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Leatherman Surge Review

A large, heavy tool that does all you might need but is hard to carry around.
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Price:  $130 List | $129.95 at REI
Compare prices at 2 resellers
Pros:  Large, excellent construction, full-size functions, customizable
Cons:  Heavy and large; limited portability. Proprietary bit driver.
Manufacturer:   Leatherman
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 22, 2019
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76
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#2 of 15
  • Functions - 40% 8
  • Construction Quality - 25% 9
  • Ergonomics - 20% 9
  • Portability - 15% 2

Our Verdict

The Leatherman Surge is heavy and large. It is nearly six times the weight of the Top Pick mini multi-tool, the Gerber Dime. With that additional mass and bulk, you get excellent functions and tools that work very well in action. Between uses, though, the Surge is difficult to carry around. Over 3/4 of a pound is a lot in your pocket or backpack or purse. This is for your basecamp tool kit or the glove box of your car. Elsewhere in the Leatherman line are products that are nearly as serviceable and varied but carry much easier. The Surge is what you choose for maximum functionality in a just-barely-portable package. This is the tool for frequent users and those that can carry the mass and bulk with little penalty. We like all the features and the carefully thought out ergonomics. The main drawback is in portability. Up past about 8 or 9 ounces routine carry is tough. Our Editors' Choice is right at that threshold and feels heavy in daily carry. The Surge weighs over 12 oz.


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Our Analysis and Test Results

The Surge is Leatherman's largest multi-tool. It is indeed giant. It weighs over 3/4 pound and has a main blade that is nearly as long as that on your typical full-size pocket knife. The pliers are super robust and sturdy. The scissors are larger even than those on a full-size swiss army knife. With this large size utility increases but portability decreases. The result is a product that really only works for tool-box, vehicle, or belt carry. One can get an aftermarket pocket clip for this tool, but it will quickly wear out your pants if it doesn't pull them down first.

Performance Comparison


The Surge with all its component parts. It can be accessorized with a pocket clip and additional proprietary Leatherman bits.
The Surge, with all its component parts. It can be accessorized with a pocket clip and additional proprietary Leatherman bits.

Functions


The variety of functions on the Surge is pretty standard for high-end multi-tools. With all the bulk, you had better hope the Surge would be comprehensive. You won't be disappointed. Of the tools included in multi-tools, the Surge basically has it all. Of course, we have our gripes and wishes. First, and this echos for nearly all Leatherman brand tools, we wish that the bit driver used standard 1/4" drive bits without an adapter. Given the layout of nearly every Leatherman tool, we don't see a good reason why they use the thinned-down proprietary bit format they use. Sale of accessories stands out as a possible reason. The Surge could be rearranged to fit a full-size 1/4" bit driver in there with minimal "cost" to the bulk or selection of other tools.

To maximize the tool selection on the Surge these two saws are interchangeable. Doing so requires a little effort so it isn't a task you will tackle mid-project.
To maximize the tool selection on the Surge, these two saws are interchangeable. Doing so requires a little effort, so it isn't a task you will tackle mid-project.

Construction Quality


We expect excellent construction quality in Leatherman brand tools. The Surge is exactly what we would expect. Further, because of its large size and flouting of weight limits, the materials and tools are thick and stiff. Surge pivots and springs are as tight as those on the Editors' Choice but the steel is even thicker and more robust.

For heavier work like bending sheet metal the sturdy construction and large form-factor of the Surge is just the ticket.
For heavier work like bending sheet metal, the sturdy construction and large form-factor of the Surge is just the ticket.

For extensive wiring the replaceable wire cutter jaws of the Surge can be maintained to stay serviceable indefinitely.
For extensive wiring, the replaceable wire cutter jaws of the Surge can be maintained to stay serviceable indefinitely.

Ergonomics


For routine and novel use the large size of the Surge is largely welcome. Larger tools, up to a point, are easier to use. In the case of the Surge, it only tips into the "too large" category in terms of the pliers-closed handle size. For extended whittling or other knife work, especially in small hands, the large profile of the mostly-closed tool is strenuous and slightly insecure. Otherwise, the large pliers and scissors are very nice to use. The scissors aren't as tight and clean to cut with as others, but they are large.

The Surge blade is great but the handle is super bulky. Here a typical adult male hand (one that wears size L gloves for reference) is maxed out by the Surge's size.
The Surge blade is great, but the handle is super bulky. Here a typical adult male hand (one that wears size L gloves, for reference) is maxed out by the Surge's size.

Portability


The flip side of large, easy to use tools is portability. It is basically too large and too heavy for daily carry. Only those that can and will wear a belt sheath will find the Surge to live handily on their person. Otherwise, it pretty much has to live in a toolbox or glove compartment or luggage for extended use. Of course, for short periods wearing it loose or pocket clipped (with the aftermarket Leatherman pocket clip) will work too.

Belt holster carry is the only reasonable and sustainable way to carry the large Surge with any regularity. If your life and community allow this it is a handy option.
Belt holster carry is the only reasonable and sustainable way to carry the large Surge with any regularity. If your life and community allow this, it is a handy option.

Value


For the quality and function, you will pay. The Surge is in the same price range as the Editors' Choice Charge TTI, but doesn't include the fancier materials and extra bits of the award winner. You pay for the size and mass and strength of the Surge.

For quick screwdriving tasks the Surge is great. For more work like this check out the Top Pick SOG Baton Q4.
For quick screwdriving tasks, the Surge is great. For more work like this, check out the Top Pick SOG Baton Q4.

Conclusion


The Leatherman Surge has a narrow appeal but fills an important niche. It is heavy and large but very functional. "Portable tools" exist along a spectrum, with portability on one end and "tool-ability" at the other end. The Surge is nearly a full-function tool that is sort of portable.


— Jediah Porter