Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Updated: Changed rating from 4 stars to 3 because of the difficulty in closing the tools.
As my other reviews will show, I am a big fan of the Gerber Suspension.The Strata just arrived today and I have been putting it through its paces.
Initial impressions are favorable. The size is very similar to the Suspension (a little larger than the Leatherman Wave). The toolsets are similar, with the Strata containing pliers, blade, scissors, saw, bottle and can openers, file and screwdrivers. Good news is that the tools are very much improved. The pliers are sturdy enough to bend a penny *and* spring loaded. The spring load is my biggest beef with the otherwise perfect Leatherman Wave, as it's extremely useful when pulling staples and small nails. The blade is partially serrated and of a useful size.The Phillips screwdriver is markedly improved and is now a proper driver instead of the pointy flat Phillips of the Suspension. The saw is also about 1/2" longer. Doesn't seem like much, but now can be useful (I have yet to use the saw in anything but testing, though). The scissors also gains a thumb shelf so cutting is much easier. It has an interesting lock feature for the tools that takes a moment to understand. Another nice feature is that the wire cutter is replaceable. For the most part, the tools are conveniently located and opening the pliers is not necessary to access the tools. For the most part (but see the issues below) they are easily accessible.
There are some downsides. The fit is not quite as good as the Leatherman Wave. The rear of the handles are skewed by about 2mm when closed. That's shameful given the cost of this tool. Don't misunderstand, it does feel quite solid and opens with reassuring sturdiness, but for $65 there should be no skew. The Suspension gets high marks because it is a serviceable $30 tool. This is twice as expensive. I am also not fond of plastic on a tool, but time will tell how that holds up.
One annoyance is that the Phillips driver and flathead/package cutter are difficult to open. You can get the Phillips open by using not the notch but using your fingernail to grab the tip of the tool. The notch just didn't give enough leverage to open. However, try as I might, accessing the flathead driver next to it was impossible without opening either the saw or the Phillips first.
A larger issue is the locking system for the tools. Unlike the Suspension which has a thumb stud -- which though small was easy to operate -- the Strata has a flat plastic slide. The problem is that it's difficult to slide the lock because it's so smooth (and the coating of oil over the entire unit didn't help at all). If it wasn't for the small gap to insert a fingernail, you'd be hard pressed to close the Strata. The tools lock very securely with this system, but it can be frustrating to close. The obvious improvement is to change the flat sliding mechanism to a protruding tab. This wouldn't add much width -- just 2mm or so -- but would drastically reduce the force needed to slide the tab. After a day of fighting it, I'm still unable to close one side of the tools without gripping with a cloth or gloves.
My final quibble is the sheath. It's a poor fit and if you insert the tool in all the way, it's quite difficult to remove. I found myself pushing the tool up from the bottom of the sheath rather than pulling it as I do the Suspension.
In short, I am disappointed with the Strata. I had high expectations from Gerber as they make an absolutely perfect knife (the LMF II) and their value was the best of the major players. The deficiencies in the Strata makes me wonder if anyone from Gerber actually tried it out before commiting to manufacture.
How would I improve this multi-tool?
First, change the slider from a flat plastic to a slightly angled and more easily grippable button. The only piece that would need to be changed is the slider itself as it is just bolted on.
Second, modify the thumb notch on the Phillips and flathead driver by putting them closer to the tip of the tool in order to provide better leverage in opening. It appears that the current design was done to make the tip of the Phillips line up with the center of rotation (important in a screwdriver), but this can still be achieved with a minor adjustment.
Third, improve the manufacturing process. The Suspension, despite some minor flaws, is an incredible tool for the price. The Strata is twice as much and yet is not built to the same tolerances as the Suspension.
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Gerber 30-000334 Strata Multi Plier with SheathProduct Description: The Gerber (30-000334) Strata Multi Plier comes with a nylon sheath and packs 13 components into its compact body, so you can trust it to deliver job-specific performance--whether you're up against mundane tasks or something completely unexpected. With its spring-loaded pliers and butterfly-opening design, each component is always accessible using just one hand. And Gerber's proprietary SAF.T.PLUS locking system makes sure that each component stays open during use and closed the rest of the time.
(30-000334) Strata Multi Plier with Sheath
At a Glance:
Spring-loaded pliers
Carbide pinch cutters
Half-serrated blade
Saw
Scissors
Can and bottle opener
Phillips driver
Large flat driver
Small-tipped file
Small flat driver
Retail package opener
When fully opened these pliers are 6 inches long and have 13 components to perform a wide range of tasks. Featuring a comfortable contoured grip and a fold down measuring just 4 inches.
View larger.Butterfly Opening with Spring-Loaded PliersAt the center of Gerber Strata Multi Plier's efficient butterfly design is a sturdy pair of pliers that allow you to get a secure hold on a wide variety of surfaces, so you can tighten stubborn bolts, move hot camp pans, and pull tough knots loose. Also featured is a spring-action mechanism that allows you to deploy the pliers quickly and use them effectively.
The Strata's unique butterfly design also makes each of its remaining tools accessible from the outside, which allows for quick, one-handed access to any tool--so there's no need to open the pliers to get at a bottle opener or the blade.
Sturdy, Half-Serrated Knife BladeThe tool's dependable blade is big enough to handle the tasks taken on by any dedicated pocketknife, and it features a half-serrated edge for making quick cuts through rope and other fibrous materials. Offering the best of both worlds without the weight of two blades, the half of the blade that has a fine edge allows for accurate detail work and easy sharpening.
13 Easy-to-Access Tools and Safety Locking SystemWhether you're backpacking or doing other work, using the wrong tool to try and complete a job can be frustrating, time consuming, and even dangerous--which is where the Strata's true multi-tool design comes in. With 13 total components designed to deliver application-specific performance across a broad range of job types, it helps ensure that you never cut yourself or break a knife tip while attempting to tighten a screw with your blade.
Beyond its tough, sharp blade and spring-loaded pliers, the Strata offers a set of carbide pinch cutters , a saw, a pair of scissors, a Phillips driver, a large flat driver, a can and bottle opener, a small-tipped file, a small flat driver, and a special tool designed for opening retail packages effectively. And for added safety and improved handling, Gerber's unique SAF.T.PLUS locking system keeps each component open during use--so you don't ever have to worry about a blade folding on your hand--and keeps each component securely closed when the tool is in your bag or pocket.
Compact Design and Comfortable GripDespite being a completely utilitarian accessory, the Strata still shows off unique, contemporary good looks. Its stainless steel body and components feature a sleek brushed finish. In addition, the Strata measures a length of 6 inches when open and 4 inches when closed, and its ergonomic design features comfortable, contoured grip areas for accurate handling.
It weighs in at just 7.4 ounces to keep light packers happy, and it comes with a durable nylon sheath.
What's in the BoxGerber (30-000334) Strata Multi Plier with Sheath
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