Opinions Please.... Gerber Balance, Octane, or MP 400

[Thisjk38]

So I am looking at getting a new edc multi tool. I want to pocket carry it so I don't want it to be too big or bulky. It would be for light to medium use.  Right now I'm looking at the Balance, Octane, and MP 400. How do you guys feel about them? I've actually have handled the MP 400 and like the size, so how are the others in reference to it? They all seem to have what I want, just not in the right package I want. Here is how I see them right now.

Balance:
Pros:Outside tools, long drivers, and scissors
Cons: No locking blades, no one hand opening knife, and I'm worried if I loose a bit  I'd be S.O.L since they are custom bits. No pocket clip

Octane:
Pros: OHO blade, package opener, locking blades, Pocket Clip
Cons: no scissors

MP 400: (Only one I've handled)
Pros: Scissors I really like, locking blades, size
Cons: No OHO blade, all tools are inside, no pocket clip

So what do you guys think? If you've handled the 2 or 3 of them, which one do you like best or recommend? Thanks for any input.

[AimlessWanderer]

I have all three, like all three, and carry all three. I'm not alone either, there's a few of us here who are the same  MP400 (modified) is my preferred of the three is I want the most capability, Octane is very slim and disappears in the pocket, and Balance tends to be my "around the house" or general nipping to the shops type carry.

I am going to suggest trying the MP400 first, as I have a suspicion that this one would be easier to sell if you don't get along with it. The flicky pliers are fun too As for the OHO blade issue, I always prefer a seperate folding knife anyway so it never causes me a problem .... in fact I actually made my MP400 knifeless ... plus it has a corkscrew too  . I'm very surprised all three of these are not more popular to be honest

[Thisjk38]

I have all three, like all three, and carry all three. I'm not alone either, there's a few of us here who are the same  MP400 (modified) is my preferred of the three is I want the most capability, Octane is very slim and disappears in the pocket, and Balance tends to be my "around the house" or general nipping to the shops type carry.

I am going to suggest trying the MP400 first, as I have a suspicion that this one would be easier to sell if you don't get along with it. The flicky pliers are fun too As for the OHO blade issue, I always prefer a seperate folding knife anyway so it never causes me a problem .... in fact I actually made my MP400 knifeless ... plus it has a corkscrew too  . I'm very surprised all three of these are not more popular to be honest

Besides the corkscrew what other mods do you have done? I haven't seen any Gerber mods on here. So the Octane feels thinner than the mp400 in the pocket?

[AimlessWanderer]

The Octane is MUCH thinner. My MP400 already had the corkscrew (older variation), and the knifeless mod is here:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,36680.0.html

[Grathr]

I gave a MP400 to my brother. I was very impressed by the scisssors. I have a Octane I have EDC'd a bit. It is very thin and is very nice to pocket carry with the pocket clip. Both are excelent tools.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'd agree with the general consensus. If functionality is the main concern and you don't mind a bit of extra size, the MP400 is your tool.  Its not a big tool mind you, just the biggest and bulkiest of the three, although that's like saying it's the least sporty Ferrari!

The Octane would be my next choice if you wanted most of the MP400 but in a more convenient package.

I like the Balance- it's smooth and pocketable and has very nice scissors that the Octane is missing and in a few years I'll probably rate it higher, but for now it just doesn't have the rep for long term reliability that the others have.  I have no doubt that its a good tool, you just have to give props to the "been there, done that, bought a T-shirt and wore it out already" rep that the MP400 and (to a lesser extent) the Octane both have.

Def

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk 2

[jerseydevil]

Oh dear God, did I just agree with everything 50ft had to say in a post?      I have all three, and use each of them regularly.  The MP450 (no scissors) which I have sees regular use at work.  The Balance and Octane are more around the house or out and about tools which also see plenty of pocket time.  Personally I'd say try the MP400 first.  If (when  ) you like it, you'll end up with the other two soon enough......

[AimlessWanderer]

Oh dear God, did I just agree with everything 50ft had to say in a post?       I have all three, and use each of them regularly.  The MP450 (no scissors) which I have sees regular use at work.  The Balance and Octane are more around the house or out and about tools which also see plenty of pocket time.  Personally I'd say try the MP400 first.  If (when  ) you like it, you'll end up with the other two soon enough......

I knew you'd see the light eventually mate   

[kirk13]

I have all three, like all three, and carry all three. I'm not alone either, there's a few of us here who are the same  MP400 (modified) is my preferred of the three is I want the most capability, Octane is very slim and disappears in the pocket, and Balance tends to be my "around the house" or general nipping to the shops type carry.

I am going to suggest trying the MP400 first, as I have a suspicion that this one would be easier to sell if you don't get along with it. The flicky pliers are fun too As for the OHO blade issue, I always prefer a seperate folding knife anyway so it never causes me a problem .... in fact I actually made my MP400 knifeless ... plus it has a corkscrew too  . I'm very surprised all three of these are not more popular to be honest

Smurf it,this turning into some sort of sad bromance!

JD an 50ft are exactly right.

I too have all 3,and like them all.My pick would be the MP400(mine is modded as well,but being cool,I don't have the corkscrew).The Octane is great,but lacks tools unless you pair it up with either a SAK or a mini tool like a Micra,or a Splice.The Balence is good,but outside of a shop environment,might be found wanting

[AimlessWanderer]

3 down, one to go. We just need Gareth now 

[Gareth]

Another owner of all three.   It is indeed a tough choice: the MP400 has the most tools and is the best all round of the three, BUT I personally don't find it comfy to pocket carry.  The Octane is much more pocket friendly but limited in function and my example wasn't all that well finished, unlike the MP400 which was perfect.

Balance is nice but I've not used it enough to give it a proper report.  50ft's review is well worth a read and I've tacked my thoughts on there as well.

All in all I'd say the MP400 is the safest bet.

[Gareth]

3 down, one to go. We just need Gareth now 

give me a chance, I'm typing on my phone here. 

[AimlessWanderer]

 

Well, Thisjk38 ... the enlightened few (plus Tom ) have all spoken  I believe that us four reprebates are the only ones who own and carry all three tools that you're looking at, but I'm sure others will continue to come along to give their thoughts on the ones they own/carry 

If you're interested, my review of the Balance is here: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,40506.0.html
I thought Gareth had done a review of the Octane, but I can't find it - it might have been part of another thread 

[Lynn LeFey]

I was looking at pics online, and it SEEMS that the Balance uses regular (although the smaller version) hex bits. Can any of you owners confirm (or refute) this?

I had an MP400. Good, general overall tool, but traded it away in my quest for 'the perfect tool'. I liked it enough that one day I'll likely come back around to get another. Keep in mind, I also traded away a Leatherman Wave, which I think was an excellent tool, so it's no knock whatsoever on the MP400.

I do believe I may have a Balance in my future.

Oh, and I have to agree that the scissors on the MP400 were VERY good.

[AimlessWanderer]

I was looking at pics online, and it SEEMS that the Balance uses regular (although the smaller version) hex bits. Can any of you owners confirm (or refute) this?

I had an MP400. Good, general overall tool, but traded it away in my quest for 'the perfect tool'. I liked it enough that one day I'll likely come back around to get another. Keep in mind, I also traded away a Leatherman Wave, which I think was an excellent tool, so it's no knock whatsoever on the MP400.

I do believe I may have a Balance in my future.

Oh, and I have to agree that the scissors on the MP400 were VERY good.

Unfortunately not Lynn, they're smaller than standard. I can't remember off hand exactly what size, but its in my review (in the above link)

[rdub934]

Another owner of all three.   It is indeed a tough choice: the MP400 has the most tools and is the best all round of the three, BUT I personally don't find it comfy to pocket carry.  The Octane is much more pocket friendly but limited in function and my example wasn't all that well finished, unlike the MP400 which was perfect.

Balance is nice but I've not used it enough to give it a proper report.  50ft's review is well worth a read and I've tacked my thoughts on there as well.

All in all I'd say the MP400 is the safest bet.

This is a good point that I will foot-stomp. Perhaps if it had a pocket clip it would be less noticeable, but as it is, it does not ride along well in a pocket. It gets hooked on everything and is a little pokey when sitting or what not. Also, I like having atleast some outside tool access, so I don't carry my 400 very often. It rides along in the glove box of my wife's minivan

As it is the only of three I own, I can't comment any further... at this time

[scrappy]

I own all three. I have not used the balance other than to compare it to other tools. The bits are a unique size and I have not found any replacement bits. I dont use it because the pliers are too thin for my tastes. If I want a tool with pliers than they need to at least be mp400 size.

The same can be said for the octane. The pliers are very thin. I did try to carry it, but i put it away because the linerlock flexed too much when I used the knife. i tend to apply pressure to the back of the blade at times when cutting things I shouldn't. I cut carpet, shingles and all sorts of stuff with my multis. I like the mp400 very much. It is a nice tool.

as an fyi, I stopped carrying my favorite juices because their pliers are too small also for my needs .

[Lynn LeFey]

50ft... you listed the bit size as 3/8" in your review of the Balance.

I found a little tool kit (at Home Depot, last year) with a screw driver with replaceable bits. It came with both the standard size hex bits, and smaller ones. I just measured them, and if the size of a hex bit is measured from corner to corner, they're 3/8". I don't know if this driver was a fluke and odd rarity, or something fairly easily found, but I now have about ten 3/8" hex bits (and a little piece that adapts from the larger to smaller size). So... 

[scrappy]

They are smaller than 3/8. They look to me like they are inbetween 1/8 and 1/4. I haven't found a match yet.

[AimlessWanderer]

50ft... you listed the bit size as 3/8" in your review of the Balance.

I found a little tool kit (at Home Depot, last year) with a screw driver with replaceable bits. It came with both the standard size hex bits, and smaller ones. I just measured them, and if the size of a hex bit is measured from corner to corner, they're 3/8". I don't know if this driver was a fluke and odd rarity, or something fairly easily found, but I now have about ten 3/8" hex bits (and a little piece that adapts from the larger to smaller size). So... 

Just checked my reviews as 3/8" is 10mm which is HUGE ... they're 3/16" (not 3/8") and that's measured across the flats.

As for the ones you've found, 3/8" (0.375") across corners x2 /3.142 = 0.238" across flats, so the ones you've found are probably standard 1/4" hex bits

[AimlessWanderer]

Hang on - that formula is wrong (long days at work - let me check this ...)

EDIT: Does not compute ... do you want to check those sizes Lynn ... (though it may be my head is addled)

[jerseydevil]

Well, Thisjk38 ... the enlightened few (plus Tom ) have all spoken 

    

Smurf it,this turning into some sort of sad bromance!

   At least it's good to see the Gerber Groupies sticking together on this.....

[nuphoria]

I think it's very sweet

[Thisjk38]

Well, Thisjk38 ... the enlightened few (plus Tom ) have all spoken  I believe that us four reprebates are the only ones who own and carry all three tools that you're looking at, but I'm sure others will continue to come along to give their thoughts on the ones they own/carry 

If you're interested, my review of the Balance is here: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,40506.0.html
I thought Gareth had done a review of the Octane, but I can't find it - it might have been part of another thread 

Wow ask and you shall receive. Thanks for all the input. Your review on the balance is what got me interested in the it. After all this input I ended up getting the 400. I bought the one I handled for $15. It's in pretty good shape, does need some cleaning and the can opener has a chip in it. I was thinking about sending it in but I just read on here someone did this and his was replaced with a newer model with the new knife. I'm not sure how I feel about it, and since a can opener is not a crucial tool for me I can live with it. I really do like this tool, doesn't feel much different in my pocket than carrying a juice but I do wish it had a clip.

I still really want to try the octane. I just saw one on eBay with my brothers intials on it. I'm thinking of buying it, playing with it, then storing it. His bday is not until Decemebr so at least I'd get his gift shopping out of the way lol.

With the MP400 and my dime, I am really becoming a gerber fan. Both feel very solid and different than my other mts. Thanks for the input again and keep the convo going.

[colt 1911]

I had the mp400 and sold it. I wish i never did, miss that tool a lot.

[jerseydevil]

With the MP400 and my dime, I am really becoming a gerber fan. Both feel very solid and different than my other mts. Thanks for the input again and keep the convo going.

Watch out, I started with just the MP450.  Now there's a dozen different Gerbers around here....    And I love that you've already scoped out an Octane.  You're getting there...   

[Thisjk38]

I'm really liking this MT. After one day of carrying I really didn't notice it in my pocket. I have one problem though. Well cleaning it earlier, I discovered the smallest driver was broken and missing the tip. I guess in my haste to buy it I missed it. Unlike the can opener this is a tool that gets good use. If I send it in I'm guessing they'll replace it with answer version with the new knife blade. How do you guys feel about the new blade?

[Gareth]

Darn.   One option might be to try and re-grind the screwdriver tip perhaps?

[AimlessWanderer]

Yup, that would be my first move too

[Thisjk38]

Darn.   One option might be to try and re-grind the screwdriver tip perhaps?

I thought about this as well but the break seems to have happened pretty low and on an angle. The lowest of point of it is only a hair about the nail nick. So if still possible to grind it, would end up being a very tiny driver.