Old Vs. New Wave

cody6268 · **on:** December 19, 2015, 05:13:07 PM

I've decided I finally need a Wave. The only problem I have with both variants is no awl/reamer, but my Swiss Army Knives all cover that.

I've got one problem, however. I'm stuck between buying the original and the post-2004 redesign.

Which is better?

in_sympathy · **Reply #1 on:** December 19, 2015, 05:31:43 PM

New is better IMO due to locking tools, bit adapter availability and more robust design

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Dream. Wish. Leave nothing undone. Repeat.

Zed · **Reply #2 on:** December 19, 2015, 06:47:49 PM

I personally prefer the gen1 wave,more compact and dedicated tools,plus better scissors

Demel · **Reply #3 on:** December 19, 2015, 07:08:40 PM

I am conflicted on this. I was given an original wave, sent it to Leatherman for fixing and they sent me a new one. I wish I hadn't sent it. Not because I think it's a better tool but because it was given to me. On paper I would say the new wave is better. If you don't mind having FOUR flat drivers

then go with the original. You can even mod one of the small flat drivers into an awl. But deciding to pay for one or the other I'd go with the new version. Good luck

Kampfer · **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2015, 07:56:17 PM

My Wave has an awl.

Obi1shinobee · **Reply #5 on:** December 19, 2015, 07:57:32 PM

Quote from: Kampfer on December 19, 2015, 07:56:17 PM

My Wave has an awl.

Cant beat KampAwl

Kampfer · **Reply #6 on:** December 19, 2015, 08:19:33 PM

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,63184.msg1184348.html#msg1184348

Obi1shinobee · **Reply #7 on:** December 19, 2015, 08:23:21 PM

Quote from: Kampfer on December 19, 2015, 08:19:33 PM

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,63184.msg1184348.html#msg1184348

Sea Monster · **Reply #8 on:** December 19, 2015, 08:24:53 PM

I've got both (I think? It occurs to me I have not seen my original in some time. I wonder where it is?)

The original one is neat, slim, and more or less does the job, and has some sentimental value for me.

The new one is, technically, a whole load better - better drivers, easier to deploy blades, and less likely to cover your hand in blood blisters.

To answer your question - if you're going to use it, get the new one.
(If you're going to wear it, and brag to people about how cool you are with your quasi-vintage leatherman, get the old one and a leather sheath)

Kampfer · **Reply #9 on:** December 19, 2015, 08:35:28 PM

Quote from: Sea Monster on December 19, 2015, 08:24:53 PM

I've got both (I think? It occurs to me I have not seen my original in some time. I wonder where it is?)

The original one is neat, slim, and more or less does the job, and has some sentimental value for me.

The new one is, technically, a whole load better - better drivers, easier to deploy blades, and less likely to cover your hand in blood blisters.

To answer your question - if you're going to use it, get the new one.
(If you're going to wear it, and brag to people about how cool you are with your quasi-vintage leatherman, get the old one and a leather sheath)

Agree. The new one is a better user, plus bit kit and pocket clip available, it is the perfect MT for me, especially after I put an awl in it. It is easily replace / repair if damage or lost.

OG wave has bigger better scissors, but don't let the scissors on new wave fool you by its size, they cut very well, silde through leather and cardboard like nothing.

Really you should get both, one for use one for keep.

Demel · **Reply #10 on:** December 19, 2015, 09:51:36 PM

Quote from: Kampfer on December 19, 2015, 08:35:28 PM

...Really you should get both, one for use one for keep.

Now that's the mto way

powernoodle · **Reply #11 on:** December 19, 2015, 09:56:59 PM

Quote from: cody6268 on December 19, 2015, 05:13:07 PM

Which is better?

The old Wave has an old-school, retro feel to it. Carrying it is like going back in a time machine, which can be very cool if you are into that kind of thing. So I appreciate the old Wave in that regard. But for me, the new Wave excels in utility.

BASguy · **Reply #12 on:** December 19, 2015, 11:14:20 PM

Personally I feel the old Wave is superior in most ways. Ergonomics are better for me. I don't need the added weight of making inside tools lockable because if I'm needing secondary tools to be lockable, I'm just gonna go get the right tool for that heavy weight job.
The dedicated drivers are better with the Phillips and the ever useful tech screwdriver as opposed to the hideous little eyeglass driver and bit holder. The scissors on the Gen1 are better also. I see it as lighter, more comfortable, and more efficient.

Sent from 9 miles from the face of the sun

Aloha · **Reply #13 on:** December 19, 2015, 11:22:52 PM

Huge fan of the Wave both old and new. I've been carrying my Gen1 Wave for a bit now and love it. In terms of capability each will do the job however the New Waves accessories ( bit kit and bit extender ) add that much more capability to the tool. Actually you dont even need the bit kit if you opt to only go for the bit extender since it will accept standard 1/4inch bits.

AimlessWanderer · **Reply #14 on:** December 19, 2015, 11:47:48 PM

The current Wave is a superb tool. It's the only tool in Leatherman's current line up that I have any time for, but that shouldn't take anything away from the Wave itself.

The ergonomics for me are very good, though I understand some people have found it a little pinchy, and it's sub-optimal for left handers. I have found that for some reason, the Wave is less likely to try and escape my grip than many other tools in a machine shop environment, when there's hydraulic oils, neat cutting oils, and a myriad of other substances.

The pocket clip option is great, not just because it's a good clip, but because it's such and easily fittable and removable option. The outboard tools are also very good. Inboard tools, are a matter of taste I think. I tried to fit dedicted tools from a Blast into my first Wave, but it didn't end well. It's now got no inner tools at all, and all those functions are covered by a supporting SAK. When I want the full package, I'll carry a 25th Anniversary Wave which does everything a normal Wave does, but looks better doing it.

I've never pulled the trigger on the Original Wave, mainly due to the non-locking drivers. I'd like the Wave to come in an option which has dedicated tools rather than the bit adaptor, and use the adaptor from the Fuse/Blast for bits, but whilst I am perfectly happy with a knife blade not locking, I really like screwdrivers to be secure under axial load. I'm not knocking the original, and it's a while since I've handled/used one, but for me personally I'll still with 2nd Gen, even if it's drivers are a little stumpy.

cody6268 · **Reply #15 on:** December 20, 2015, 12:00:46 AM

I think I've made my mind up--second generation it is. Used, they cost little more than the first gen and often about the same. For one, if it gets broken by me (which is beginning to be more likely as I use my tools more heavily) and I send it to Leatherman on warranty, it's more likely I get the same model back. The pocket clip is a handy feature, and being able to handle any fastener is another pro.