Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool
Created by Tim Leatherman, Leatherman is a brand name you can trust when it comes to finding highly efficient and affordable multi-tools. The introduction of the Wave+ has made it possible for people to buy something highly durable and sophisticated at an extremely reasonable price. Many people have compared the Wave+ with Charge TTI. Considered the industry leader by many, the Leatherman Charge TTI certainly has the finest materials with a good function list. However, Leatherman Wave+ is a reasonably good choice too. In fact, it beats some of the top multi-tools on price and value for money. The Wave+ is the updated version of the original Wave, but with replaceable cutters. If you like the way Wave works and have some inclination towards the cutters, the Wave+ is surely going to be a good bet. In any case, carrying the Wave+ is a much better idea than carrying a box of tools wherever you go.
- Comes equipped with as many as 17 tools that can be used with on hand without an issue
- Has four tools on the outside that you can use without having to open the multi-tool and that really makes it much more convenient to use on the go
- Extremely functional tool with a variety of pliers, replaceable wire stripper, wire cutters, spring-action scissors, and a combination of plain and serrated knives
- Only 4 inches long with a weight of 8.5oz and that makes it one highly portable multi-tool that is easy to carry and convenient to use
- Comes with a 25-year warranty, showing that the company backs the material and build quality of the Wave+
- Affordable multi-tool available at half the price of some other top-of-the-line tools
- The saw is good but not the finest you will find around, and it feels quite flimsy too
- Bottle opener is not that efficient because of its steep angle and it takes a little getting used to how it works
Design
Portability
The impressive thing about the Wave+ is that it comes with rather smooth outer contours, which is why the tool is extremely easy on your pockets. The sheath it comes equipped with is reliable and slick. Actually, you will find a snap-closure nylon sheath, which is quite nice and efficient. However, you may want to invest in a nice leather pouch if you need something more durable.
Something that is going to affect its portability is the absence of any pocket clip, and there is no lanyard loop for people who want to carry the Wave+ that way. If portability is your main concern, you may be better off putting your money on the Charge TTI, which gives you the security of a pocket clip. In terms of portability, certain keychain tools, such as the Gerber Dime and the Leatherman Squirt PS4 score quite high because of their small size.
Comparison to Original Model
The interior part of the pliers will give you enough strength to tighten the bolts with ease – it may come in handy when you do not have a wrench nearby. The pliers are quite efficient, but the only downside is that they are not spring loaded like some other models, such as the Wingman.
The price of the Wave+ has gone up a little, but the tools you get in the updated version are well worth the price.
Scissors
Knife
You will also find a serrated knife that delivers a nice punch. The only issue to consider is that it is usually quite difficult to sharpen the serrated blades. The upside is that they tend to stay sharper a lot longer as compared to the straight-edged blades. Well, you get both types of blades on your Leatherman Wave+, so you're all set to cut whatever you like.
Saw
It is important to mention though that it is not a 'hardcore' saw and is actually quite thin. That actually means that you should use it on small things and not take it as your main saw.
File, Blade, and Bottle Opener
The bottle opener itself is not that impressive, as many other brands have done a much better job in this regard. The angle is a bit too steep that means you will have to practice to learn to use the bottle opener perfectly.
Bit Driver
Screwdriver
Speaking of screwdrivers, many people are also of the view that including the flathead screwdriver is not a good idea, especially when you already have a bit driver with a good sized flat head bit included in the tool.
Ergonomics
Best Applications
Price
Comparison to Other Brands
The Charge TTI can be a bit too bulky for many users, and that can be a deal-breaker for man. The addition of replacement cutters is something that makes the Wave+ a more favorable choice, but the more expensive Charge TTI and Charge+ now also support the same.
The coveted ¼''driver is an impressive feature in the Wave+, and though the same is available in the Baladeo Locker and Leatherman Crunch, they make many compromises in other areas. Also, note that you are not going to get any scissors with the Locker and the Crunch. The blade is of good quality, but most of it is unguarded by the handle, which is when you find some people favoring the Leatherman Crunch.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Wave+ is lightweight and hardly noticeable on your belt. It has razor sharp knife blade as well as replacement wire cutting blades, precision screwdriver, bit holders, scissors, and the list goes on. Considering its price, there is nothing much to dislike about this multi-tool. The Wave+ is a quintessential multitool, and you should certainly get one if you do not already own it, as it is affordable and can handle much more than you might imagine.