Has anyone else noticed - the Skeletool CX has changed...

[sawman]

It seems there is a gen. 3 Skeletool CX with some subtle yet obvious differences.  Check out the one listed at REI and note that the hole near the blade rivet is no longer there, that the rivet/washer that holds the blade on is smaller and, a slightly different carving of the blade and curved (not sharp angular) tip plier tips.

Edit: Plus they're also offering the CX in combo or plain edge again 

[zepla]

Don't have my skely on me now but I'll check it out tomorrow....

[J-sews]

Those REI photos look remarkably like the Skeletool CX ones featured at the Leatherman Library:  http://www.leathermanlibrary.com/thumbnails.php?album=62

Except for that missing hole business...?


The Leatherman Library photos were put up a long time ago. I wonder if the REI photos are old too?

[sawman]

It gets me wondering though... because many sellers are using the same pics   

[zepla]

  I forgot to bring the skely with me today.

Try to remember tomorrow 

[Malarauko]

Well i've just ordered one of these today so when it arrives i'll let you know what I got...

[thebullfrog]

I'm looking at it with my CX in my hand right now and you're def. right. Another thing though, look at the third pic, the one with the tool open and looking like it's standing up: the plier jaws have holes all the way through. The pivot has the regular indentations, as do the jaws in every other pic, but in that pic the jaws are skeletonized.Also notice the pliers don't say "LEATHERMAN" on them in the first two pics. In the second pic look at the flat spot between the springs on the handle where the bit goes, it doesn't say "LEATHERMAN" there like mine does either. 

I'm thinking the pics are actually of a couple of the prototypes and those are the shots LM gave retailers to promote the tool before release and nobody ever bothered to change them. As for it having the PE blade then, either someone shopped it in when LM made the change (don't think so tho, advertisement chopping tends to be painfully obvious, not perfect lol), or the prototypes all had the PE blade and they changed it later, and then back again.

[thebullfrog]

Also look closely at the bottom of the first pic and a few other differences pop out. This is when I also noticed either the image is mirrored BTW. But if you look closely you'll see an additional rivet right at the end by the driver that's not there in mine, and also the entire outside edge of that handle is completely different: On mine the entire spine is smooth right up till you get to the driver, in the pic it's only smooth at the end near the blade pivot while the rest of the handle is hollow which would leave the blade edge exposed, not to mention looking painful to use the pliers. Gotta be a prototype.

[sawman]

For all I know, these retailers were never instructed to update their photos or informed of any changes in the product.  I just like to know what I'm buying though, so I wish some newer pics would be used.

[Dunc]

While I think these are prototype photos LM are upgrading the pliers on the Skeletool range to make them stronger .

[thebullfrog]

Dammit dunc! don't tell me that! Now I'll have to buy another one! 

[sawman]

I wonder how we'll know we're buying the stronger plier version;  will they say "stronger pliers" on the package...  I think they would need to do something different to the pliers to make them recognizable.

[Dunc]

I wonder how we'll know we're buying the stronger plier version;  will they say "stronger pliers" on the package...  I think they would need to do something different to the pliers to make them recognizable.

From what I was led to believe the thickness at certain points .Heres a quote from Leatherman ........

An update to those who have commented about the jaws breaking…We have narrowed this down to just when they are being twisted. We have made adjustments and added material to the jaws themselves (minute, yet effective in testing, amount of material). This change will be making its way on the manufacturing floor very soon. It’s been in testing phase, but is complete now. Of course if you have any problems before then, the warranty is always good and anything that happens just send it into us and we’ll take care of it and send you a new one.

[thebullfrog]

I don't generally twist my pliers and it sounds like the change is fairly subtle. I suppose if I ever do manage to break 'em I'll get the new one under warranty, but until then I guess I don't see much reason to grab the updated version if the difference isn't that big.

[New_World]

I don't generally twist my pliers and it sounds like the change is fairly subtle. I suppose if I ever do manage to break 'em I'll get the new one under warranty, but until then I guess I don't see much reason to grab the updated version if the difference isn't that big.

+1

my skeletool works great.
if it breaks I can send it in.  =)