Hey guys so pretty self explanatory. If you had to pick either the wave, rebar, surge (new one) or super tool, which would you pick and why? Would be used as an EDC in a bag or pocket, fix ups around the house, and some what heavy outdoor use (hoping to join the army). How big a disadvantage is it to not have outside accessible features? I always have a pocket knife on me anyways. What about the saw on the surge? is it sturdy? How easy would it be to lose the bits on the wave and surge?
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Wave vs Rebar/Surge vs Super tool 300
- Thread starter J1427
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I would go for the 300. I belt carry the Rebar, mostly due to weight. I've only hand one outside opening multitool (swisstool) and have never found it to be much of a problem.
the rebar and the 300 are both really tough tools, but since you don't plan on belt carry, weight isn't a factor, so take the bigger tool. (neither would be all that pleasant in a pocket)
in the other category, those are both good tools, I'd take the wave. But be aware that the replaceable bits are more of a light-medium duty sort of thing. the upside is they are easily available if you damage them.
the rebar and the 300 are both really tough tools, but since you don't plan on belt carry, weight isn't a factor, so take the bigger tool. (neither would be all that pleasant in a pocket)
in the other category, those are both good tools, I'd take the wave. But be aware that the replaceable bits are more of a light-medium duty sort of thing. the upside is they are easily available if you damage them.
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It so much depends on what you do in your day to day. All the candidates have good things going for them, and you can't really make a mistake by choosing one over the other. I have or have had all the above, and all are awesome. That said, if you are going to spend much time in the boonies, simple+strong would be the logical choice. When it comes to strength, bigger is better, narrowing the field to ST 300 or Surge, which is also tough but has detachable (losable) parts. OTOH, for humping a lot of gear, you might be willing to make compromises for savings in weight (ounces really count!) For that, a Rebar could fill the bill (or even a Micra.) Your future military specialty could also be a factor. Infantry has different requirements than armor, for example. My service was before pliers-based multi-tools were invented, and I got along fine with just a plain old scout knife. However, I was a mechanic and had every tool known to man available either in the motor pool or shop vehicle when in the field, so all I really needed was something to open C-rations and all the other mundane stuff. My advice is get what you like now and if necessary, make adjustments later.
I personally find the Wave and Surge more convenient and a bit more flexible. I carry a multitool because I don't know when I'll need a particular tool or what it will be, and I prefer to have one that's easily accessible in case I'm up a ladder or in a crawlspace or in a handhole. And I've found the replaceable bits to be plenty sturdy enough for anything I'm likely to put them through. I don't think there's enough advantage in driver strength for the 300 to make a major difference.
Also with the new Surges, you can easily use most any t-shank saw blade, so if the included one isn't to your liking, you can replace it with any of a nice selection of metal or wood saw blades. And having the option of carrying a replaceable removable diamond file makes field sharpening a bit easier.
Also with the new Surges, you can easily use most any t-shank saw blade, so if the included one isn't to your liking, you can replace it with any of a nice selection of metal or wood saw blades. And having the option of carrying a replaceable removable diamond file makes field sharpening a bit easier.
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I agree, they are great when you are in an urban or rural US location and have access to backup. Out in the yonder can be another matter. Driver strength is not the whole story. You might have to hammer or crunch down hard on something, you never know what. For small to medium chores, no issue, but for some chores there is no substitute for mass. It has happened to me a few times where bigger was definitely better. Given a choice between too much or too little, I weigh in on the much of it.
Being able to swap out the saw for a diamond file was the single best feature on the Surge, IMHO, but the OP was specific about "somewhat heavy" use, possibly outdoors. Everything has to be firmly attached. When you are in the rough, it's too easy to lose unattached parts and not easy to replace them, especially when deployed in foreign countries. But really, all the items mentioned have their good points and can do work.
I would go with the super tool 300 I would carry it in my fanny pack when I am around town and I would carry it in my shirt pocket when I am around the house and yes I would use it for EDC out of the 4 tools mentioned I think the super tool 300 would suit me best.
powernoodle
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I'm not a fan of the short, 2-dimensional phillips drivers on the Wave and Surge, so for me that gives an advantage to the Rebar and ST300. Plus, you get the replaceable cutters with the latter two. That hasn't stopped me from buying multiple versions of all four of them, though.
Thanks for all the replies! Helpful as always. Not going to be getting one for a while, just doing some research and fantasizing haha. Sounds like the ST300 would be the best bet in extreme circumstances, but the wave or surge for EDC. Anyone do any real testing on the Surge saw? Looks weak to me, but I do like the idea of the removable diamond file. How much more useful are the removable bits unless you carry around different ones to swap them out with?
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I carry the Surge everyday and I carry the 24 piece bit kit. I have spare saw blades in my bag if needed that fit into the T-style bit holder. I am not usually in extreme environments, just regular work stuff, but I do often get asked to do x, y or z and I usually have enough Leatherman hardware to accomplish the task with it.
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