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Leatherman is a trusted company that produces a wide range of high-quality multi-tools. Leatherman Wave Plus and Charge ALX are excellent options if you want a lightweight and robust multi-tool for daily use. They have comparable styles and features.
Leatherman Wave Plus, on the one hand, is more economical. It is also lighter in weight. Leatherman Charge ALX, on the other hand, is more costly due to its beefier structure. Check out the thorough similarities between the Leatherman Wave Plus and the Charge ALX below!
Leatherman Wave Plus vs Charge ALX – Overview
Leatherman Wave Plus
The original Wave debuted in 1988 and soon became Leatherman’s best-selling commodity.
Leatherman revised the concept in 2018, further polishing an already fantastic product. Although the new design expands the tool’s usefulness, no sacrifices are made regarding ease of use or portability.
Since it is the perfect multi-tool for most consumers, Wave Plus is Leatherman’s best-selling design. Wave is an excellent value, thanks to its Leatherman consistency and 18 hardware.
Specifications:
- Blade length: 2.9 in
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Overall length: 6.3 in
- Closed dimensions: 4.0 x 1.46 x 0.67 in | 10.2 x 3.7 x 1.7 cm
Key Features
- The locking mechanism on all tools
- Knife blades are one-hand opening
- Knife blades saw, and files are outside-accessible
- Lanyard ring (31)
Tools
Wave Plus includes 18 different instruments, only one of which can be removed. Both of the gadgets, though, have a locking mechanism, which is a significant advantage. The multi-tool includes two knives: a serrated blade and a straight blade.
- Eyeglass Screwdriver
- Bottle Opener
- Can Opener
- Wire Stripper
- Scissors
- Fingernail File
- Lanyard Ring
- Wood Saw
- Pliers
- Wire Cutter
- Hard-Wire Cutters
- Ruler
There are needle-nose and standard pliers; premium replaceable wire/hard-wire cutters, an electrical crimper, a wire stripper, a 420HC knife, a serrated knife, and a saw among the 18 tools.
Spring-action scissors, an 8-inch (19-cm) ruler, a can opener, a bottle opener, a wood/metal file, a diamond-coated file, a small and big bit driver, and a medium screwdriver are also included.
Many tools are accessible from the outside, allowing you to use them even when the multi-tool is folded and locked.
All tools are lockable and can be used with only one side.
Leatherman Charge ALX
ALX is similar relative to Leatherman Wave Plus. So, what’s the distinction between the two? To begin, ALX lacks a big screwdriver and a scissor, all of which are found on the Wave. You either adore the scissors that come with multi-tools, or you never use them. Wave does not have wire crimpers, but ALX does have. ALX has a distinct ergonomic exterior design/coating and, most importantly, what others refer to as a “gut hook,” which the others do not have.
Specifications
- Blade length: 2.9 in
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- Overall length: 6.3 in
- Closed dimensions
Key Features
- 18 tools in one super-tool
- Greater accessibility with a pocket clip and quick-release lanyard ring
- 2 Knives in one; one is 154CM stainless steel, and another is high-quality serrated 420-HC stainless steel
- Improved Design
- Equipped with Nylon sheath
Tools
There are two kinds of pliers included with the Charge ALX: needle-nosed and standard. There are two kinds of wire cutters as well: rough wire and ordinary wire. It also has a wire crimper, wire stripper, ruler, can and bottle openers. There are two knives: one that is 154CM thick and the other that is 420 HC serrated and has a cutting hook. Aside from that, it has a saw, a wood/metal file, a diamond-coated file, and three-bit drivers.
- Needlenose/Regular Pliers
- Hard and Regular Wire Cutters
- Wire Crimper
- Wire Stripper
- 154CM Knife: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel that holds its edge THREE times longer than 420SS
- 420 HC Serrated Knife
- Saw
- Cutting Hook: aka Gut Hook, multipurpose cutting hook
- Ruler
- Can/Bottle Opener
- Wood/Metal/Diamond Coated file
- Large & Small Bit Drivers
Wave Plus vs Charge ALX – Comparison
Size & Weight
The proportions are the first distinction between the Wave and the Charge ALX. The Leatherman Wave Plus has a smaller and lightweight body. When folded, it is small enough to fit easily in a pocket.
Leatherman Charge ALX, on the other hand, is much larger and heavier. As a result, you won’t be able to pocket it easily.
Build Quality
Given the relatively low price, Leatherman Wave Plus is still strong, tough, and robust enough to survive heavy use. This is a lightweight, versatile workhorse.
Leatherman Charge ALX, on the other hand, is designed for heavy-duty duties. When compared to the Wave, Leatherman Charge ALX is beefier and more durable. Because of the high quality of the building, this is an outstanding option for professional work.
Conclusion
Wave Plus is the way to go if you want a lightweight multi-tool. It has a more lightweight nature that makes it easier to carry. Despite this, it has good strength and durability. However, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty workhorse to handle the most challenging jobs, the Leatherman Charge ALX is the way to go.
In general, the two multi-tools aren’t that dissimilar. The scale is almost identical, as are the majority of the instruments. Nonetheless, there are a few key variations and specifics.
The materials and included accessories raise the Charge to a much more luxurious level. This does not erase the fact that the Leatherman Wave Plus is an excellent multi-tool.
Hi, I’m Johnny, the chief editor at Svetools.com. Since I was a kid, DIY has been my thing – playing around with all sorts of tools, from power tools to classic wrenches. I started the Svetools blog to share my love for DIY and all things a house Handyman should know. Whether it’s product reviews or essential how-to’s articles, I cover it all. Need assistance or have a question? Hit me up using the details on our contact us page.