ST 300 that much better than core?

DoughDTD · **on:** September 27, 2009, 12:24:10 AM

Is the new supertool 300 that much better than the core? I understand the main differences, but is it worth the difference in price, or will i get essentially the same quality/functionality of all the tools with the core?

-Dough

AHB · **Reply #1 on:** September 27, 2009, 12:26:54 AM

I haven't got one (yet anyway), but Dave made a mini-review here..

DaveK · **Reply #2 on:** September 27, 2009, 12:53:01 AM

I've nearly finished a more thorough write-up, but I can summarise...

It really depends on what you want Dough. The ST300 is, effectively, the same as the Core, but with some nice new tweaks. In other words, the tools and their capabilities are the same, but the cutters are beefier, and the opening mechanism is easier. I guess it depends on what value you would attribue to those "nice to have" features.

Personally, I think it is pretty close to my dream "big" multi. My Core is officially retired!

DoughDTD · **Reply #3 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:02:10 AM

well if you feel that way maybe your core can retire into my active duty section

lol

-Dough

DaveK · **Reply #4 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:21:50 AM

Never

10 more minutes and I'll have this write-up done.....

Chako · **Reply #5 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:29:06 AM

Yes and no to your original question.

1. 300 is iffy right now with the quality control. I have 3 and of those, one is a stiff bugger that is not pleasurable to use, and it also feels like there is sand in the joints when you play with the folding tools, not to mention, the uneven grinding of the plier head. In other words, you never know what you will get if you buy one right now it seems.

2. Both feature the same tool set. Now the 300 does give you changeable cutters…but no Allen key unlike Gerber which is a nice touch Leatherman if you are reading this. It also has no plastic nylon liner. The liner made the Core feel a bit cheap, but it did make the outer tools easier to deploy.

3. The spring locks on the 300 I absolutely hate. They stick out way too much, have no rounded edges so they get caught up in everything, are in a bad position for me to work with the pliers. It is right where I would use a finger to open the pliers for a job. At least they are beefed up where it counts and won't fall apart as some people with Cores experienced.

From what I have seen and witnessed with mine, the stiffness is a pain but that will loosen with time. The plier head quality control sucks but that is mostly cosmetic and does not affect the operation of the tool. The feeling of sand in the pivot in the one example can be an issue, but that might also go away with more use. The Core feels a bit more finished, but the 300 feels a lot more durable with the absence of the plastic liner. If you are happy with the Core, stick with it. If you need the removable cutters, and/or the all metal construction, then get the 300.

Right now, I am not enamored about the 300 as much as I thought I would be.

DaveK · **Reply #6 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:34:14 AM

OK, done:

http://dave.kitson.org.uk/index.php/2009/09/26/leatherman-supertool-300?blog=6

Quote from: Chako on September 27, 2009, 01:29:06 AM

Now the 300 does give you changeable cutters…but no Allen key unlike Gerber which is a nice touch Leatherman if you are reading this.

They supply it free with the replacement heads I believe.

cliosguy · **Reply #7 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:44:19 AM

do the bit kit have one that fits?

DaveK · **Reply #8 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:46:17 AM

Yeah - it's just a T8 torx.

cliosguy · **Reply #9 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:49:08 AM

thanks

then i dont give a damn

Chako · **Reply #10 on:** September 27, 2009, 02:11:24 AM

Good read Dave.

DaveK · **Reply #11 on:** September 27, 2009, 02:23:06 AM

Ta very much

I think my overriding view of the ST300, is that anyone expecting something new and revolutionary , or sexy and pretty, probably better go elsewhere.

If you are looking for a tool to beat on, then it's hard to fault it. I woudn't EDC this tool to the office though, for that I want Ti and stuff that makes people go "oooh"

I'll take it apart tomorrow if I get time too. Because it's there.

DoughDTD · **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2009, 04:39:18 AM

Very nice read, thanks for addressing my issue completely! One thing i wish they had done, was put some better steel into the knives, or at least the clip point straight edge. Just a plain 154cm blade would have been awesome to make this sucker a real work horse, but i suppose the 420 on the others have taken a bit of abuse from me and perk right up after a bit of sharpening. nice review, only problem is not I'm still not sure if I want the ST300 or core haha

-Dough

PS. I'll probably just get both

John Frederick · **Reply #13 on:** September 27, 2009, 06:26:59 AM

Now that the ST300 is available I cannot see buying the Core instead. The improvements are not revolutionary but they are substantial enough to justify the extra expense.

One of the less mentioned improvements is the narrowing of the handles at the plier head. This may seem trivial but for me I always felt like the Core was more difficult to use due to the bulky handles coming right up to the pliers. I really like the ST300.

John Frederick · **Reply #14 on:** September 27, 2009, 06:37:18 AM

Quote from: DaveK on September 27, 2009, 01:34:14 AM

OK, done:
http://dave.kitson.org.uk/index.php/2009/09/26/leatherman-supertool-300?blog=6

Great article. Actually it's perfect since I agree with everything you said.

DaveK · **Reply #15 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:58:17 PM

Quote from: John Frederick on September 27, 2009, 06:37:18 AM

Quote from: DaveK on September 27, 2009, 01:34:14 AM
OK, done:
http://dave.kitson.org.uk/index.php/2009/09/26/leatherman-supertool-300?blog=6

Great article. Actually it's perfect since I agree with everything you said.

Well, there's a first time for everything I guess

Cheers.

scrappy · **Reply #16 on:** September 27, 2009, 08:23:43 PM

excellent write up!

getpower · **Reply #17 on:** September 27, 2009, 09:34:00 PM

Yes, finally a real review.

Ive been waiting for this for a while now.

Well, Ive been waiting since before the Super Tool 300 came out anyway.

django.cj · **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2009, 02:29:01 PM

Everyone is always quck to mention the Core's plastic liner. However I have never read a post about the liner breaking, warping, or causing a problem. Is it just an emotional reaction; does it just seem wrong? Or has it been a problem and I just missed those threads?

DaveK · **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2009, 04:09:05 PM

I've never seen or heard of any problems with the Zytel liners - and on the Core they don't seem to add or detract from the tool at all!

I've been messing around wit the blog, actually and realised that these links will not work soon..... I will put some sort of divert in when I delete that blog, but it's permanent home will be here!

turbov21 · **Reply #20 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:07:39 PM

Quote from: DaveK on September 27, 2009, 01:34:14 AM

OK, done:

http://dave.kitson.org.uk/index.php/2009/09/26/leatherman-supertool-300?blog=6

Good review, but I have one question. Why did you put the Core in the same category as the Supertools, but not the Surge? My guess is because the Surge has tools, like the scissors, that make it more for Enthusiasts than Tradesman, but that's just my guess.

DaveK · **Reply #21 on:** October 02, 2009, 07:17:41 PM

More that the Core replaced the Supertool 200, and was marketed as having the "professional" drivers etc. In terms of design, it has the tools inside the handles, wood/metal file instead of the diamond file, as you say - no scissors. In fact the ST 300 has exactly the same tools as the Core - probably stamped from the same blanks in fact:

The Surge is basically just a big Wave!

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ST 300 that much better than core?

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