Help me choose my first Gerber...

[Monrogue]

@Gareth:  Glad to hear that your Flik's pliers serve you well.  I imagine it's just like other MTs, like Leatherman.  You get some duds, but the lifetime warranty will likely take care of any issue if there is one.  I don't use my MTs heavily, so it shouldn't really be an issue.  If it's the size of the Charge, then that would likely be doable for me I think.  Do you know how much wider the MP600 is compared to the 400?  The weight sounds like it wouldn't be an issue, but the size could be if it's much wider.  I would assume it's the same idea with the Diesel as well. 

As for the Octane:  I'm not sure about it.  It sounds like a great MT for pocket carry, and my Rogueneer would cover all it lacks (except a wood saw), so that wouldn't really be an issue.  The OHO blade and flicky pliers are a big plus too.  Something about it just doesn't give me the "get me" vibe for some reason.  Technically, between my MP400, PST, Juice S2 and KF4, I have plenty of smaller more pocketable MTs for lighter carry.  If it had scissors, I may consider it more as a light duty carry by itself.  It may be one I'd get eventually, but I don't think it's what I'm after right now.  It does seem to have a positive rep though, so that keeps it an option...

[AimlessWanderer]

I own and occasionally carry a Diesel. I too didn't want a MP600 because it doesn't add much to the toolset of the MP400. The Diesel does offer a woodsaw plus a different style can opener which could be utilised as an awl. It also doesn't feel too big in hand somehow, the way that some of the other larger style multitools can. I carry mine in it's sheath, in the cargo pocket of my work trousers.

As for the Octane, I do like it as a SAK companion. It adds full pliers a 3D Phillips (though it may need tweaking with a file to reprofile) and a package opener without too much other duplication to a SAKs loadout. It also has my favourite bottle opener of any multitool - the Dime is possibly a close second - it's just there waiting to be used, instantly available, and works everytime.

Now you've opened your mind to Gerber with the flicky pliers, maybe it's time to try out something else in search of the loadout you are looking for. The Strata might not have the flicky pliers, but it does have sprung pliers. It also has a very good can opener, and one of Gerber's best Phillips drivers. It also has the woodsaw you're looking for, but I must admit the file on mine (BG version) isn't super aggressive

[Gareth]

Measuring across the widest point (the locks) I make the MP400 to be 1 7/16" and the MP600 to be 1 9/16". 

[Gareth]

Sorry, I don't have a Charge, but here is a Flik vs a Wave.

[Gareth]

Last, but not least; a Flik vs a MP400.

[Monrogue]

Thanks for the input All.  The Strata is one I'll have to check out.

 Thanks for the pics Gareth-just what I needed.  The MP600 isn't much larger actually.  I'm surprised how big the Flik looks in comparison to the Wave, but it doesn't look as bad next to the MP400.  Still, it's a bit bigger than I expected.  I'm assuming the Diesel is similar in size to the MP600? 

[Gareth]

Thanks for the input All.  The Strata is one I'll have to check out.

 Thanks for the pics Gareth-just what I needed.  The MP600 isn't much larger actually.  I'm surprised how big the Flik looks in comparison to the Wave, but it doesn't look as bad next to the MP400.  Still, it's a bit bigger than I expected.  I'm assuming the Diesel is similar in size to the MP600?

Very much so.

[jerseydevil]

Thanks for the input All.  The Strata is one I'll have to check out.

I really like the Strata.  Like Al said (and again  for agreeing with him....) the Phillips driver is the best that Gerber's put on a tool IMO, the other drivers have good reach, the scissors are pretty good, and this is probably the only sprung-plier tool that I like.  The standard non-BG version of the Strata has replaceable cutters as well.  I've used the hell out of mine, and it's worked great.  VERY underrated tool. 

[Monrogue]

I think it's between the Flik and Diesel for me this time.  Still leaning towards the Flik, but it looks big.

[Chako]

The Flik is about the size of an MP600. Now if you were going to compare the Flik to the Freehand...the Freehand is big.

EDIT:

Size comparison photos

From left to right: MP400, MP600, Diesel, Flik, Freehand.



From left to right: First row - MP800 Legend, MP700 Urban, Balance, Suspension, MP1, Bullrush. Second row - Crucial, Radius. Third row - MP600 to tie it in with the first photo.



Hope that helps.

[zoidberg]

Great size comparison pics Chako. 

[Monrogue]

Thanks for the comparison pics Chako-very helpful   The Flik actually looks smaller when next to the MP600 and Diesel. 

[Chako]

Yes. The pliers do not stick out which is always a plus. It is sized very much like the MP400. The MP600 and Diesel are very similar in size. The Freehand is just honking heavy. Think Leatherman Surge weight class and you would't be far off.

The Flik has a somewhat complicated mechanism that opens the handles when the pliers slide open. It also suffers from very small drivers. Otherwise, it is a very nice multi-tool that doesn't garner as much discussion as some other models.

[Monrogue]

Interesting about the handle opening mechanism.  Perhaps that's what some of the Amazon reviewers were talking about.  I think I'm going to end up going with the Flik this time.  I'm still interested in the Diesel though.  Darn you JD and you other Gerber "awakeners"

[Chako]

Whatever you do, don't go for that Radius. Possibly the worst that Gerber has ever produced.

[Monrogue]

Oh I'd never heard of that one anyway, until your pic.  Oh and the Freehand looks gigantic....definitely too big for me.

[AimlessWanderer]

Monrogue, here's a link to my experience with the Flik, which shows the complex opening mechanism and the problems I had.

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,30951.0.html

The Flik does have a couple of fans here (Gareth springs to mind) but personally I wouldn't recommend it. The opening mechanism is badly designed IMHO, and the drivers are VERY stubby on this model. It's a shame, as the scissors, saw and blades are very nice, but overall I think it's not one of their better offerings.

[Gareth]

Whatever you do, don't go for that Radius. Possibly the worst that Gerber has ever produced.

Fixed.

[Chako]

 

Yes, the humble Radius is quite something else. 

[ducttapetech]

Soooooo did you get a Flik yet?

Nate

[Monrogue]

Soooooo did you get a Flik yet?

Nate

Haha, not yet Nate.  I plan on it soon...today maybe.  I'm just working on getting the OK from the wife . I think she'll be fine with it, just gotta confirm. 

[ducttapetech]

Best of Luck!
I think you will like. The drivers are a little short, but overall, it is a sweet multi.

Nate

[Monrogue]

Cool.  The drivers really shouldn't be an issue for me.  I hope to order it soon

[Corwyn]

Okie...
Same question for me. MP400 or MP600?
I like the look of the MP400 better, but I already have a Spirit and getting a Wave.
Aren't theses the same size as the MP400?
If so I guess I should get an MP600 for a heavier duty option, right?

[Monrogue]

Since I only got the MP400 (so far ), I can't say which you'd want.  I really like the MP400 though.  It doesn't seem like there's much of a difference other than size though.  I would recommend either one

[Lichtbote]

Okie...
Same question for me. MP400 or MP600?

Better go for a Leatherman OHT. It´s way better in every single sense.

I like the look of the MP400 better, but I already have a Spirit and getting a Wave.
Aren't theses the same size as the MP400?
If so I guess I should get an MP600 for a heavier duty option, right?

Or get a new Surge. 

[zoidberg]

Okie...
Same question for me. MP400 or MP600?
I like the look of the MP400 better, but I already have a Spirit and getting a Wave.
Aren't theses the same size as the MP400?
If so I guess I should get an MP600 for a heavier duty option, right?

I've only played with the MP400 and it was great for a smaller multitool.
Looks like you have smaller covered though so out of those two I would go with the MP600.
Then again if you had one small from each brand you could choose a favourite and get a larger one to match.

[Corwyn]

Thanks for the tips guys.
I'll get the MP400 as I like the looks better and it is 1/3 cheaper.

I'll skip on the wave and use my SuperTool until I rob a bank to buy a Surge or something.

[sawman]

Thanks for the tips guys.
I'll get the MP400 as I like the looks better and it is 1/3 cheaper.

I'll skip on the wave and use my SuperTool until I rob a bank to buy a Surge or something.

You're planning to rob a bank with only a MP400   

[Lichtbote]

Try to find a 600 used on ebay, don´t buy a new one for Europe prices.

You should be able to get a decent one within 20-40€ range (and for sure i wouldn´t spend more on one of them).