Jon Gadget review: Alpha vs. Wave+ vs. ARC

[powernoodle]

I found this to be a thoughtful look at the differences between these three models, so I wanted to share.  Jon Gadget's conclusion is that the ARC is worth the upcharge over the Alpha, largely because of the ease of tool deployment on the ARC.  And if you buy a clip for the Alpha - something that comes standard on the ARC - it reduces the price differential.

[mvp]

I think it's the best comparison made so far, but maybe it's also because I agree with what he says in that video. And regarding the price in the US, the difference is a little more ok, maybe, but in my country it is sold with too much difference compared to Wave+ and too little compared to ARC.
I even wrote the following message last month in another topic.

...
On leatherman.com the Wave Alfa is sold in my country for $298 and if you want the pocket clip you add $27, a Wave+ is $158 and the ARC $332. It doesn't really make sense. If you want something to abuse, buy two Wave+ for the same money, and if you want something fancier with a premium blade, for $7 more you buy the ARC. (Alfa+pocket clip is $325 and ARC is $332)

[NeatBeard]

I found it a useful review as well and I have the same thoughts about pricing, etc.

I was originally going for a Wave+, then heard about the Alpha so held off and now ive seen the price (here in the UK) i'm seriously considering the Arc (buy once, cry once n all that). I was hoping that the Alpha would be sub £200 but as said, once you add a pocket clip it's not much more to go for the Arc and the ease of tool deployment is a big plus going for it.

[powernoodle]

Jon has the street creds to give a good review.  Once upon a time, he was UK's largest vendor of Leathermans, Swiss Army Knives, Maglites, etc. with over 50 retail locations.

The standard - and correct response if you can afford it - to the question of "which multitool" is all of them.   

But if one chose only 1 among the Big 3 Leathermans, I agree that its the ARC.

[Richard Zheng]

TBH even if the Wave Alpha included a pocket clip, I'd still suggest people spend a bit more to get the arc.

One handed opening is just so nice to have

[powernoodle]

[greenbear]

It's a really good video and I am a fan of Jon Gadget which helps.

[Fireman]

I really enjoy Jon's videos, and this was a great comparison. 

[Rich_SD]

One of the few good and reasonable reviews I have seen (the other being from Best Damn EDC).  I think too many Youtubers try to be controversial for clicks, so it's refreshing to see an honest review.     

[ThundahBeagle]

Wow.  I've been sort of passively watching for an OG Wave ever since Lady Beagle got a Wave (non OG, non Plus) as part of a score that landed us a couple or 3 Leatherman tools.  I gave it to her so she would stop cutting things on a hard surface with my good PST2.

But I digress...

Arc and Alpha may be sweet tools, but I've not been one to buy into super steels and G10.

And I have an OG Surge, so I know what "good scissors" and  "good awl" and  "good serrated blade" means.

[ThundahBeagle]

Like many other here, I found job Gadget and love his reviews.  His calm, logical and factual approach make his reviews top notch.  He must have been the perfect salesman at his shops, helping customers to learn which tool fit thier use vs not.