Diesel vs Wave vs Spirit X

[soapboxpreacher]

Being a long time multi-tool dependent due to weight, size and flexibility I have became a daily user of them.  For many years I had just the Gerber Pro-scout.  Not a bad tool but I never knew any better.  Had an original Leatherman the one that would chop up your hands fairly bad when using the plier with any force.  So my 16 year old Pro-Scout has served me well.  But once again never really knew much outside of those 2 tools.  The Leatherman has since been passed on any really never used with any significance. So I decided to explorer some new option.  It is amazing how flooded the market has became as well as competitive.  So I purchased these 3 tools:  Gerber Diesel, Leatherman Wave, and the Vic Spirit X.  I have a Sog PowerAssist coming.  But I am going to swap out a few tools if I like it (V-Cutter for the Wood Saw, and the large slotted for the Scissors, this should make the PowerAssist good for my use).  So let me Jump in and describe each category as I go:

Knives:
Every Multi-Tool needs a good Knife.  I use that part of the Tool most.  Accessing is big for me.  I open boxes, cut labels, wire jackets, etc.  Variety of Knives isnt as big of a deal as quality and design.  One tool in this category is bar none the best.  That is the Leatherman.  The ability to take the blade out without opening it alone makes this head and shoulders above the others.  The Steel is 420HC, better than the others.  Not to mention the blade is thick! Has a perfect shape and design.  It can be accessed with one hand easily!  The lock is easy to use and functions well.  I dont use the serrated on the Wave and think a combo single blade based on the primary straight blade would be better.  The Diesel takes second, the tip is not rounded limiting its capabilities and it is not as solid nor as easy to access as the Wave.  It is a distant second.  As for the Vic...it (IMHO) is garbage.  Small, thin, weak,  finger nail to retrieve...both blades!  It was a huge disappointment.

Pliers:
This is the second most used tool for me.  Access is important which is what made the Pro-Scout (My old MT) so nice, remove from the sheath, snap your wrist and you got pliers.  One handed no unfolding...quick and easy!  So you would think the Diesel would possess some of that good thinking.  wrong!  Ok so they improved the palm pinch problem (something I never really ran into with the Pro-Scout) and the handle is super comfortable on the Diesel but the plastic release concerns me...will it last?  My Scout had a steel release design and it was snapped out thousands of times.  Smooth and always worked.  This I cannot say for the Diesel.  There is also play in the pliers hinge.  It wiggles around when ejected.  The Design is not nearly as nice and solid as the Wave or the Vic.  The Vic is the smoothest opening and closing.  But the tip is bigger and blunter this in my book is a negative.  The Pliers are also slightly shorter than both the wave and the diesel.  I do really like the handle on the Vic.  Ergonomics are very nice on the Vic and the action is smooth, contour design is really nice.  The Wave took a while to work in but got better, it was not nearly as smooth as the Vic out of the Box but became smoother as I used it more.  Cutters, Diesel, longest surface area, Vic shortest..all are fairly typical.  So As for Pliers I think the Wave and the Vic take 1st but the Diesel is a close 2nd, it loses out to the wiggling and no longer smooth flick out action even after near hundreds of times. 

Drivers:
I use a screw driver alot (phillips 98% of the time), this is the third if not second most used tool on my Multi-tool.  It is important and can save you like it has done me countless times I was in a pinch.  Lets just start off with ranking.  The Diesel...dead last!!!  Worthless in the Phillips department completely!!!  It was terrible.  Not long, and the tip stripped out #2 and even #1 heads bad!!!  The Vic is longer and is a #2 head, it works well!!!! I believe putting it into first place...however when you factor in accessories and how they fit in the sheath the driver category gets confusing and clouded.  You can add additional tools to all these MTs.  The Vic even has a ratchet..nice but Honestly it adds weight to the carrying and starts to get into the "Yeah I can do that too" but doesnt tell you that it doesn't do it very well.   I like the bit system on the Wave...bits fit solid and there are a ton.  The can be added to the sheath and dont weigh it down like the vic however they are not standard so you can just grab a hex fit bit and pop it in to the wave...were you can with the Vic.   But the benefit is, it does add as much bulk and you can get 42 but not hex drivers.  For what comes with the Wave in terms of Bits without the accessories is a #1-2 Phillips and a Medium Slotted.  It would in my opinion been better to do a #2 Phillips and a Medium Slotted.  I use the #2 driver most.  So First Place in this category is a tough one to determine.  So I will say it is a draw between the Vic and the Wave.  Both have pluses and minus.  If you dont factor in the accessories it is still a draw.  For the Vic only has a #2 Phillips where the Wave has a #1-2 making it more useful...giving the edge to Wave but losing it for being shorter than the Vic...once again a draw!  Oh and I almost forgot and this is a big one!  Which puts the leatherman maybe appart...is the jewelry bits!!!  Handy nice touch, and they work!!!  Once again got me out of a Jam more than once!!!

Saw:
Diesel wins...thicker, more aggressive just a better design!  Vic and Wave tie again for Second.   Tooth design on the Vic seems a little better but Wave is beefer blade and far easier to retrieve so it might actually edge out the Vic.  Not much too say in this category.  They all seem to do good at cutting for the most part.  Access goes to Wave, Teeth Design Vic, and Cutting (Splitting hairs) goes to the Gerber. 

Scissors:
Surprisingly, the Wave took this one.  And I came to that determination by cutting a multi-page catalog.  It is not the longest blade, nor the easiest to access...vic takes that crown because it doesnt need to be unfolded after taking it out, but Leatherman did one thing that neither thought of.  They added a flange to the scissor to offer more leverage...Huge Difference!!!!  That flange added so much more comfort as well as leverage it wasnt even funny!!  The Vic couldnt cut the catalog...plus it hurt like hell to push hard down on the scissor handle...just a straight steel edge to push on...OUCH!  the Diesel did better but once again no where near the wave.  Also one note the Vic does not open nearly as wide as the other two.  It doesn't require unfolding but that doesnt matter if it cant cut well.  So Scissors goes to the leatherman hands down!

File:
Vic wins for one reason...the edge side file (3-sided).  the 3rd side being the edge, is handy, notching and tight spots plus it works, moreover, designed to be a file!!!  The Wave has a 3-sided one too but the edge file is not designed well!  As for the Diesel it is a 2 sided file with two different textures.  It actually works well for steel!!!  But missing the 3rd side is a strike and puts it last!

Can openers and Bottle Openers:
Can Opener...They all work well and pretty much the same!  Vic and Diesel have a dedicated Bottle Opener which also has yet another slotted driver on it (Slotted to me, considering alot of the MT have so many is becoming worthless).  I dont use slotted that often and when I do none of these tools work well enough, because they are generally too short.  Openers category goes to the Vic.  Not a heavy weighted category for me.  Unless disaster strikes then they will become very important for survival!

Awl and Reamers:
Vic wins...neither of the others has any.  I am yet to see a use.  If I had to carrier an AR on a daily basis then we are talking different but then again I would get a MUT.  The Awl is great for pushing out push pins on an AR style rifle. 

Sheath:
There is the Wave and than there is everything else.  Seems like when leatherman gets something right they really get it right!!!  Their Nylon sheath is absolutely amazing!!!  Neither Vic nor Gerber even come close!  For starters the Sheath can be put on your belt vertically or Horizontally.   But lets take this one step further, they put a hole in the bottom of the sheath so you can put the tool in with the pliers open as well as close it...this is really nice and super handy.  Neither Vic nor Gerber can do this.  Of the trailing way behind in this category the Gerber sheath is just crap.  It is far to wide and just made inferior!  Oh and the Wave sheath can hold the 42-bit kit in it!!  This is nice! 

Ergonomics:
Wave is king overall, from singled handed access of all knives as well as easier access to tools once unfolded (no real tearing up of your finger nails).  It is overall very comfortable, the locks work well.  The Vic (Sorry I keep saying Vic...SwissTool Spirit X) feels awesome when using the pliers, but the finger nail access isnt so hot!  As for the Gerber, the pliers feel nice in the hands but that is about it.  Last in this category.  I also include the sheath in ergonomic so this puts the wave way up!!!

Fit and Finish:
Vic and Wave are a tie.  Some might disagree but I have one flaw in the Vic.  The High polish surface makes it slippery when wet.  I fish and use these tools alot during that.  Sure it can be said that the Vic wont rust but if it slips out of your hand and ends up in the bottom of the lake it really doesnt matter how rust resistant it is.   And it does slip around when wet!  Or if your hand sweats on a hot job site. 

Warranty:
Gerber is really good (have dealt with them and they were great, fast and easy)...Lifetime, Vic is also lifetime but Leatherman only 25 years (funny I say "only"...25 years as if that is a short warranty!). 

So my Take is theLeatherman Wave out of this showdown!  It is king at the moment.  It is solid in lots of categories and it is also stellar in lots of categories...in a league in some by itself.  The Vic is next.  A nice tool but the Knife category really hurt it!  As for the Gerber Diesel...not a fan.  It is ok but since all these tools are generally in the same price range I put it last.  if it were $20 less not that I would change my ranking in anyway but it might be a nice light emergency use...you know throw it in your glovebox tool. 

I have tons of pictures however taken with my Pre and the glare on many are awful.  i will try and post.  Also stay tune to my PowerAssist Review.  I have since sent back the Diesel and SwissTool Spirit.  Hated to use them so heavily for 30 days but I wanted to really test them and Amazon gives a 30-day guarantee...sorry amazon.  But back to my Future PowerAssist review.  Already before even getting the tool I know it lacks things...however it is a tool that you yourself and customize!  So this is an advantage!  Some tools on these MT get redundant and become a reach in their practical design.  So we will see...but I am looking forward to the Compound Pliers.  Might have to throw it in my box for just that!!!  Seems like an absolutely brilliant design!

Oh and I apologize for the spelling and grammar from time to time.  hope you guys enjoy the review!

[Zed]

After using the old wave for 12 years and now got the new one i have to say that this is still my favorite,its just versatile and has pretty much all i have ever needed,things i prefer from the old one, the scissors   LM should of stuck with there old trusty scissor design, files all good old and new, saw good on both, pliers good, i like the new driver bits on the newer wave, for me a nice design classic wave looks, feels great in the hand,i like the measure added to the new wave, a very well thought out MT,

paul 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Very fine review there mate, and welcome to the forum

[ryan1835]

After using the old wave for 12 years and now got the new one i have to say that this is still my favorite,its just versatile and has pretty much all i have ever needed,things i prefer from the old one, the scissors   LM should of stuck with there old trusty scissor design, files all good old and new, saw good on both, pliers good, i like the new driver bits on the newer wave, for me a nice design classic wave looks, feels great in the hand,i like the measure added to the new wave, a very well thought out MT,

paul 

(Image removed from quote.)

even if you did find a multi you liked more you wouldnt admit it 

[DaveK]

Welcome to multitool.org soapboxpreacher. That's a great first post, and I can see that you've been very thorough in your comparison. I always like reviews that are based on really using tools - so thanks

There's been a lot of love for the Wave on here lately, and I think you've encapsulated most of the reasons why!

I'm off to compare the files on the Spirit and Wave now though, as I always though the Wave's was better, especially as it has the diamond coated side. I need to be convinced

[Zed]

sorry mate welcome to the forum 

and ryan you know there the best,  and i would admit it honest      but they are 

[Styerman]

Good to have you aboard Preacherman ! I tend to agree with you as far as it being a two horse race between the Wave and the Spirit . Since I almost never use the blade on a Multi ( ergonomically they suck as knives ) , I come down on the Spirit side of the fence .

It's always good to have informed opinions .

Chris

[donvito]

Welcome to the forum soapboxpreacher Interesting review, I have the Spirit X and the new Wave, but not the Diesel. Spirit X works for me every time I need it.

I have a Sog PowerAssist coming.  But I am going to swap out a few tools if I like it (V-Cutter for the Wood Saw, and the large slotted for the Scissors, this should make the PowerAssist good for my use). 

You're stuck with the V cutter on the Power Assist, scissors won't work with this model (can they be modded?).

As for the Vic...it (IMHO) is garbage.  Small, thin, weak,  finger nail to retrieve...both blades!  It was a huge disappointment.

Both blades??? Spirit X has only one blade, spear point plain edge. The rest of the long tools are saw, file, and scissors. I find the blade on my X adequate for tasks it was meant to handle, a folder is part of my edc and sees most if not all of my cutting needs. Also a lanyard while fishing help

[soapboxpreacher]

So Sog PowerAssist (PA) came in the mail today and I was initial impressed and disappointed all at the same time.  I found numerous flaws and bad design but some good as well.  

The Pliers is still in my opinion the centerpiece of this MT and the brainchild of Sog.  The Compound Leverage design and its benefits are quite impressive and as shown on the side patented!  However and this is a big one.  The Compound Leverage design (a design that adds more pressure with less grip strength than any other MT) requires the handle to be opened quite a bit more compared to other MT pliers.  Let me explain by comparing two MTs the Wave (reference) and the PA.  When the jaws on the Wave are opened fairly wide you can still grasp the handle and get a grip on it, obviously not resulting in the same force but having the jaws open to the same size on the PA the handles are further apart in many cases impossible to grasp unless you have hands that are XXL and that still might be a reach!  This nearly defeats the benefit if you can get your hands around the handle to squeeze the jaws around a nuts or bolt.  Huge let down...deal breaker.  But there is some light in the design.  The head design of their pliers is second to none.  It is AWESOME!  The cutters built in to the pliers are longer than the Diesel, Wave, and Vic.  So there is more surface cutting area.  The point on the needle nose is also nicely designed.  The action is smooth and very nice.  However the Compound Leverage design defeats this perfect head design.  Opening the pliers is a huge plus, in fact awesome...reminds me of a butterfly knife!!!  A single handed operation.  Smooth and nice.  Just watch your grip or the handle will whack you in the knuckles...as it did me.  So gripping it lower help prevent this.

The Assisted Opening is the next feature that makes this MT unique to all others in its class.  It works well but once again with reservations.  The Thumb stud is somewhat sharp and irritated my thumb after opening this tool many times.  You also have to hold and position this MT in your hand properly to open which Assist blade right.  So until you get use to it, it will take a few times to do it blind.  Once the knife was opened the blade was not as impressive nor contoured as well as the Wave.  Better than the Vic and the Diesel but nothing special.  It was not solid when open.  There was side to side play.  The Lock seemed to work good as well as the release but there is alot of locks and releases on the grip making this tool not as comfortable as some of the other when using the pliers or other tools because of the additonal locks and releases for this feature.  I do like the lock and release however as stated they do get in the way of comfort when using the tool including the pliers.  And then there is the problem with lost space for additional tools.   Just 2 tools (Knvies) on the one side.  Disappointing maybe but this can be somewhat overcome because of the fact that Sogs tools/components can be swapped out...another nice Sog unique feature.

As for on-board tools.  The V-Cutter is worthless in my opinion.  Sure you can cut a seatbelt, fabric, or gut/dress a hunted dinner.  None of these uses apply to me and if they did I wouldnt use them much or just use a different tool for it with almost equal results.  I have no use for it and feel a better tool such as a Wood Saw or Scissor would have been more welcome.

As for Drivers.  There is one Phillip head in a #1 size and it is made well.  Long and cut perfect to fit!  But no add-on tools so if you need a #2 your gonna be out of luck.  There are three slotted heads 2 integrated with other tools and on solo.  The Solo being a large slotted which once again could have been better suited for a different more useful tool.  As you guys probably know I am not a big slotted guy.  I think slotted screws are a pain and a waste.  I do not come across them very often and having a tool with 3 sizes is a waste!

The File is decent another 3-sided design.  Not as good as other but will do the job.  2 different pattern files and an edge style like the Wave and Vic.  

Bottle and Can Openers...ok it has it, they are nice like the Vic but once again I am not a big user so it isnt as important nor has as much weight to me!  So moving on.

Sheath is really nice!  Not to the level based on flexibility as the Wave but the clip is nice and can be clipped to anything, belt, pocket, waist band, pack...you name it, but it is plastic and from the looks of it, if you break it...you need a whole new sheath!  But overall it is pretty damn nice.  Second overall in my sheath ranking!! Way ahead of the Vic and especially the Diesel that sheath is just garbage!

Fit and Finish, the Sog PA is fairly solid however I did give it a good squeeze while using the pliers as well as my wave to test them to see how sturdy they are and the wave seemed to hold together better.  The harder I squeezed the Sog the handled got out of alignment sensing too much for it to handle.  The Wave did not, stayed in alignment and felt solid all the way thru,  the Vic was also solid even the Diesel (from what I remember).  But back to the fit and finish of the Sog, It is a lower polish finish MT not quite as polished as the vic nor brushed finished like the Wave.   Tools seem to be made well overall but not as well as the Vic or the Wave.

Ergonomics:
As I stated opening this tool to access the Pliers is awesome!!  Only the Flik (dont own but played with) and the Pro-Scout can do well in this category of ergonomics.  The Assisted opening of the knives as stated above is a plus and a minus.  Once again a learning period to do it blind and to remember which side has which blade.  I found the Wave to be easy to open so the assist is more of a gimmick in an MT.  Now the handle, it has locks and release and covers guards all over it...a mess!!!  Too much going on!  Which since I mentioned it, lets talk about the handle guard...one word...SUCK!  I absolutely hate this feature but I do understand it, yes it makes the tool more comfortable but also a pain to get to stuff when you need it, not to mention more studs sticking out of the handle for you to feel when using the pliers!  It does, as I stated, make it more comfortable but it certain ruins it by making tool access to stuff inside like the phillips driver and so on terrible!  Lets take locking.  The new PA has a piano lock system to lock the tools in place when they are pulled out.  I felt these did not work very well.  My wife watch in amazement as I struggled to get the Phillips back in...eventually resorting to my car keys to push the piano lock down far enough to release the tool.  Disappointing!!  

Conclusion:
The Sog has some good and bad.  It is certainly not my favorite and I have had it for one day but right out of the gate...I dont like it, there is just too much left to desire.  The Handle guard is a pain, the pliers with all its might due to the Compound Leverage (which should have made this tools category a slam dunk) loses its battle because of how far the handles have to open to get around anything of size...let alone anything, the lack of tools...or at least the right tools is another annoyance.  The Assist opening knives are really a gimmick and sacrifice tool space because it it.  And it could be something that breaks when you need it most!  It just isnt there yet.  And there are far better choices out there that are the same price and work better!  I do love the single handed opening, the big cutter surface and the sheath but that is really it!  I own 2 Sog knives and really like them, their quality is good but for there MTs it is back to the drawing board.

[soapboxpreacher]

Welcome to the forum soapboxpreacher Interesting review, I have the Spirit X and the new Wave, but not the Diesel. Spirit X works for me every time I need it.

I have a Sog PowerAssist coming.  But I am going to swap out a few tools if I like it (V-Cutter for the Wood Saw, and the large slotted for the Scissors, this should make the PowerAssist good for my use). 

You're stuck with the V cutter on the Power Assist, scissors won't work with this model (can they be modded?).

As for the Vic...it (IMHO) is garbage.  Small, thin, weak,  finger nail to retrieve...both blades!  It was a huge disappointment.

Both blades??? Spirit X has only one blade, spear point plain edge. The rest of the long tools are saw, file, and scissors. I find the blade on my X adequate for tasks it was meant to handle, a folder is part of my edc and sees most if not all of my cutting needs. Also a lanyard while fishing help

Your Right...one blade only on the X, confused it will all the tools on the bench.  Looking at all that stuff made my head spin at one point or another. 

As for the PowerAssist...I had it just today and pretty much hated it!  Came at 4PM and was packed back up and ready to return to amazon tomorrow Before today.  It isn't even worth a field test or 30-days trial!  Really disappointing with the Sog!

I do like the X, it is currently second on my list...probably because of the Knives...I use the knives alot and LM did more than a great job on that side!  Plus the Sheath, it is stellar!  I would love to have an Awl or reamer on the Wave.  But as I stated my use seems to lean towards the wave at the moment.  But certainly glad to see some great innovation coming to these MTs!

[Chako]

The PowerAssist is an acquired taste. I have one just to show people the differences in design. I would never dream of EDCing it.

Good review. I enjoyed the read. Bang on the slippery finish of the Vic MTs. I do find the BO model to be less slippery, and in my opinion, the best way to go if one is looking for a Vic MT.

Welcome to the forums. 

[J-sews]

I'm agreeing with much of what you have to say about the PowerAssist


Welcome SBP