Leatherman Wave+ Multitool Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

In our guide to the best multitools, the Leatherman Wave+ takes our top spot for the second year running as a go-to multitool packed with quality and utility. This beauty boasts a perfect balance of versatility, durability, and value. 

Whether you’re a tradesperson or just want to be ready for anything, the Wave+ packs all the essentials: pliers, screwdrivers, a sharp 420HC stainless steel blade, a saw, and even replaceable wire cutters. The best part? All of these tools are easily accessible from the outside, so you don’t have to unfold the entire tool to grab what you need.

The updated Wave+ also brings some serious upgrades. The wire cutters are replaceable, and a better ergonomic design made chores on a busy Minnesota farm easier. The Wave+ is a bit on the heavy side for everyday carry, but if you’re constantly using a multitool, you’ll appreciate the extra heft. With a lifetime warranty and all the versatility you could ask for, the Wave+ checks all the boxes.

How We Tested

Over a 30-day test period, the Wave+ was put through the wringer at three different Minnesota farms (livestock, crops, and hobby). We used it to repair pens, cut bale twine, and keep tractors tuned up. At the same time, the tool traveled north and faced off against frigid temps and 60 trail miles on the NCT. 

Weight & Portability

The Leatherman Wave+ is compact and lightweight, designed for maximum portability without missing a beat in functionality.

Weighing just 8.5 ounces and measuring 4 inches closed, it easily fits into a pocket, bag, or gear pouch. Despite its slim profile, the Wave+ packs 18 essential tools, including pliers, knives, screwdrivers, and wire cutters, making it an ideal companion for everyday home repairs or getting out there on hiking and camping junkets. The Wave+ delivers convenience and versatility without the bulk, and its sturdy build ensures you’re always prepared wherever you go.

Ease of Use

The Wave+ is a global bestseller for good reason. This jack of all trades is simply a blast to use, with exceptionally smooth operation in both casual and demanding situations. Each tool opens and closes with near-frictionless precision, offering seamless deployment every time. 

While using the pliers and screwdrivers to repair livestock fencing, the opening and closing action stayed effortless and consistent, requiring minimal force. This was complemented by barely-there spring tension variation and no unexpected resistance when accessing or locking the tools into place.

Every component of the Wave+ deploys with a satisfying fluidity, making it feel like an extension of your hand rather than a bulky tool to wrestle with. In a crowded multitool market, we love the precise and reliable deployment that always brings a functional and satisfying user experience. Besides being a bit hefty for everyday carry, we found no discernible downsides to this stellar tool.

Ergonomics

Comfort and ergonomics are highlights of the Leatherman Wave+. Its a design that just feels right in the hand. The comfortable grip provides a secure, non-slip hold, and we never felt fatigued, even on hours-long stints in the engine bay of a finicky Ford tractor.

The tool’s weight is perfectly distributed and doesn’t feel too heavy or cumbersome. It’s easy to maneuver, too, when torquing with the pliers or using the knife for precise cuts. The tools themselves are thoughtfully located for natural hand positioning. We never had to awkwardly adjust the grip when switching between functions. This careful attention to ergonomics makes the Wave+ one of the most comfortable multitools out there.

A multitool isn’t much good if you have to struggle to get at the tools. The Leatherman Wave+ really shines when it comes to the efficiency of tool deployment. 

Accessing the tools is fast and smooth, with most tools ready for action in 2-3 seconds. If you’re in a pinch and need to deploy a blade, the one-handed opening feature is a game changer—quick, easy, and intuitive, especially when juggling other tasks. Transitions between different functions are seamless as well; our tester hardly missed a beat when faced with a broken pack zipper three days into an extended hike. 

The external tool access is another standout, allowing you to grab most tools without fully opening the multitool. This means you can get what you need in the middle of a project without losing time or momentum.

One common downside is that, while the pliers are easy to deploy, they can be stiff at first, requiring some break-in time before they open smoothly. Also, tools stored inside the handle (like the file or Phillips screwdriver) can be a little trickier to access, especially when you’re in a hurry or need a tool from deep within the handle.

Load Bearing Capacity

The Leatherman Wave+ is a beast when it comes to load-bearing capacity, particularly its pliers. They maintain a robust grip, easily handling tasks like twisting fence wire without slipping or losing traction. The driver bits also stand up well to torque, making them effective for driving screws or handling fasteners without stripping. 

Without fail, the tools stayed consistently secure, even under significant duress, with almost imperceptible flex during heavy-duty prying. While it performs exceptionally well under load, it’s worth noting that the multitool’s compact design means that there is some slight flex in the handles when used with extreme force, but it’s never enough to compromise the tool’s integrity. Overall, the Wave+ is built tough and means business.

Material Quality

True to its form and reputation, Wave+ is built to last, made from high-quality stainless steel that can handle whatever you throw at it. Whether you’re screwing in an electrical fixture, slicing through rope with its razor-sharp knife, or bending fence wire with the pliers, the Wave+ can take a beating and keep on going. Its durable construction delivers confidence it can handle wear and tear for years of tough jobs. It’s also rust-resistant and holds up for the long haul through rainy conditions or frequent use around water. 

The Wave+ feels solid in your hand, too, with a reliable, sturdy feel typical of the  Leatherman name. It’s the kind of tool you can count on, day after day, no matter the adventure or task at hand.

Should You Buy the Leatherman Wave+?

If you’re an always-tinkering DIYer or insatiable adventurer, the Leatherman Wave+ is your pocket-sized superhero, ready to tackle everything from tent repairs to quick home fixes. Its 18 tools are packed into a sleek, comfortable design you can count on and use all day. The tools are easy to get to, stalwart as an oak tree, and like carrying an entire toolbox in something smaller than your smartphone. 

The Wave+ is a solid value with years-long reliability for tradespeople and camping families, and will help you zip right through your weekend chore list. This is one of the all-time best multitools, but it might not suit individuals seeking specialized single-purpose tools or those faced with consistent heavy-duty work.

When considering the Leatherman Wave+, some of our other top picks from our gear guide might appeal to you as well.

Leatherman Skeletool Review: While not as feature-packed as the Wave+, the Skeletool is among our favorites for its simplicity and portability, with a perfectly balanced weight-to-function element without the bulk of larger models. Seven tools, including pliers, a knife, a bit driver, and a bottle opener, cover the basics well. We also love the carabiner-style carry clip. 

Gerber Suspension NXT Review: The Gerber Suspension NXT offers solid value with 15 tools packed into an affordable, well-built frame, including pliers, wire cutters, a variety of blades, screwdrivers, and scissors. Its ergonomic design and sturdy build make it a great option for a versatile tool at a great value. While it lacks the premium feel and some of the specialized features of the Wave+, it’s a solid, budget-friendly alternative.

Gerber Armbar Drive Review: A compact, modern take on the traditional multi-tool, the Gerber Armbar Drive features a simple, sleek design with six tools, including a bit driver, knife, pry bar, and bottle opener. Ideal for those who want a lightweight tool that doesn’t sacrifice practicality, it’s perfect for minimalists who need a few key functions without excess. Compared to the Leatherman Wave+, the Armbar Drive offers fewer tools but is a solid, pocket-friendly choice for basic tasks or light use.