, 12:56:02 AM

Quote from: BASguy on May 30, 2015, 11:12:02 PM

I really like the tool load out on this guy. I've got zero experience with SOG, and have never seen one in the wild for that matter, but this guy looks pretty interesting.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The nice thing about SOG is that if you didn't like the load out you can swap tools out for other tools easily enough.

Def

Kampfer · **Reply #10 on:** May 31, 2015, 03:10:12 AM

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on May 31, 2015, 12:56:02 AM

The nice thing about SOG is that if you didn't like the load out you can swap tools out for other tools easily enough.

Only to a degree.

Only one long tool (knife, file, saw) can fit on each side of pliers head, so two total on SP2.0
For the most part, can opener, Philips driver and bottle opener are a fixed configuration as a whole, sit in center of handle where pliers head rests.

That leave the awl, you can swap it with large flat driver if you like.

Scissors take up two layers, i don't think you can fit that in SP2.0

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #11 on:** May 31, 2015, 03:57:26 AM

Funny you should say that, I was actually thinking about swapping out the file for a pair of scissors.

Yes, you are correct, only certain tools will fit in certain spots but that still does give you more options than most manufacturers.

Def

BASguy · **Reply #12 on:** May 31, 2015, 05:12:54 AM

Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on May 31, 2015, 12:56:02 AM

Quote from: BASguy on May 30, 2015, 11:12:02 PM
I really like the tool load out on this guy. I've got zero experience with SOG, and have never seen one in the wild for that matter, but this guy looks pretty interesting.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The nice thing about SOG is that if you didn't like the load out you can swap tools out for other tools easily enough.

Def

I got one order, ......it would be wrong not to have at least one SOG

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #13 on:** May 31, 2015, 01:13:30 PM

I've set up the loadout on my original version as:

File, caplifter, bit driver, scissors.

I have it in a Leatherman case with a strip of bits in the rear pocket, the bit adapter in the elasticated side loop, and the switchplier and a Case Soddie Jr in the main section. If it wasn't for the fact I'm so reluctant to use the pliers for fear of breaking them, it would be brilliant

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #14 on:** May 31, 2015, 01:41:38 PM

Very interesting!

What about size? How is it compared to a Wave or Spirit?

NKlamerus · **Reply #15 on:** May 31, 2015, 05:55:48 PM

Cam someone relay the spread of the jaws? They sure don't look like they open much?

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #16 on:** June 01, 2015, 05:56:22 PM

After reading the reviews and watching the video, I bought one. I haven't picked up a new MT in over a year so this is pretty exciting.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #17 on:** June 01, 2015, 06:11:48 PM

Now we'll REALLY find out what one can do

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #18 on:** June 02, 2015, 12:39:43 PM

Important question: Will the wire stripper fit in the file location on the SwitchPlier 2dot0?

ducttapetech · **Reply #19 on:** June 02, 2015, 12:47:23 PM

Not sure. But I am hoping to find out soon. Mine should be here Friday.

Nate
That's us mobile

Megan · **Reply #20 on:** June 02, 2015, 04:10:58 PM

I played around with it the other night.
I am embarassed to say that I startled myself opening the pliers.

gregozedobe · **Reply #21 on:** June 03, 2015, 06:13:37 AM

Quote from: Megan on June 02, 2015, 04:10:58 PM

.... I startled myself opening the pliers.

Better stay away from the Gerber Recoil then, you could actually damage yourself with one of them !

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #22 on:** June 03, 2015, 08:35:43 AM

Quote from: Mr. Whippy on June 02, 2015, 12:39:43 PM

Important question: Will the wire stripper fit in the file location on the SwitchPlier 2dot0?

I can't see any reason why you can't get the wire strippers in. I got the more bulky scissors to fit on the original which has a smaller frame.

David · **Reply #23 on:** June 03, 2015, 08:56:39 AM

I'm glad to see SOG bring this tool back out. I need one to play with.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #24 on:** June 03, 2015, 12:19:33 PM

Quote from: David on June 03, 2015, 08:56:39 AM

I'm glad to see SOG bring this tool back out. I need one to play with.

You need one for no more reason than it's fun to play with!

Def

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #25 on:** June 04, 2015, 12:57:17 PM

Mine arrived yesterday.

I've already pressed it into service, to fix the dog fence. The pliers are great. I hope the wire cutter part is hardy. Yes, there's clumping but really, it helps to get the smaller tools out. Now just waiting for the wire stripper to arrive.

ducttapetech · **Reply #26 on:** June 04, 2015, 01:04:25 PM

Nice Nate! Still waiting on mine. Should get it tomorrow.

Nate
That's us mobile

AlephZero · **Reply #27 on:** June 04, 2015, 04:43:54 PM

I guess us non-US are still out of luck? There was one seller on evilBay a while back that sold worldwide, but they were sold out when I found them

I smurfing want this tool

Megan · **Reply #28 on:** June 04, 2015, 04:55:22 PM

Quote from: gregozedobe on June 03, 2015, 06:13:37 AM

Quote from: Megan on June 02, 2015, 04:10:58 PM
.... I startled myself opening the pliers.

Better stay away from the Gerber Recoil then, you could actually damage yourself with one of them !

Grant is currently hiding all of the assist opening knives as we speak.

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #29 on:** June 04, 2015, 06:14:24 PM

Even after grunging up the tool working around the foals and in the hay, the deployment is fantastic. As someone else mentioned, reloading it merely requires pushing the button and closing the handle, then rotating the pliers back to latch it shut. It really is an easy one hand operation.

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