Gerber 31-003345 Suspension NXT Multi-Tool, Silver, Medium

Product Information

Leatherman has become shorthand for “multi-tool” for a good reason. The company's build quality is fantastic. Tools can be flipped out and retracted forcefully but smoothly, and the finishing on each mini-tool is excellent. Leatherman has many options to choose from, but the Wave Plus is easily my favorite. It has two stainless steel knives, one with a straight edge and the other serrated. The latter is good for cutting fibrous material such as rope. The 420HC steel employed has a high carbon content, so the edges won't stay sharp for long, but it's easy to sharpen 'em up again. There are 16 other tools, including a wood-and-metal file, a diamond-coated file, a saw, Phillips screwdriver bits, scissors, an 8-inch ruler, and a wire stripper, as well as a bottle and can opener. Truss and Suspension Scissors. The Truss adds a thumb-pad on the scissor handle. A much welcomed addition. Same scissor platform on both.

In addition, Gerber has changed their intended focus from industrial and professional use to everyday users, hobbyists, and weekend warriors in a nice change of direction. Another thing to note is that the Truss fixes the biggest issue on the Suspension. The Suspension has suffered BADLY with broken plier-stops, whether the screws break or the stop breaks, the Suspension had that weakest link. The Truss fixes this by incorporating the plier-stops into the handle-frame themselves. Another much welcomed addition to the new Gerber Truss. Truss and Suspension Can Opener/Bottle Opener(Suspension) and Can Opener/Bottle Opener/Small Flat-head driver(Truss). The Truss added a small flat-head driver to the tool. A much welcomed addition to the combo opener. The can opener on the Truss is also notably sharper as well. The Suspension and Truss have the exact same plier-head. But, the Truss's plier-head is more polished and seems to have better tolerances. At least, this is the case, on my example. I cannot make the claim for all Trusses. The tool’s high-quality stainless steel construction suggests it’s made to last, which could appeal to those who value longevity in their tools. Its 6.7-ounce weight implies it’s fairly lightweight, making it a good fit for those who prioritize portability.While reducing the weight, Gerber has increased the closed length. The old Suspension was only 3.5 inches (8.9 cms) and the NXT has grown an inch to 4.5 inches (10.8 cms). So the significant weight decrease is even more surprising given the extra length.

The pliers have the sort of functions you would expect on a full-sized multi-tool so nothing to complain about there. They are also spring loaded which apparently reduce hand fatigue. I don’t know about you but I’ve never had hand fatigue using pliers before but you might appreciate it. The smaller Suspension-NXT weighs even less, advertised at under 6.5 ounces. Its updated features are the same as the Truss’, yet it’s longer and has three more functions than the 12-function Suspension.I have had a chance to sit down and do a side-by-side comparison of the new Gerber Truss and the OG Suspension. There is one knife here and that’s a combo blade 2.25 inches (5.7 cms) long. Half straight edge and half serrated with an oval thumb hole for deployment. The last main tool is a pair of scissors. They are small though so it’s probably an exaggeration to count them as a ‘main tool’ in this case.

From its wire stripper and screwdrivers useful for unexpected equipment issues to the bottle and can opener that could be a lifesaver in a pinch, this multi-tool seems to offer a wide range of functionality. And with its lightweight yet sturdy construction, it seems to strike a commendable balance between durability and convenience.

Gerber Slim Everyday Multitool

Truss and Suspension flat-head drivers - Medium(Truss)/Small(Suspension). The Truss adds a cross-cut file(short) on one side and a depth gauge on the other side. Now, who would find this useful? Given its multifunctional nature and compact size, I’d say it can cater to a wide audience. The ‘multisport’ label suggests it’s made for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping, hiking, or fishing. The wire stripper, Phillips and standard screwdrivers, and pliers all seem handy for dealing with unexpected equipment issues or setting up camp. One thing that makes the Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool so perfect for everyday use is its 15 tool functions. For example, the spring-loaded needle-nose pliers have a straight section and a bolt/nut gripper section. You also get wire cutters and wire strippers to facilitate that well-rounded, everyday use feel. From camping and fishing to on the spot fixes the Suspension NXT gives you Gerber's renowned quality and design with their unbeatable construction. A tough, indispensable companion to any adventure and perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life.

Whether you are looking for a gift for an enthusiast of DIY, motor mechanics, camping or just someone who loves the outdoors the Gerber Suspension NXT Multi Tool is the perfect gift. It’s functional, practical, strong and tough and comes with an extensive guarantee. Having spent a week trialling this tool and putting all the different parts through their paces I can endorse it 100%. It’s certainly made my Christmas shopping easy ill happily just buy everyone a multi tool! You can even have it personalised (laser engraved) with your name for a few pounds. New features to the Suspension-NXT include: wire stripper, medium flathead driver, awl, file, and ruler Now, the flip side to this, as per the title of this subheading, is ‘Who isn’t the Suspension NXT for?’ After giving it some thought, I believe there are a few user profiles that might not fully benefit from what this multi-tool has to offer. What's nice to see is that all the tools are well constructed and designed, meaning that they are adequately built, so you shouldn't have any trouble using them. Not every multi-tool, even those from our favorite brands, are winners. These are models we've tried and don't like as much (or at all). Save your money and skip 'em.The secondary tools are headed by the Phillips head screwdriver with it’s fully formed “3D” head. That just means it’s got a head like the Phillips screwdriver you have in your toolshed rather than one of those flattened “2D” style Phillips you see on a lot of other multi-tools. The other screw management tools included are small, medium and large flathead screwdrivers. Truss and Suspension Wood Saw. The Suspension always had a pretty poorly formed wood-saw. The Truss has a notably longer, more aggressive, and much better-formed wood saw. A much welcomed addition. Truss and Suspension serrated blades. The Truss changes the blade shape and adds a bit of length. A much welcomed change!