What can I fit into the small Molle Sheath with the Surge?

[Sir Joe]

Hi guys,

I thought I ask to the experts of Multitools before I buy and have to return things.
I am going to buy a Surge Black, and here in Germany it probably come with Leather Sheats, so I will have to buy the Molle separately or ask the seller to swap.
My plan is to have in the sheath:
Surge (with clip)
Bit Extender
the thing with the second blade for the blade exchanger (plus one or two more Jigsaw blades)
one of these: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41icSiqYQzL._SY300_.jpg

Somebody told me that in the small Molle Sheath I could fit one of the two pieces of the Bit Drivers set. So, the strip with hex bits should be same thickness than one of the LM Bit Drivers set. I should be fine, right?
Of do I necessarily need the big Molle?

Btw, also in the small Molle there is that tiny almost hidden compartment to pur bits, right?

Cheers and thanks!

[Aloha]

The Molle XL sheath ( for MUT ) will fit the items you want.  There are side elastic bands that will fit items also.   

[Sir Joe]

Thanks.
So, do you have direct hand experience with the other smaller molle?
What can one for there?
Only the surge itself? Or something more? Eventually I'd sacrifice the clip.
Dank, I was hoping the small molle was ok. I hate big sheaths...

[Aloha]

Ok I got the sheath for the Wave ( small Molle ) and yes the Surge, bit card, bit extender, and Extra saw blades will all fit.  It's wide and heavy but they will all fit.   

 

[Aloha]

Theres are 2 different "styles" of small Molle sheaths.  They are the same size but you can see there is a large grommet hole on one, Lettering and logo on one, the velcro area different.  I'd say the sheath with the Leatherman lettering and logo and larger grommet  is "nicer".  It seems better made IMO.

The last picture shows the rear of the small molle sheath as well.  The stitching on the sheath with Lettering and logo plus large grommet seems better ( its the sheath in the middle ). 

Last picture shows the Molle XL on the far left as comparison.  Hope it helped.       

[ctstannard]

Theres are 2 different "styles" of small Molle sheaths.  They are the same size but you can see there is a large grommet hole on one, Lettering and logo on one, the velcro area different.  I'd say the sheath with the Leatherman lettering and logo and larger grommet  is "nicer".  It seems better made IMO.

The last picture shows the rear of the small molle sheath as well.  The stitching on the sheath with Lettering and logo plus large grommet seems better ( its the sheath in the middle ). 

Last picture shows the Molle XL on the far left as comparison.  Hope it helped.     

Off topic but I just had to say that I smile every time I see your super shiny Leatherman. Well done Aloha!

[Aloha]

Theres are 2 different "styles" of small Molle sheaths.  They are the same size but you can see there is a large grommet hole on one, Lettering and logo on one, the velcro area different.  I'd say the sheath with the Leatherman lettering and logo and larger grommet  is "nicer".  It seems better made IMO.

The last picture shows the rear of the small molle sheath as well.  The stitching on the sheath with Lettering and logo plus large grommet seems better ( its the sheath in the middle ). 

Last picture shows the Molle XL on the far left as comparison.  Hope it helped.     

Off topic but I just had to say that I smile every time I see your super shiny Leatherman. Well done Aloha!

Thanks I appreciate it.  Did you see my OG Wave and OG Supertool too by chance?

There are also some very nice ones from Mik and Babola posted there too. 

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,62109.0.html

[babola]

Sir Joe, as Aloha pointed out in his first post, no ordinary standard-size LM Molle sheaths are a match to a proper full-size LM XL Mole sheath.

They're flimsy, badly stitched, single compartment and don't attach to the Molle system properly - basically they come with a design fault.

On the other hand the full-size XLs are made to last, have multiple compartments and side elastics and attach to the Molle seamlessly. As a matter of fact these have been used by some members of the US military for some time now and not just for carrying LM tools.

I'd forget about the standard LM Molle sheath if I were you if not just for the reasons mentioned above, but that's just me.

This is what I carry in mine.

[Sir Joe]

Ok, thanks a lot, you convinced me, I'll go for the big one
So, time to order my Surge black!
A question: does the LM Bit Driver Extender really have problems with normal hex bits 25mm long? I have read that the spring is too tight and the 25mm bits disappear inside the extender and are so tight that to take them off you must use the pliers.
So I am thinking if I should order the bit extender and some 50mm hex bits, or a normal extender (not LM) which I should file down (but I have no GOOD file to do that).

[Aloha]

Great response Babola    I certainly learned something.  I really like my XL sheaths and no wonder why.   

The LM bit extender is a nice addition unless you have the means to modify a extender your already have.  I have no issues with standard 1/4 bits.  I've not encountered bits that are short that require help removing.  I do have some that fit snug which is nice but no issues removing.  I think longer bit could be nice especially if you need even more reach.  Kinda like the MUT long bits.   

[Sir Joe]

ok, wonderful, I will buy the LM extender and than I'll see which bits goes better with it.
I will wait anyway to receive the Surge before eventually looking for the Molle XL. It should come directly with the Molle XL already. But sometimes it comes with Leather or with mix Leather/Nylon.

[babola]

I will wait anyway to receive the Surge before eventually looking for the Molle XL. It should come directly with the Molle XL already.

Yes, but there ate two types of XL sheath too, the more 'basic' one which comes with Surge and ST300 and the heavy-duty one Aloha and I posted above, which comes with MUT and can also be ordered separately.

Having used both of them, something tells me you won't be very satisfied with the stock standard nylon XL sheath Surge comes with and you'll be longing for "more" soon afterwards. 

[Sir Joe]

You mean, the Surge comes with XL Standard Nylon instead of XL Molle Nylon?
I see on LM Website that the Surge Black comes as default with Molle.
I am buying the black..
I like the idea it will look older with use.
And, I can see better how I sharpen it
Actually, already ordered it. The Extender too.
Before I order the black clip, can you confirm that the Surge does not come with the clip already, like the Charge does?

[Aloha]

You mean, the Surge comes with XL Standard Nylon instead of XL Molle Nylon?
I see on LM Website that the Surge Black comes as default with Molle.
I am buying the black..
I like the idea it will look older with use.
And, I can see better how I sharpen it
Actually, already ordered it. The Extender too.
Before I order the black clip, can you confirm that the Surge does not come with the clip already, like the Charge does?

Clip doesn't come with it.  I don't know what sheath comes with the BO Surge.  I got my BO Surge second hand and I bought the XL Molle sheath new. 

[babola]

You mean, the Surge comes with XL Standard Nylon instead of XL Molle Nylon?
I see on LM Website that the Surge Black comes as default with Molle.
I am buying the black..
I like the idea it will look older with use.
And, I can see better how I sharpen it
Actually, already ordered it. The Extender too.
Before I order the black clip, can you confirm that the Surge does not come with the clip already, like the Charge does?

They are both XL size, Nylon made and both Molle compatible. One is simple and another more expandable and sturdier.

Up to you, really.

[Sir Joe]

Let's wait first to see what comes with the Surge.

[Aloha]

Let's wait first to see what comes with the Surge.

Good plan.  Also you might like the set up as delivered or at the very least use it till it wears out or you no longer like it. 

Congrats BTW on the Surge 

[ctstannard]

Theres are 2 different "styles" of small Molle sheaths.  They are the same size but you can see there is a large grommet hole on one, Lettering and logo on one, the velcro area different.  I'd say the sheath with the Leatherman lettering and logo and larger grommet  is "nicer".  It seems better made IMO.

The last picture shows the rear of the small molle sheath as well.  The stitching on the sheath with Lettering and logo plus large grommet seems better ( its the sheath in the middle ). 

Last picture shows the Molle XL on the far left as comparison.  Hope it helped.     

Off topic but I just had to say that I smile every time I see your super shiny Leatherman. Well done Aloha!

Thanks I appreciate it.  Did you see my OG Wave and OG Supertool too by chance?

There are also some very nice ones from Mik and Babola posted there too. 

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,62109.0.html

I have seen them and they look fantastic! Well done!

[Sir Joe]

Ok guys, I have received the Surge and the Bit Extender. Not yet the Clip.
So, the Surge (black) came with standard Molle.
And, I do not know how you did it, but I cannot get there all what I would like. I have put the surge, the plastic thing which comes with the Surge to have the extra blade for the blade exchanger, the Bit Extender, and a rubber line with many Hex Bits, similar to what I have linked in my first post.
Well, it does not really fit.
I like the fact of having a little sheath, I already have way too many tools hanging from my belt.
I have to think if trying to change it for free (if the shop is so kind) or just buying another one, XL, and use this at work (where I VERY rarely, if ever, will need the Hex Bits ON me, i can just have them in the backpack), and the XL for when I just want to go somewhere without Backpack and/or I really want to have all in the Sheath.

Anyway, if I go for the XL, can you tell me about the pro and cons of the Molle XL vs the Standard nylon XL?

Thanks!

(PS.: the guy who invented that Lanyard Ring is a very sick sadistic person)

[babola]

The standard Molle sheath which comes with Surge and ST300 is just that - a standard pouch. Limited in portability and expansion.

The more "luxurious" Molle XL sheath is slightly larger and wider and has few more pockets (albeit tight ones) for expansion.

What you listed above from carry requirement point of view, won't really fit into XL, either. Or it will,but will be a tight fit, painful to work with.

I would suggest something like Skinth sheaths, shoot Eric and email or check this site http://skinthsolutions.com/ and pick a suitable for your needs. Anything else will be pretty much a compromise.

To give you a bit of a feel about what can you carry with either ST300 set or Surge set, here are my two solutions. It took me a while to get there but nevertheless, I got there in the end and couldn't be happier.

ST300 carry all (LM XL Sheath):





Surge carry all (Skinth XL custom):




Hope this helps a little.

[Sir Joe]

Hmmm, I honestly do not think I want to carry more than you carry with your ST300.
Consider, one piece of the bit driver set is as thick as the Bit Extender. The Hex Bit set which I have linked in my first post is also as thick as that, and would fit near the Extender, in the same pocket.
In the other pocket you have a relatively thick pocket tool, I would have a relatively thin extra blade.
The clip, well, if I carry the sheath I do not need clip, but, just in case, I can fit it near the extra blade, in its same pocket.
I think we would have same stuff there.

Mumble mumble.

And, nobody can tell something of the other kind of nylon sheat, which also come in small and XL?

[babola]

Hmmm, I honestly do not think I want to carry more than you carry with your ST300.
Consider, one piece of the bit driver set is as thick as the Bit Extender. The Hex Bit set which I have linked in my first post is also as thick as that, and would fit near the Extender, in the same pocket.
In the other pocket you have a relatively thick pocket tool, I would have a relatively thin extra blade.
The clip, well, if I carry the sheath I do not need clip, but, just in case, I can fit it near the extra blade, in its same pocket.
I think we would have same stuff there.

Mumble mumble.

And, nobody can tell something of the other kind of nylon sheat, which also come in small and XL?

You may, just may be able to fit those in. Don't forget my Croc tool shown is super-thin, just over 1mm. Nothing thicker will fit in that front pocket in my second photo. Piranha tool for example didn't. You can squeeze the extra blade in it as you mention, for sure, though.

The bit set you listed in your first post will not fit comfortably in the second small compartment. The carry-frame of my LM bit set and extender is a pain to put in and pull out and it's slimmer than the bit set you shown, except for the very small area of the short ST300 bit extender in the middle.

As for the Surge LM bit extender you have, what can save your grace is that the Surge profile will allow you to squeeze a LM bit extender next to it, in the main compartment. Just use some rubber o-rings on your bit extender so you don't mar the Surge when pulling out and in.

If it works, it will be a very tight fit in the end not worth the pain. But the XL sheaths sometimes can be picked for as low as $12 on eBay so why not try? 

[Aloha]

You might find like I did that the most used LM bits are what I have on one card.  I dont carry both card anymore as a result.

I think Babola is right regarding space.  The red hex bit holder plus 2 cards while fitting will be a PITA when you remove the Surge.

The bit extender IMO fits best next to the tool in the main compartment as Babola states. 

In the rear pocket behind the tool one card, then tool in main area with extender, possibly the hex bits holder in the side elastic loop? I dont know how wide it is. 


The large Nylon sheat wont last.  I ran thru 2 LM Wave Nylon sheaths.  Either the velcro wears out or the belt loop gives up.

The Molle is a better made sheath and has more mounting options.  More velcro mean the tool is more secure IMO.  It also looks way better.     

[Sir Joe]

It looks much better, specially imo the brown.
I asked for the standard because had the impression it was sturdier. Good to know.
There my be a misunderstanding though: I do not plan buying any LM Bit Set. The reason why I have bought the Extender, and why I want to carry the hex bits, is that I want to use only hex bits, no LM bits.
So, if I only use that red thing, would it fit well?
Hey, after all I am putting the extender in the little internal compartment of the small Molle. So, it must pass also in the big one

[Aloha]

It looks much better, specially imo the brown.
I asked for the standard because had the impression it was sturdier. Good to know.
There my be a misunderstanding though: I do not plan buying any LM Bit Set. The reason why I have bought the Extender, and why I want to carry the hex bits, is that I want to use only hex bits, no LM bits.
So, if I only use that red thing, would it fit well?
Hey, after all I am putting the extender in the little internal compartment of the small Molle. So, it must pass also in the big one

Ahh ok yes I do think the hex bits will fit as 2 cards is tight but not horrible IMO.  The brown looks classy and less tactical to me.  I went with black because it hides the dirt  . 

I think you will be fine with what you want to carry.  It'll be fun setting your sheath up either way.  Best part is you got a BO SURGE so what else matters 

When I think I'll need more variety of bit I carry the stanley bit pouch.