Gerber Suspension:

A high tech multi-tool for guys that actually like to use their multi-tools.

Last year I purchased a multi tool. I went around looking at each model from each maker, looking for a unit that was capable of working with me... a guy that prefers the “bigger hammer” method of everything. I selected the Leatherman Supertool 200 because it had good versions of the tools I needed, the drivers that I needed, and pliers that were actually capable of the serious use that I was about to put them through. And they served me well for a good long while. But now I don't drive my Bronco any more and my multi tool is a lot more likely to go under the hood of a Dell PC rather than a Four by Four.

I'm a bit jaded when it comes to gadgets of any sort. I love them... I'm a geek that way... but few ever really impress me. This new Gerber Suspension actually made me say “Oh, wow!” right from the moment that I pulled it out of the nylon carrying pouch for the first time. This one is colored like titanium with a very high level of quality in terms of fit and finish. It is smallish, but heavy for it's size... beefy. This is not a cheap do-all toy. For a multi tool of it's size, it packs an impressive arsenal of tools.

The pliers are nicely shaped, and have a spring loaded feature that opens them up after you are done squeezing on something. This is a very handy feature that allows you to use the tool one handed... it's not a “killer app” sort of improvement, but it is a nice one. The shape of the handles allow you to really torque on the grips for some power work, without cutting into your hands. That's a nice touch, actually being able to use the tool without suffering pain. With the bigger Super Tool 200, they only rounded the edges and I had to use my pinky to open the pliers after squeezing down on something. I can use chopsticks too, but the Suspension makes such work much easier.

All the other tools on board are fairly easy to access and once open they lock securely into place. The usual blades, but in this case, the knife blades are a “sheep's foot” blade style. Neither a bug or a feature, but its a usable blade. Sharp too, with a thick spine so you know the blade is strong. One plane edge, one serrated. Both can be opened one handed with a thumb stud. Both lock into place. Both can be unlocked and closed one handed. This is a nice feature the way this one works out and trumps the Leatherman Super Tool three ways to Sunday.

The saw blade is very sharp and ripped the hell right through a sheet of plywood I tested it on. I've never really had a need for a short saw blade though... but I guess should such a situation come around, I'd be ready for it. The screw drivers are well done, with the Phillips head remaining rather flat to fold in with the other tools. It still turns a screw as it should... at least it worked out fine with PC case screws which is about the extent of testing material I have around for the screwdrivers.

The other feature I like is the scissors. These are some pretty beefy little scissors, much unlike the little scissors found on some pocket tools... these are more like small shears. Spring loaded mechanism that opens the blades when you let off the cutting pressure. Much like the pliers, this is a nice and handy feature that makes using the tool one handed a much easier task. Oh, and it has a Beer Bottle Cap Popper Offer thing too. That will have to be tested this weekend.

The overall impression I have of this tool is that of a very well made, very solid little multi-tool that is capable of real world work. What I like even better is the price. These things are going for about half of what I paid for my Leatherman. Had this been available last year, I would have picked it instead... and that's not a statement I make lightly.

If you are in the market for a multi-tool, one that you plan on actually putting to use... this one has my recommendation. Get yourself one from where I got mine.