Gift for my Bro going to Iraq.... Powerlock or LM-Charge?

[BassClefJeff84]

Simple question i guess.  I am torn between the two and his birthday is coming up soon and he is also going to Iraq in a few weeks.  What do you all think would suit him the best?

SOG- Very powerful pliers

Charge- Fast deployment of blades for emergencies.

 

[silentio]

While I don't have either tools, the military in my country recently issues recruits with the SOG. This is because there is a version with a blasting cap crimper. (I don't have one because when I was drafted, the military was still giving out some useless rusty jackknives ) If your brother has a need for that, perhaps the SOG will be the right choice.

[Sean]

The charge series has the blasting cap crimper as well.  Having both the sog and the charge alx I would say get the Leatherman.  Outside opening blades plus file and saw are all good and handy to get at working tools.  The sog whils't it has perhaps the better plier head for easier cutting is a bit more cumbersome and time consuming deploying the tools.  Here is a good video for reference comparing the two.  Take what ever you deem to be important from it.  Good luck either way I am sure he will be very happy to receive whatever tool you choose to get for him.



Sean

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Out of the two you've listed I'd pick the Powerlock purely on grounds of strength and simplicity in the field (not that the Charge is weak)

Have you thought of a Victorinox Swisstool? If I was serving overseas, that's the MT I'd pick hands down

[DaveK]

Owning all 3 tools mentioned, I would say that the Charge is the lightest, and easiest to deploy.

Without having any experience though, I suspect the Powerlock might cope with sand better than the other two due to the relatively spacious handles.

[Benner]

I'd be inclined to go with the Powerlock as well - good strong tool which is easy to maintain.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'd toss in the Powerlock as well for the above reasons, plus the fact that when (not if) he breaks components they can be easily replaced.  I don't see the OH blade feature to be much of a benefit as that's what his bayonet is for, and Russel Crowe is the only guy I know of silly enough to try using a multitool as an offensive weapon.  I am sure quartermasters everywhere rolled their eyes at that!

Def

[cliosguy]

Yeap powelock same reasons mentioned above

[David]

Powerlock   

[Leatherman123]

I personally would go for the LM SURGE.. It has the same heavy duty capability as the Powerlock, and 1 hand opening blades!

[turbov21]

Just curious: if he's going to Iraq, would the PowerBlock's ability to be taken apart offer any benefit in regards to cleaning sand from the joints?

[I'm Still Bison]

I'd have to say the choice would boil down to knowing what his MOS is. Right now I'm leaning towards the Charge,because of the weight.Grunts,even when vehicular,carry so much weight on them in terms of equipment,that eventually thy'll pare down to bare bones essentials.

[ducktapehero]

Grunts,even when vehicular,carry so much weight on them in terms of equipment,that eventually thy'll pare down to bare bones essentials.

Yep, when I was a grunt all that was available was the original LM PST and that's the heaviest I would want to carry. If I were going back in I'd probably get a LM Kick. Lightweight, will handle 99% of what I needed and most importantly, inexpensive to replace when broke or lost. In civilian life, gimme a Spirit though. 

[Mike]

Simple question i guess.  I am torn between the two and his birthday is coming up soon and he is also going to Iraq in a few weeks.  What do you all think would suit him the best?

SOG- Very powerful pliers

Charge- Fast deployment of blades for emergencies.

 

In addition to a multi-tool, does your brother have a pocket SAK of some kind? Tinker, Hiker, Mechanic, Soldier anything like that?

Mike

[Medic82]

Powerlock.

[WH867]

Powerlock

[duckman1975]

Charge, one handed blade opening.

[Leatherman123]

I have given this a lot of thought, and I truly believe that a Charge TTi would be the perfect choice. First of all, the blades, saw, and file are all outside accessible. Sure, they are not going to be used in combat, but they will be used for emergencies and day to day tasks. Kwakster made a post about one of his mate's using a Modded Charge blade and it ended up saving his life. If it was a Powerlock, I wouldn't be so sure.. First, you must unfold the handles, the open the blade flap, then go "fishing" for the diminutive pen blade (which is chisel ground). That is a lot of steps in a life threatening situation. Next, the main blade is S30v steel. This means that it will stay sharper- longer...a soldier may not always have a sharpening system handy! Next, the bit drivers, the are SO versatile. Not only do the except LM's proprietary bits (the bit kit can be purchased for around $15ish and it is wonderful,  it contains 42 different screw heads), and lastly, it has many other great features like a diamond file (works great on nails and touch up work on knives and such), capable scissors, and a double ended eyeglass screwdriver that can come in handy. IMO, the Charge TTi is the tool for your Bro! 

[Anthony]

I'm not a soldier, never been to a desert, never been in a battle in one, and never been to Iraq.

That said I'd go with the Powerlock.  As Grant mentioned, he should already have a decent fixed blade for when he needs to cut something.  And with gloves on, the Powerlock will be easier to unsheath, deploy, use, close and resheath...all with one hand.  And the super strong pliers also means super strong wire cutters.  And if he's into demolition/explosives, a lot of Powerlocks come with a blasting cap crimper.  

Turbov21 said it would be easy to clean the sand out...which is true.  He doesn't even have to break down and build the whole tool to do it.  Just loosen the pivots, hold it under running water and move the parts, then tighten it back up.

AND the Powerlock is cheaper belive it or not!

[duckman1975]

Sog power assists is worth a look see.