I broke a Suspension once handling it in a store.....
Well, I agree that the Suspension is above most MTs on that price range. It is only comparable to the Ganzo tools for the $, and even those do not have all-locking implements.The real issue I believe, is:a. Spring loaded pliers, which reminds most MTOers of chepo tools and Chinese crap. Even though I like the spring on my wingman and love the feel on my Gerber Legend and MP700, makes more comfortable wire cutting for meb. The Bear Grylls name, and stamp, which is present in most of the worst, sh*ttiest products that Gerber has brought up in the last decade, and bring bad looks and opinions as most of the BG stuff is pure garbagec. The phyisical similarity (beefy, thick, color scheme, tool display) to most sub-par Multis out thered. The fact that Leatherman has similarlyt priced offerings, which appeal to most (myself included) much more, and Gerber has their own MP600/MP400 and others that cost justa bit more or the same as the Suspension, so why not get those directly? (stronger, better regarded, not Chinese made, better QC...)I've had my share of cheap/inexepnsive MTs and I'd rather get a second hand LM, Gerber or SOG before a new Suspension, or just save a bit more and upgrade to a MP600, Wingman or Diesel/Flik. I think this is the general opinion here. But as you do, I enjoy many of my cheaper tools as much, no problem with that! I have wanted to try the Ganzo 301, but I cannot find a US source for them. I have one of their knives, and it seems really nice for the price. I was looking at a BG multitool a while back, but all it is, is a Suspension with different handles. Bear Grylls does not even seem to use the tools with his name on them on his show. MP 600's are in another category and can cost twice as much as the Suspension. I have about six of them of various types. I have a MP400, but it a bit too small for my taste. Nice collection there by the way! That larger tool you showed in the first pic is a Flip, correct? I have one of those somewhere. I got it at an auto parts store years ago. Nice US made tool!
The Gerber Suspension is one of the few tools in the 'bargain price' realm I haven't yet tried. As they're on clearance at my local Home Depot, I might have to rectify that. I DO think they're probably worth $20.I don't think an often-copied design is necessarily a sign of 'good' design. It might be a sign of 'easily manufactured' design. Or, put bluntly, 'easy to produce cheaply'.And rather hilariously, some of the design decisions made on the Leatherman PST, a very simple, yet elegant design, are missing on knock-offs. Things that were well thought out, that cost nothing to reproduce... just not there. I don't have high hopes for the Gerber Suspension, but then, I am a big fan of the Leatherman Sidekick. So... who knows? And I DO think that at $20 new, it might currently be the best multi for the money. Understanding, I'm talking new, here, not what you could find used on ebay or whatever.
It's still not on parking with a Charge, but I'd certainly consider it on par with the Sidekick/Wingman and better than the Rev.
The current issue Suspension is not a bad tool, but it is a low end or entry level tool.Early ones were plagued by serious quality control issues and represent a dark time in Gerber's history. We actually received several Suspensions to give away at the time (part of our second or third anniversary maybe?) and one of them arrived broken. In a blister pack. Since Gerbe got a handle on the QC issues the Suspension has become a very use able tool. It's still not on parking with a Charge, but I'd certainly consider it on par with the Sidekick/Wingman and better than the Rev.Def
I had the locking mechanism failing on me, and I NEVER abuse my tools. Had to fix it myself. After I dropped it during work, the cast iron pivot on one end broke in half.Fixed it myself using a small metal bolt and nut (costs next to nothing, but Gerber saw it as a no-go).After a second drop (those drops were not high btw) the, yet again cast iron, spring that keeps the plier handles in the open position broke off.So when I open it now, 1 handle just swings around.Thrown it in a drawer for parts, got myself a NIB Charge AL for almost 1/3 of the retail price here, costing me as much as a new Suspension would cost me in store. (€70)And a second hand Swisstool X for half that price (€35)And a TSA seized Swisstool Spirit S BO for €55.All in all: save money and buy second hand, top of the line tools, for the retail price of overrated junk.
Well, I agree that the Suspension is above most MTs on that price range. It is only comparable to the Ganzo tools for the $, and even those do not have all-locking implements.The real issue I believe, is:a. Spring loaded pliers, which reminds most MTOers of chepo tools and Chinese crap. Even though I like the spring on my wingman and love the feel on my Gerber Legend and MP700, makes more comfortable wire cutting for meb. The Bear Grylls name, and stamp, which is present in most of the worst, sh*ttiest products that Gerber has brought up in the last decade, and bring bad looks and opinions as most of the BG stuff is pure garbagec. The phyisical similarity (beefy, thick, color scheme, tool display) to most sub-par Multis out thered. The fact that Leatherman has similarlyt priced offerings, which appeal to most (myself included) much more, and Gerber has their own MP600/MP400 and others that cost justa bit more or the same as the Suspension, so why not get those directly? (stronger, better regarded, not Chinese made, better QC...)I've had my share of cheap/inexepnsive MTs and I'd rather get a second hand LM, Gerber or SOG before a new Suspension, or just save a bit more and upgrade to a MP600, Wingman or Diesel/Flik. I think this is the general opinion here. But as you do, I enjoy many of my cheaper tools as much, no problem with that!(Image removed from quote.)Here at MT.org there's a place for everything, and everyone! (Image removed from quote.)
No mention about the others such as the Resolve, Method, Crux, Bear Grylls Ultimate Multi Tool, Ripstop, EVO Tool, and Tread? The Suspension isn't the worst tool that Gerber has ever made, despite their crappy quality control when it was first introduced. I personally think the Gerber Radius takes that crown from the Suspension. I have always pondered this question...was it Gerber's Suspension that started what I like to think is the Chinese generic multi-tool shape (Ganzo), or was it just convenient for Gerber to borrow that general shape for their Suspension line. Either way, the shape is not the best out there. I also can't help but to think whenever I see a multi-tool out in the wild with that general profile...that it will be a cheap tool in general, despite these tools being somewhat overbuilt overall. This is because of the cheap tool selection many of these have to offer inside.With that said, you are right, the Suspension isn't all that bad of a tool overall. There are just far better tools out there.
Quote from: Grant Lamontagne on November 20, 2016, 11:45:46 PMThe current issue Suspension is not a bad tool, but it is a low end or entry level tool.Early ones were plagued by serious quality control issues and represent a dark time in Gerber's history. We actually received several Suspensions to give away at the time (part of our second or third anniversary maybe?) and one of them arrived broken. In a blister pack. Since Gerbe got a handle on the QC issues the Suspension has become a very use able tool. It's still not on parking with a Charge, but I'd certainly consider it on par with the Sidekick/Wingman and better than the Rev.Def I have three Charges, and they are $150.00 plus tools. Not even in the same ballpark as the Suspension. If the newer Suspensions are better, I may have to look into getting an updated one to see the diff!
Quote from: mikekoz on November 21, 2016, 12:06:59 AMQuote from: Grant Lamontagne on November 20, 2016, 11:45:46 PMThe current issue Suspension is not a bad tool, but it is a low end or entry level tool.Early ones were plagued by serious quality control issues and represent a dark time in Gerber's history. We actually received several Suspensions to give away at the time (part of our second or third anniversary maybe?) and one of them arrived broken. In a blister pack. Since Gerbe got a handle on the QC issues the Suspension has become a very use able tool. It's still not on parking with a Charge, but I'd certainly consider it on par with the Sidekick/Wingman and better than the Rev.Def I have three Charges, and they are $150.00 plus tools. Not even in the same ballpark as the Suspension. If the newer Suspensions are better, I may have to look into getting an updated one to see the diff!That was my point. They aren't a Charge, but then the price isn't the same as a Charge either.The question is, at five times the price (roughly) is the Charge worth five Suspensions?Def
Quote from: Mechanickal on November 20, 2016, 09:16:06 PMI had the locking mechanism failing on me, and I NEVER abuse my tools. Had to fix it myself. After I dropped it during work, the cast iron pivot on one end broke in half.Fixed it myself using a small metal bolt and nut (costs next to nothing, but Gerber saw it as a no-go).After a second drop (those drops were not high btw) the, yet again cast iron, spring that keeps the plier handles in the open position broke off.So when I open it now, 1 handle just swings around.Thrown it in a drawer for parts, got myself a NIB Charge AL for almost 1/3 of the retail price here, costing me as much as a new Suspension would cost me in store. (€70)And a second hand Swisstool X for half that price (€35)And a TSA seized Swisstool Spirit S BO for €55.Quote from: alexTOOL on November 21, 2016, 12:12:15 AMQuote from: Mechanickal on November 20, 2016, 09:16:06 PMI had the locking mechanism failing on me, and I NEVER abuse my tools. Had to fix it myself. After I dropped it during work, the cast iron pivot on one end broke in half.Fixed it myself using a small metal bolt and nut (costs next to nothing, but Gerber saw it as a no-go).After a second drop (those drops were not high btw) the, yet again cast iron, spring that keeps the plier handles in the open position broke off.So when I open it now, 1 handle just swings around.Thrown it in a drawer for parts, got myself a NIB Charge AL for almost 1/3 of the retail price here, costing me as much as a new Suspension would cost me in store. (€70)And a second hand Swisstool X for half that price (€35)And a TSA seized Swisstool Spirit S BO for €55.All in all: save money and buy second hand, top of the line tools, for the retail price of overrated junk.This is not fair.You always can buy a Gerber Suspension cheaper on EbayHow much would cost a LM Charge AL or Victorinox Swisstool in a store? Probably more.The comparision must be equivalentThere's a site online here that sells stuff like that at ok prices.Charge AL: €146Swisstool X: €140Just noticed that the suspension became cheaper, and realised mine came with a sort of paraframe folder in gift tin.Just the tool: €50Second hand, UNUSED Swisstools go for €40-65.an unused suspension for 25.Since €40 isn't breaking the bank, I know what I'd pick.Ofcoarse this might be a totaly different case in other markets, but I myself can't bring myself to buy another Suspension.Maybe another broken one for the parts.
I had the locking mechanism failing on me, and I NEVER abuse my tools. Had to fix it myself. After I dropped it during work, the cast iron pivot on one end broke in half.Fixed it myself using a small metal bolt and nut (costs next to nothing, but Gerber saw it as a no-go).After a second drop (those drops were not high btw) the, yet again cast iron, spring that keeps the plier handles in the open position broke off.So when I open it now, 1 handle just swings around.Thrown it in a drawer for parts, got myself a NIB Charge AL for almost 1/3 of the retail price here, costing me as much as a new Suspension would cost me in store. (€70)And a second hand Swisstool X for half that price (€35)And a TSA seized Swisstool Spirit S BO for €55.Quote from: alexTOOL on November 21, 2016, 12:12:15 AMQuote from: Mechanickal on November 20, 2016, 09:16:06 PMI had the locking mechanism failing on me, and I NEVER abuse my tools. Had to fix it myself. After I dropped it during work, the cast iron pivot on one end broke in half.Fixed it myself using a small metal bolt and nut (costs next to nothing, but Gerber saw it as a no-go).After a second drop (those drops were not high btw) the, yet again cast iron, spring that keeps the plier handles in the open position broke off.So when I open it now, 1 handle just swings around.Thrown it in a drawer for parts, got myself a NIB Charge AL for almost 1/3 of the retail price here, costing me as much as a new Suspension would cost me in store. (€70)And a second hand Swisstool X for half that price (€35)And a TSA seized Swisstool Spirit S BO for €55.All in all: save money and buy second hand, top of the line tools, for the retail price of overrated junk.This is not fair.You always can buy a Gerber Suspension cheaper on EbayHow much would cost a LM Charge AL or Victorinox Swisstool in a store? Probably more.The comparision must be equivalentThere's a site online here that sells stuff like that at ok prices.Charge AL: €146Swisstool X: €140Just noticed that the suspension became cheaper, and realised mine came with a sort of paraframe folder in gift tin.Just the tool: €50Second hand, UNUSED Swisstools go for €40-65.an unused suspension for 25.Since €40 isn't breaking the bank, I know what I'd pick.Ofcoarse this might be a totaly different case in other markets, but I myself can't bring myself to buy another Suspension.Maybe another broken one for the parts.
Quote from: Mechanickal on November 20, 2016, 09:16:06 PMI had the locking mechanism failing on me, and I NEVER abuse my tools. Had to fix it myself. After I dropped it during work, the cast iron pivot on one end broke in half.Fixed it myself using a small metal bolt and nut (costs next to nothing, but Gerber saw it as a no-go).After a second drop (those drops were not high btw) the, yet again cast iron, spring that keeps the plier handles in the open position broke off.So when I open it now, 1 handle just swings around.Thrown it in a drawer for parts, got myself a NIB Charge AL for almost 1/3 of the retail price here, costing me as much as a new Suspension would cost me in store. (€70)And a second hand Swisstool X for half that price (€35)And a TSA seized Swisstool Spirit S BO for €55.All in all: save money and buy second hand, top of the line tools, for the retail price of overrated junk.This is not fair.You always can buy a Gerber Suspension cheaper on EbayHow much would cost a LM Charge AL or Victorinox Swisstool in a store? Probably more.The comparision must be equivalent
I do agree that the Suspension is a fairly decent tool, mine seem to have a bit of trouble with the locking but nothing major. What I do mind about them though is that it almost seems like the designers went out of their way to design a heavy tool and to make every implement stubby.
Flip indeed.(Image removed from quote.)One of my favorite cheap MTs (Image removed from quote.)
Quote from: ThePeacent on November 22, 2016, 04:53:19 PMFlip indeed.(Image removed from quote.)One of my favorite cheap MTs (Image removed from quote.)did you put small pliers on the outside of those two multi tools? They didn't come that way did they?
they do (Image removed from quote.)
Quote from: ThePeacent on June 08, 2017, 03:40:23 PMthey do (Image removed from quote.)Wow, I just looked up a bunch of pictures of them. now I want one.