Big decision - Surge or Charge TTi

[alanmoortician]

Hi everyone,

I'm quite pleased to find such a robust and supportive community of multitool enthusiasts! And thus, I couldn't think of a better place to pose this all important - dare I say, life changing question: Should I buy a Leatherman Surge or a Charge TTi?

I'm a college student in San Francisco, and so I can only afford one of these devices. I've narrowed it down to these two - primarily because I like wire crimpers. I intend to employ this tool for low voltage electrical work, computer/guitar/amp repair, and that omnipresent errand known only as "opening stuff".

I've read that the Surge is damn heavy, and the Charge TTi is damn expensive. I have no idea how the weight of the Surge will affect me, and there isn't a sample to be handled anywhere in San Francisco. Inversely, I don't know if paying top dollar for a Charge is overkill.

And so I turn to you, venerable members of this community, for your input on the matter.

Thanks in advance!

[Syph007]

If you're only getting one, I would just go for the TTi.  Its the best tools leatherman makes as far as Im concerned.  The surge is big and heavy and rattles, and in my opinion doenst have the same fit and finish.

[sawman]

I recommend the Charge TTi.  It's a well-built tool with many features.  It's also as I prefer more compact than the Surge.  IMO, the Ti handles and S30V are worth the added expense.  That said, I am generally a LM nay-sayer but the TTi is one of my most admired multitools 

[alanmoortician]

  That said, I am generally a LM nay-sayer but the TTi is one of my most admired multitools 

Why is that?

[sir_mike]

What you heard is true.  The Surge is heavier and designed more for sheath or backpack carry.  The TTi is almost double the Surge in price, depending on where you find it.

In summary: 

The Surge weighs about 12 1/2 oz., where as the TTi weighs about 8.2 oz.

The Surge costs about $60, where as the TTi costs about $120

You might be able to find a deal on the TTi and get it for less but still holds a premium price just to get a better steel in the blade but that doesnt mean the Surge has a junk steel by any means.

I personally went with the Charge AL, which give you alittle better steel using 154cm but only runs about $20-25 more than the Surge.

Good luck with the hunt!

[sawman]

  That said, I am generally a LM nay-sayer but the TTi is one of my most admired multitools 

Why is that?

Because it's one of their best multitools.  It supports tasks such as sawing, filing, serrated cutting, straight cutting, gut hook, a great can opener and awesome bit driver with useful bits available to add to its bit kit.  Not to mention its scissors are pretty good.  It's titanium scales add a great solid gripping experience and its pliers are ideal for most tasks.

[genevabuck]

I've been in your boat financially, but now fortunately own damn near every Leatherman that there is.  looking at your needs, i would buy a WAVE off of eBayand a seperate wire crimper off of eBay, as well.  The Surge is huge and I don't see a college kid carrying one around.  As for the Charge, great tool, but the WAVE does the same thing.  Also, while the Surge has crimpers, they are limited.  Do what I say and you will get he crimping versatilty that you need, you will be able to go out one night and buy a hot lady beers, and will still have a WAVE until the day that you die.

[Crouton]

In my opinion the Surge just doesn't offer enough extra utitlity to offset the extra size and weight.  It's a well built tool and very useable but I never found anything it could do for me that I couldn't do with a Wave/Charge.  If you need and awl or outside opening scissors then go for it.

The Wave is a great tool, and if you want to go even cheaper try a Sidekick or Wingman.

[Mr. Whippy]

Having put both through their paces, I would recommend the Charge also.  The Surge is huge.  For working on tractors, hay wagons, etc (things with a lot of space around bolts and screws.)

For tighter quarters, the Charge will be MANY times easier to use.  It's what I use for house wiring, and open case computer work.  In really tight quarters, I use a Vic Cybertool.

Using my Charge ALX everyday for a couple years, I will say that you'll likely never have a failure with it.

[redbaron]

if you dont want an expensive TTI or a heavy surge, take a look at the wave, best of both worlds

[Mr. Whippy]

Yes. This.

The Wave has all the best of a Charge Al and much better price. Same pliers, same drivers, same scissors, same awesome diamond coat file and saw.  Best bang for your buck in the Leatherman lineup, IMO.

[alanmoortician]

Hey guys, thanks for all your helpful input. Based on your comments I've ruled out the surge as an option but now I'm stuck between a wave and a charge. The wave seems to have a pretty overwhelming amount of support behind it, even when compared to much more expensive multitools. I work at target and can pick one up easily at a discount, but there is a certain allure to pursuing the charge, which is apparently top of the line.

[Flying Dutchman]

If money is truly a concern, you cant go wrong with the Wave. But the Charge TTi is awesome if you can swing the extra $$. I sold my Wave to fund a TTi and I never looked back, love that Multitool!

[Crouton]

The Charge TTi is worth the money if you can justify it.

For me it's the line cutter that makes it worth it.  But there is also the cap crimper, S30V blade, and the more comfortable titanium scales.

The TTi is my go to tool for every day carry, it's a great tool. 

[Yalius]

I'm gonna go contrarian here and vote for the Surge. The scissors included with the Surge are much more capable than those of the Wave or Charge; you get an awl; and don't neglect the utility of the removable and exchangeable saw and diamond file-- spot-on for quick field touchups of the main blade. IMO the weight difference isn't critical. And last but not least, the wider handles make a solid grip on the pliers much more comfortable.

[Metropolicity]

Why don't you save a couple of,bucks and get a BO wave, which I think the cap crimpers are standard.

If you do end getting a wave, I think I have an extra Plier head with Cap crimpers

[alanmoortician]

Sorry i'm kind of new at this. A BO wave? Is that a variation?

[dks]

Sorry i'm kind of new at this. A BO wave? Is that a variation?

Black oxide coating. Looks more "tactical"

(Here are some pictures of mine. It is unused but the coating has begun to wear off, just by opening and closing for a few times.)

Also consider the ST300, Rebar and the cybertool too.

For a quick look into the LM options use the "multitool.org" link on the top of this page and the LM website.

[gregozedobe]

How are you going to carry this multi ?  If in your pocket or on your belt all the time look at Wave, Charge or Rebar because they are smaller and less heavy.   If in a bag where weight and size aren't such an important factor then consider a ST300 or Surge. 

If you are doing lots of cutting (particularly of any hard wire) then the Rebar and ST300 have replaceable cutting blades in the pliers.  Then look at the other tools in each model to see which one covers your particular needs best.  Outside opening gives quicker access to those particular tools.

[alanmoortician]

I intend for whatever tool I choose to join my wallet/phone/keys as my default loadout. It would live on my belt - perpetually by my side - when its not in my hands. I guess that's the definition of an ECD? I like to think of it as a good friend - always there when needed.

But yes. This tool will be on my belt somehow.

[Mr. Whippy]

FWIW, I carry my Charge in a front pocket with a pocket clip.  Very comfortable.

[AimlessWanderer]

From what you've asked I would recommend starting off with a Wave, and make sure you are happy with that format of multitool. There are so many different formats from various manufacturers, it pays to be sure you have the right tool for you personally - and you won't know that necessarily until the tool is in hand being used.

Check out the trade section here for a used Wave to start out with, then give it a few weeks use and carry. It may be that an alternate tool might end up suiting you better - some people love the compound leverage of a SOG, some the flicky Gerber pliers, some the ultra-refined feel of Victorinox.

Don't go blowing big money on something just based on what you read on the net or see on YouTube - get one try it, and if you're not 100% for any reason, or would be happier if "X" come back and tell us and we can offer more suggestions. Keep an open mind, and be prepared to explore - there's a vast world of tools out there, and you've come to the right place to help you find the best tool for your needs 

[Metropolicity]

I intend for whatever tool I choose to join my wallet/phone/keys as my default loadout. It would live on my belt - perpetually by my side - when its not in my hands. I guess that's the definition of an ECD? I like to think of it as a good friend - always there when needed.

But yes. This tool will be on my belt somehow.

You mean....like in a Skinth M-Shield?

(Sorry to plug, I am the maker of custom MT sheaths)

[kmanct3]

Charge tti, Check out the Seclusion from Cabelas

[redbaron]

oooooooorrrrr.....
get a wave and use the money you save for a rebar and drop in that plier head

[Mr. Whippy]

The only thing you gain with the Charge over the Wave is the guthook and steel material for the blades.  If it were me and I felt it was sort of a test to see if I liked the tool, I get the Wave.

If you like a Wave, you'll like a Charge.  If you don't like the Wave you won't like the Charge AND you'll wonder why you spent that extra money.

[MeadMaker]

From what you've asked I would recommend starting off with a Wave, and make sure you are happy with that format of multitool. There are so many different formats from various manufacturers, it pays to be sure you have the right tool for you personally - and you won't know that necessarily until the tool is in hand being used.

Check out the trade section here for a used Wave to start out with, then give it a few weeks use and carry. It may be that an alternate tool might end up suiting you better - some people love the compound leverage of a SOG, some the flicky Gerber pliers, some the ultra-refined feel of Victorinox.

Don't go blowing big money on something just based on what you read on the net or see on YouTube - get one try it, and if you're not 100% for any reason, or would be happier if "X" come back and tell us and we can offer more suggestions. Keep an open mind, and be prepared to explore - there's a vast world of tools out there, and you've come to the right place to help you find the best tool for your needs 

50ft gives you some very good advice.  In reality the Charge series offers some relatively small advantages over the Wave compared to the difference in price. 

Look for some bargains and try different MT's over time.  We can give you all of the advice that you can handle, some of it conflicting, but in the end you may like something that is different that what most people here are recommending.  Almost every model of MT has both fans and haters here. 

For the record I have owned and carried Charges, Waves and Surges.  For me the Surge is a great pocket carry MT, but I am in the minority here with that opinion.  The Wave is almost as good as the Charge and you can find bargains on Waves more easily. 

[alanmoortician]

Hi everyone, just a quick update with where I'm at now.

I found a guy who's willing to part with his new Surge for 55 bucks. That's a pretty good price right? The best thing about this deal is I'll have some date money left over to celebrate the end of finals. I'm pretty excited about this tool.

[adobo]

Hi everyone, just a quick update with where I'm at now.

I found a guy who's willing to part with his new Surge for 55 bucks. That's a pretty good price right? The best thing about this deal is I'll have some date money left over to celebrate the end of finals. I'm pretty excited about this tool.

Its a good price! I bet he sold it to buy a wave! 

[baja820]

 I have both the surge and the wave  both are great tools but I find myself carrying the wave the most.