With the new year right around the corner, there’s plenty of new gear in store for us to look forward to. But until then, now’s a great time to look back on the gear that served us best through 2018. We polled our community in our exclusive Facebook group and asked what their favorite EDC gear was in the past year. In this quick round-up, we’re highlighting your favorite multi-tools! We’ve narrowed it down to the top three answers among the community — read on to see what your favorites were, and stay tuned for more gear to come in our Readers’ Choice series.
3. Gerber Suspension-NXT
In third place comes the affordable performer from Gerber, the Suspension-NXT. As its name might imply, Gerber has updated its classic Suspension multi-tool with better ergonomics and more functions for EDC. Save for the pliers and cutters, all of the NXT’s tools can be accessed without opening the tool up. And for both ease of use and for safety, all of the outboard tools lock into place. When you do open the tool up, you’ll appreciate the spring-loaded pliers, which allow for a faster pace of work with less fatigue when you’re getting things done. When you’re finished, you can fold the tool up and use the integral pocket clip to store it in your pockets, leaving it ready to go in a flash when the next task comes along.
2. Leatherman Wave+
Second on the list comes as no surprise, as it has graced the pockets and toolboxes of countless EDCers for decades. Designed as a toolbox replacement, the original Wave featured 18 total functions, including Leatherman’s signature butterfly-opening pliers and fold-out tools from its aluminum handles. Celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, Leatherman re-released many of their signature multi-tools (including the Wave) and upgraded them with 154CM steel replaceable wire cutters for even more longevity in the hands of people who depend on their tools. The Wave+ strikes a perfect balance of form, function, and rugged dependability that’s stood the test of time over the years, and will for many more.
1. Leatherman Charge+ TTi
In first place is Leatherman’s big brother of multi-tools, the Charge+ TTi. Built for the outdoorsy EDCer, the Charge+ makes for a solid trail companion with a robust set of 19 total functions, including the upgraded replaceable wire cutters in this year’s anniversary model and even better materials for the rest of the tools. With a titanium body, the Charge+ TTi is incredibly lightweight for its size, at 8.89 ounces. At four inches long when closed, it’s not too big for your pockets but has enough length to give you the leverage you need for heavier tasks. And with its new S30V steel knife blade, the included straight-edge is sharp enough to be your daily driver.
What was your favorite tool in 2018? Leave a comment and let your fellow EDCers know about multi-tools you think should be on their radar! Stay tuned for more Readers’ Choice picks as we wrap up this year.
