New tool: Vic Spirit, LM Wave, LM Charge or other?

Flint Hills · **on:** May 02, 2016, 04:31:39 AM

I'm looking to pick up a new plier based tool. This will mostly be used for odd and ends around the house and I will also carry it in my backpack or work bag for "just in case." I always have a dedicated pocket knife on me, so the blades don't matter much on the tool but I would like to have a serrated blade for rope and stuff. I won't be pocket carrying this regularly but will probably carry in a jacket or jeans back pocket while working around the house, so I don't want it to feel like a brick.

I almost always have a little Squirt on me which is great for little stuff but just doesn't work on larger jobs. I also have a LM Blast which is ok, nice size and weight but the handles really dig into my hands when squeezing hard on the pliers. The Blast also feels a little flimsy if you really bare down on it, maybe that's because of the plastic insert handles? These two are the extent of my pliers based multitool experience.

I've narrowed it down to the 3 in the title as closest to what I'm looking for but I'm open to any other suggestions as well.

Huntsman · **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2016, 04:58:50 AM

Just my two penneth

Not the Charge - Too expensive for nothing more than a Wave (IMHO )
Not the Wave - Unless you really want all the bits in the bit holder - These are really great BTW - IMHO - It's quite heavy
You say you want something light weight and pocketable, but strong pliers, and full sized - Gotta be the Spirit - Add to that: The fantastic convenience of all the tools opening from the outside (you don't realise how good this is until you have it!) - A great selection of tools, especially for the size - Plus you get your serrated blade - Plus very comfortable and ergonomic

- No brainer!!

I got one for Christmas - Love it!

PS. Later edits - Keep thinking of more good things for the Spirit - so adding them to list above

zoidberg · **Reply #2 on:** May 02, 2016, 08:44:30 AM

I'll vote Spirit.

Etherealicer · **Reply #3 on:** May 02, 2016, 08:45:50 AM

First off, I agree with Huntsman on all but the Charge assessment, for me, the Charge is an upgrade in grip comfort.
The Wave/Charge bit-holder is great, but it only makes sense if you carry bits (and potentially a bit-extender) making either Charge or Wave even heavier/bulkier.

I think there is a fundamental design difference between the LM and the Spirit. Both LM tools have the large blades to the side of the pliers head and are therefore thicker, whereas the Spirit is longer and has the long tools only where the pliers get narrower. As a consequence the Spirit has much more room for the middle tools giving them excellent reach.

So adding to the Spirits PROS
- Best "middle" tools (screwdrivers etc.)

WoodsDuck · **Reply #4 on:** May 02, 2016, 03:48:20 PM

Gotta agree; Spirit all the way

The Spirit is so cool I'm frequently tempted to try trading my Surge for one...

gregozedobe · **Reply #5 on:** May 02, 2016, 04:04:39 PM

If you need a really strong grip on the pliers then my suggestions are a SOG Powerlock or a LM Crunch. Each has different strengths and weaknesses, so it is up to you to evaluate according to your preferences and requirements.

Aloha · **Reply #6 on:** May 02, 2016, 04:18:42 PM

Normally when I suggest a tool the Wave/Charge bit driver and OHO convenience tip the scale. Yes you will need to add at the very least the bit extender so you could use your own 1/4 bits or simply buy the bit kit.

Carrying the tool in a bag I don't think will be much of an issue when adding in those extras. As far as pocket carry you can also get a pocket clip for the Wave/Charge.

Since you will have a primary blade if you decide the Sprirt then the Standard Sprit with butter blade is excellent. That butter blade is one wicked tool.

Hand comfort is always going to be determined best by the user. I personally find my Wave to be very comfortable ( admittedly after some smoothing out ). The tool came with sharp edges and there are others who have had the same issue on their Wave.

The Spirit has a fantastic array of tools and the tool is quite pleasing to use.

I would bump the Charge off the list no real advantage unless you just like Ti or S30v, assuming you were talking the TTi. Spirit or Wave it seems is one predicament we see many faced with. You cannot make a bad decision here IMO. Both have a lot of capability for home use and for other unexpected needs that arise.

powernoodle · **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2016, 04:27:54 PM

Powernoodle seconds the recommendations of Mr. Huntsman and Dr. Z. And when Powernoodle speaks in the third person, as he is doing now, his counsel should be closely considered.

zoidberg · **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2016, 04:42:42 PM

Lobster boy thinks pwizzlenizzle has a way with words.

ThePeacent · **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2016, 04:46:28 PM

Go Spirit all the way. I used to carry my LM Wave/Surge because of the pocket clip even though I liked the Vic better. Especially if you carry an alternative OHO knife.

Now that I've found (Thanks The Mod Squad subforum!) a convenient way to carry the Spirit there's no turning back.

It really is as nice as an MT gets, IMO. And very carriable, slim and compact. Ergos are spot on, too.

All the hype is real, at least in my experience with Gerbers, SOGs, Leathermans and both Vics.

Kampfer · **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2016, 06:10:34 PM

Standard spirit with butter blade, the blade is ugly but cuts well, I even used it as spoon a couple times.

Humppa · **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2016, 07:23:32 PM

None of the ones you mentioned. I´d go with the Rebar all the way. Or if you want/need heavier - get a ST300. I really like this line of tools. Nothing bad about the Wave - you can get a clip and clip it to your pocket.

The Spirit is no bad tool either -but their warranty disappointed me to the bone. So no vote here for the Spirit.

Flint Hills · **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2016, 08:08:16 PM

Thanks for all of the input so far everyone!

I can get the LM Wave and bit kit for the cost of just the regular Vic Spirit. I also like the one hand blades, integrated bit holder and that it's capable of being disassembled. I like to tinker and can see myself swapping in those Rebar pliers and maybe replacing the can opener with an awl. Do the bits stay in the bit holder inside the tool pretty well?

The Spirit I have no doubt is nicer and better made. Is the Vic ratchet/bit kit worth the $$? Looks lIke the Spirit is a little lighter too which is nice. I would probably keep the whole kit in the pouch in my bag or glove box.

Padre · **Reply #13 on:** May 02, 2016, 09:10:40 PM

Spirit has the best tool/weight ratio.
Wave/Charge is a must if you fiddle with hex/torx screws a lot.
Rebar was actually nice idea too! Really like Rebar and it has bits too with the adapter! Closed contruction has its benefits too, protecting the tool from snow or sand.

Or you could get them all!
The point is that all of these tools are fantastic.

Flint Hills · **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2016, 09:49:57 PM

I think I'm going to go with the Vic Spirit Plus! The ratchet/bit kit looks like it will be a nice addition and even be useful by itself.

Does anyone know where to find the best deal on one of these?

Thanks!

Aloha · **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2016, 10:09:04 PM

The bits stay in the Wave's bit holder great never had any issues.

The Vic L wrench is what I have and its as nice as the tool itself. You could get set up for a comparable amount if what you are after is a mini ratchet. The Vic holder holds 7 bits which is decent but LM has 42, just putting that out there.

I have plus kits for both my Spirit and Swisstool and yes they work as a tool all by themselves which is very nice.

Just tossing it back out there, if you get the bit extender you can also use standard 1/4 bits as well as the flat LM bits.

Topeak lite makes a terrific mini ratchet/bit set for about $25

RadioPej · **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2016, 05:41:49 AM

I love my Charge TTi, but if you're already carrying a blade then the added steel isn't worth more than the Wave, so it's between Wave and Spirit.

I've never had the Spirit, but I've found the bit holder on my Charge broke once. Between my Swiss knives and my Leathermans, the Swiss knives were surprisingly more sturdy. My next pliers tool will likely be a Spirit, so I'd suggest that

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

hellsing · **Reply #17 on:** May 03, 2016, 08:29:16 AM

Get all of them! That's the MTO style.

I've got them, for me take an old good wave if you can or a spirit.

I mostly use my wave, the spirit is to shiny to use, i don't want to scratch it too much.
The charge is splendid but dont have enough value added compared to a wave.

The old wave is nearly perfect, too bad it doesn't have locking tools.

You can also consider a juice, i'm really surprised by my juice CS4 and tend to daily carry it now!

Corwyn · **Reply #18 on:** May 03, 2016, 08:33:55 AM

Unless you need OHO blades and bits and you can't also carry a knife, get the Spirit. It's insanely good... smooth, confortable, beautiful and strong with nice long tools (sounds a tad kinky, right? )

Alan K. · **Reply #19 on:** May 03, 2016, 10:11:35 AM

Quote from: Flint Hills on May 02, 2016, 09:49:57 PM

I think I'm going to go with the Vic Spirit Plus! The ratchet/bit kit looks like it will be a nice addition and even be useful by itself.

Does anyone know where to find the best deal on one of these?

Thanks!

A good choice. The best deal on the Spirit is I believe to be had by buying it separately and then buying the ratchet kit with the larger case to hold everything. Cheapest I've seen the Spirit new is $72.99 U.S. from West Marine. Then you can buy the ratchet kit for around $30 at lots of places. If anyone knows where to get it cheaper I want to know that myself.

ThePeacent · **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2016, 10:34:31 AM

Quote from: Flint Hills on May 02, 2016, 09:49:57 PM

I think I'm going to go with the Vic Spirit Plus! The ratchet/bit kit looks like it will be a nice addition and even be useful by itself.

Does anyone know where to find the best deal on one of these?

Thanks!

Excellent decision you did there. I took the plus option too, the ratchet set is awesome and compact.
If you are in the US I would check knifeworks for good prices and impeccable customer service and shipping
That's my experience with them buying from Spain

Cheers

Kampfer · **Reply #21 on:** May 03, 2016, 07:48:55 PM

The set I EDC in my bag.

Flint Hills · **Reply #22 on:** May 20, 2016, 10:32:46 PM

I've been watching for a good price and just ordered a Vic Spirit with the ratchet set and bits! Should be in next week!

ToolJoe · **Reply #23 on:** May 21, 2016, 11:24:03 PM

The price of the Spirit on West Marine's sight shot up to $99 in the last couple days.

Flint Hills · **Reply #24 on:** May 22, 2016, 05:19:19 AM

Quote from: ToolJoe on May 21, 2016, 11:24:03 PM

The price of the Spirit on West Marine's sight shot up to $99 in the last couple days.

I saw that site but it said 2-3 weeks for shipping? No thanks.

I ordered from Central Valley Wholesale off the bay. Free priority shipping and what I thought was a good price for the Spirit with ratchet and bit set with the carry pouch.

Flint Hills · **Reply #25 on:** May 23, 2016, 11:11:23 PM

My Spirit came in today. I have to admit I was slightly regretting having spent so much on a multitool but I have to say it is totally worth it. Everything works perfectly. I knew it was going to be nice but it's nicer than I expected. I'm also glad I went for the "plus" and got the ratchet set and bit kit. It all fits together in the carry pouch so nicely.

Thanks for the help guys!