Leatherman Rev/Sidekick/Wingman.

[Chako]

I am not going to say much...but here are some photos for you to compare them to each other.

Both are the same colour. The different shade is due to the angle of the tool as the flash was bounced off the ceiling. Top is the Sidekick, bottom is the Rev. The Wingman and Sidekick are identical to each other except for some of the tools found in each model.






The Sidekick has spring loaded pliers. The Rev does not.



Here we see the top Sidekick with the bottom Rev.





A blade shot.



The tool loud-out is somewhat similar, with the Sidekick featured an outside opening saw that the Rev does not have. For inside tools, the load out is very similar. Here we see the Sidekick on the top and the Rev on the bottom. Note that the ruler markings on the Rev are deeper and somewhat easier to read.



The other side is identical in both tools.



Conclusion:

Here is what I think. The Wingman features the same tools as the Rev with the exception of an added pair of scissors. The Sidekick exchanges the scissors for a saw, and instead of the small package opener, you get a serrated knife plus the carabiner of course. Thus, the Rev features one less outside opening tool compared to the Wingman and Sidekick. The Rev also features a non spring loaded pliers. With the loss of the one larger outside opening tool, you do get a more sculpted ergonomic handle.

Personally, I like the Rev. It is well made for the price point. I was never a big fan of springs in plier joints, so that probably makes me somewhat biased on the Rev over the Wingman and Sidekick. All 3 are good entry level multi-tools however.

[sawman]

I can't help but see the Rev as a dumbed down tool. The Wingman on the other hand is an extroardinary tool for the money.

[Kampfer]

Wingman was the one MT that sucked me into this madness! 

[Chako]

It is sawman, without a doubt. I bet they will sell a boatload though, as the bottom tiered tools are the ones that tend to sell very well for a company.

You lose one larger tool, but gain a more comfortable handle shape that is also slimmer. That and the spring was removed from the pliers. Now in my books, that is a good move. All in all, I sort of like the Rev.

[Its Hard To Know]

I LOVE the Wingman tool, keep one in my car
For 20-25 bucks (originally, now up around 35) it was easy to get involved in Leathermans and offers many great, useful tools.
One-hand opening blade is great too!

Have a sidekick, but prefer a pair of scissors over a sawblade

Rev does little for me.

[rishardh]

What makes them cheaper to produce? Is it the metal grade, less tolerances, faster to assemble? They do come with LMs 25 year warranty, so not sure what was LMs thought process on these low tier MTs. I have to admit they do have a modern look.

[lowtech]

The mising spring in the plierhead (which I like!) makes it cheaper parts and production wise, then the handles seem to be produced from less parts each, so taht saves, too. The missing saw saves it´s share.

I think apart from trying to make a tool at an even lower pricepoint (Will be interesting what they will cost over here where a Wingman/Sidekick is around 50,- €) it is a try to reach markets that are regulating OHO/locking blades, Germany for example. To be UK leagal, it would have to be a slipjoint blade, though. but maybe they coul make a UK version with scissors instead of the blade?

[leatherman-shop.de]

The mising spring in the plierhead (which I like!) makes it cheaper parts and production wise, then the handles seem to be produced from less parts each, so taht saves, too. The missing saw saves it´s share.

I think apart from trying to make a tool at an even lower pricepoint (Will be interesting what they will cost over here where a Wingman/Sidekick is around 50,- €) it is a try to reach markets that are regulating OHO/locking blades, Germany for example. To be UK leagal, it would have to be a slipjoint blade, though. but maybe they coul make a UK version with scissors instead of the blade?

The recommended retail price (german UVP) is for the REV 39 Euro, for the Wingman 55 Euro and for the Sidekick (with sheath) 65 Euro.  I prefer the WINGMAN with its scissors. A short comparison in German you can find on LINK REMOVED

[zoidberg]

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[sawman]

I'm glad to see there is so much love for the Wingman. I just started EDCing mine again thanks in part to these very type threads

[Grimley1210]

+1 for the wingman, cheap and a great tool!

[Leathermended It!]

I'm pro wingman too! It was my first leatherman and I loved it!

[Mr Biriyani]

Thanks for the good comparison pictures Chako.
I guess I´ll have to get one myself to see in the end. I like that it looks so thin as you said.

[Kampfer]

Please note that Rev's handles spread wider than its bigger brother due to the different pliers head design.

[av8r1]

Please note that Rev's handles spread wider than its bigger brother due to the different pliers head design.
image omitted

Wow, and the Wingman was uncomfortably wide in my hands.  I'll pass.

[Kampfer]

Also the retaining strength of Rev's internal tools is much weaker than its bigger brothers.
Because Rev uses its handles its pliers head and internal tools, while SK WM use leaf spring to do so.

[Zephon]

I got a Sidekick and Wingman mainly due to the price.  Since I haven't had any outdoor trips lately, it's the Wingman that's seeing more use lately.  It's the scissors more than anything else. 

[rishardh]

If us MT fanatics find these tools useful just imagine what the casual shopper think of these. Wow, $25 and a made in USA LM... gotta try it. So LM knew what they were doing after all

[ToolJoe]

It looks appealing to me. If Lowes keeps these things around to clearance them out at $5-$10 each, I might snag one.

[Kampfer]

A picture to show different angle between Rev & Wave's handles.

[AimlessWanderer]

A picture to show different angle between Rev & Wave's handles.
(Image removed from quote.)

That's very poor design work in my opinion. I see no logic or benefit in that whatsoever. They really need to work on their ergonomics

[Kampfer]

A picture to show different angle between Rev & Wave's handles.
(Image removed from quote.)

That's very poor design work in my opinion. I see no logic or benefit in that whatsoever. They really need to work on their ergonomics

I agree. While the Rev's pliers head is very nice, but its handles angle is determined by the pliers head design, I installed Rev's pliers on Sidekick handles, after a couple hours of testing I decide it is no go. The handles spread way too wide to the point the tool became unusable. Now, Leatherman is also using this pliers head in Leap....good luck.

[av8r1]

Couldn't the plier head be ground to let the handles come closer together?

[Kampfer]

Couldn't the plier head be ground to let the handles come closer together?

I guess that is the only way, but I also fear if I done that the handles won't retain with pliers in open position. (The retention ram would not align with handles, handle would flap around freely)

[zoidberg]

Couldn't the plier head be ground to let the handles come closer together?

I guess that is the only way, but I also fear if I done that the handles won't retain with pliers in open position. (The retention ram would not align with handles, handle would flap around freely)

Can you take it off the handle instead then?

[Kampfer]

Couldn't the plier head be ground to let the handles come closer together?

I guess that is the only way, but I also fear if I done that the handles won't retain with pliers in open position. (The retention ram would not align with handles, handle would flap around freely)

Can you take it off the handle instead then?

Makes no different I think

[Obi1shinobee]

Couldn't the plier head be ground to let the handles come closer together?

I guess that is the only way, but I also fear if I done that the handles won't retain with pliers in open position. (The retention ram would not align with handles, handle would flap around freely)

Can you take it off the handle instead then?

Makes no different I think

Rev Pliers make Mr.K mad 

[cannonball]

I never liked the Wingman/Sidekick because of the handle spread. I just picked up a Rev and the spread is greater. Totally useless in my opinion.

I sent a complaint to LM,told them to buy a Vic Spirit x to see what a perfect spread is like. I think with a slight change in the handle dies,they can decrease the span.

Everyone here should also complain to LM. Perhaps they will get the hint and make some changes.

[Obi1shinobee]

I never liked the Wingman/Sidekick because of the handle spread. I just picked up a Rev and the spread is greater. Totally useless in my opinion.

I sent a complaint to LM,told them to buy a Vic Spirit x to see what a perfect spread is like. I think with a slight change in the handle dies,they can decrease the span.

Everyone here should also complain to LM. Perhaps they will get the hint and make some changes.

gerberland 

[gregpost]

Wingman was the one MT that sucked me into this madness! 

 I wish Leatherman went in the other direction with the Wingman/Sidekick. I love the size, form factor, spring pliers, and clip. I wish the build quality was better(mostly the plier cutters). For some strange reason when I bought two Sidekicks with the Croc that Home Depot was selling last Christmas, both felt worse than the Wingman. They were not as polished or smooth opening. I don't know if that's down to QC.

 What I'm saying is I rather buy a better Wingman than a Rev.