Buck X-Tract EDC-worthy?

[turbov21]

Does anyone EDC the X-Tract?  I've been thinking, the past couple of days, of giving my Crunch a break and trying to X-Tract for a while.  Any advice or thoughts?

[Benner]

If the Buck has what you want and need then go for it.  The X-tract is a great tool.

[Crouton]

I had an X-tract for a while and I liked it so little I threw it in as an extra on a trade here on MT.org.

The Good:  

I think it suits those would normally carry a locking folder but want a little extra utility from it.  

Decent blade.

The Bad:  

The pliers are minimally useful when compared to a a full size multi.  Although they are way more convenient to deploy than a crunch they are no where near as capable.  

The phillips and flathead drivers are exceptionally stubby.  

Overall the tool just didn't meet my daily needs to any great extent and I just couldn't see myself ever carrying it.  It was built well enough, although it did have some minor cosmetic issues.

Good luck with it.

[Nikos]

I used to EDC an X-Tract for half a year or so and it was ok for most jobs at hand. Mind you, however, the X-Tract is no match for the Crunch; these two tools seem to go into completely different directions. I mean, the Crunch has a great vise-grip head and a great 1/4'' driver but the rest of the implements are not its forte (given they're somewhat smaller than those found on other LM tools and you have to open the tool to access them). OTOH the X-Tract has light-duty pliers and stubby (albeit perfectly working) drivers, but a great knife blade.

[Freudian Frog]

The X-Tract Essential is in my metro EDC rotation, I find I don't really need pliers around school and the apartment.

[ringzero]

Don't EDC my XTract because of its weight and thickness.

If you normally EDC a multi in a sheath, the XTract carried in its sheath should work fine for you.

Mine gets carried whenever I'm working out in the yard, so it gets a fair amount of carry time from spring through autumn.

My XTract has been used hard for a few years now and it has held up quite well.

The blade is about the best I've seen on any multi.

The screwdrivers are very good IMO.  Reach is limited, but other than that they work nearly as well as a dedicated driver.

The pliers are only suited to light duty tasks, due to their small size and a lack of leverage.  They'll handle tasks that you could accomplish with LM Squirt or Gerber Clutch pliers.  But not tasks requiring more plier power, such as a LM Juice could deliver.
 

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[turbov21]

If the Buck has what you want and need then go for it.  The X-tract is a great tool.

I agree it's a great tool.  My main concern, X-Tract vs. Crunch, was the loss of the pliers strength from the Crunch.

The pliers are minimally useful when compared to a a full size multi.  Although they are way more convenient to deploy than a crunch they are no where near as capable.

That was my major concern, their capability.  My Crunch doesn't see a lot of action as it is (unfortunately), but I like knowing I have a reasonable set of grippers if I ever do need them.

I used to EDC an X-Tract for half a year or so and it was ok for most jobs at hand.

The X-Tract Essential is in my metro EDC rotation, I find I don't really need pliers around school and the apartment.

If you normally EDC a multi in a sheath, the XTract carried in its sheath should work fine for you.

I think, maybe, I'll EDC it when we come back from the holiday break.  It seems to be a good field tool if you don't need pliers, and while I like having the pliers, it's rare I need them for anything major.

The blade is about the best I've seen on any multi.

Quoted for truth.  The X-Tract blade is a beautiful blade, it's second only to my Leatherman c301 blade in my list of favorites.

Thanks for the info, everyone!

[Benner]

I don't really see how one could compare the X-tract to the Crunch as they are just so different.  You really need to decide what you are going to be likely using it for and then going from there.