I've been using Gerber multitools, since Gulf War 1. Recently, I tried the new Gerber Suspension NXT in daily comms efforts. Long-awaited extended phillips screwdriver and scissors are appreciated and used often.
However, this multitool has several issues:
1. Springy wire that provides tension for the scissors slips past the handle cam/bail. Also, scissor axis between scissor halves worked it's way so loose that what is intended to be cut slips between blades and is not able to cut. There is no reasonable way to tighten the blades together at the axis.
2. Three times in the last month, the serrated knife opened-up in my pocket. This can be caused by any number of things in a pocket, such as car keys, wallet, or anything that can put pressure on the knife... even string from sewn fabric of the pocket that gets caught on the knife tip. This has resulted in at least one cut while reaching into the pocket.
As I type this, the knife has no tension holding it in place for up to 1/3 of an rotational inch, exposing the knife tip outside of the multitool housing ... just enough for something else in the pocket to pull the knife open further.
In contrast, the first 2 larger Gerbers that I owned more than 20 years ago had lots of tension after years of use. However, those knives opened on the opposite sides of the handles, so no worries about getting cut in the pocket.
The only reason why I would not own a Suspension NXT is because of the knife opening in the pocket and this cut. Otherwise, it would have had 5 stars.
I do not use the belt clip, because metal tends to wear down the finish on leather belts fast.
I truly believe that Gerber should discontinue this model before it ruins there reputation. I owned there last version of this multi tool for many many years and it was amazing, the quality was extremely good and I used it on the job site daily. This new one was bought as a gift for me by someone because they knew how much I liked and used the old one. It lasted 5 days on the job. The quality is honestly garbage. The entire handle broke while using the pliers under normal use. It didn't even line up while closed strait out of the box. It just felt cheap right away but I figured I would give it a shot. Needless to say I'm back to using my Gerber from a decade ago and I'm highly disappointed. I feel like there is no way this product went through any research and development or any quality control while being manufactured.
I have to say, this thing is great. As far as I need it, this multi-tool has served superbly. Personally, there are some minor details that I think are worth mentioning. The ruler is not the most useful, I suggest making millimeter and 8th inch marks somehow, because quarter inch and half centimeter scales are imprecise at best. The file is great; it is a legitimate file for soft materials like wood. It’s not really a metal file unless that metal is soft like sterling silver or copper. The knife is okay; the tool is a multi tool not a knife. Myself, I carry a bench made and this, because a knife will always be a better knife than a multi tool. That being said, the knife is not bad; it’s useful in a pinch, and I’ve used it for everything from opening boxes to cutting produce. The awl is an interesting inclusion that I’ve never used it as an awl, but I’ve used it as plenty of other things; namely, I’ve used it as a putty knife and a small pry tool. Everything else is pretty standard and works exactly how it should. I should say, the scissors are pretty useful, and I originally thought that they’d be a gimmick. The pliers/wire cutters work well. I’ve held things in fires with the pliers, and I’ve cut eighth inch brass rod with the wire cutters: they are also spring loaded, which is also not a gimmick; it makes them handle better. Overall, this tool is excellent, and I would recommend it to a friend.
Looking forward to owning the Gerber Suspension NXT. It has most of the tools I need and it looks really cool and techie. I got mine off Amazon Japan. Kudos and smart thinking to Gerber managers and engineers for deciding on the blade length of 2.3 inches which comes off at 5.7cm. That is well below the allowable 6 cm blade length that you are allowed to carry here freely in Japan. Japan is a huge market and knife laws are very strict here. Anything above 6cm is still okay as long as you have a reason to have it with you like you are doing outdoor activities or in some sort of professional capacity going about your daily job. Thus anything above a blade length of 6 cm. would disqualify it as an EDC tool. I’m glad such a multitool exists for me to carry it everyday here without fear from police inspection.
I was honestly looking for a regular multitool for random reasons. I guess that's the definition of EDC lol. But I picked up the DeWalt from Home Depot, and it was decent until it rusted on me. So chose this Suspension NXT, the tools are nicely lubricated out of the package, and I love the locking feature for the tools, makes it more secure. The tools are easier to take out than the DeWalt. I cut my nails all the time, so its good to know I don't need them as much with this one. The knife portion is sharp like hell! It's a thin blade with a serrated edge, and I can easily take out with my thumb tip. I cut opened a cardboard box like it was butter with it. It's comfortable to hold in pliers position and the tools position. I recommend this for anyone who wants a good quality multitool.
The Suspension NXT was versatile and sturdy. My favorite tool are the pliers, which I found helpful when I needed to adjust things on my boat or work with wire. I was grateful for the automatic locking on the various pieces for when I was working with something that required a little force, no concerns about it snapping back on you. The scissors were a bit short for my taste and I had to keep the joints lubricated because of salt water and sand but the body was great for rinsing gunk out after a messy day.
As a multi tool it works really well, the fact that there is a lock to keep the tools out is really nice. The biggest downside is the clip. After carrying for a week the clip got so loose I had to stop using it. I turned around and the whole tool went flying out of my pocket. A very disappointing reason to have to leave this tool at home.
I was on the fence about 3 or 2 stars. Ultimately, it came down to the quality of the clip. I want this for EDC and for the clip to attach this tool to my pocket. The metal of the clip is super thin and has bent such that it no longer is really secure in my pocket. I have a EDC knife with a clip I have carried for over 5 years with ZERO give to the clip - even after all those years of daily carry. Just seems they used really cheap materials on something that should be (in my opinion) much thicker so it is not prone to bending and stays more secure.
I like my old suspension better it has more tools and it has a case looking forward for GERBER to add more to the center drive and I will be getting one.
I’ve owned many, many different models Gerbers, Leathermans, some lesser known types. So as to not bore you, my biggest complaint against all the others is that the screwdriver attachments were too close to the tool, nuckle scrapers I call them. So overall the best multi tool I own and the only one I carry on a daily baises.
What should have been a great update for the Suspension is a disaster waiting to happen.
Kudos for reducing weight and thickness makes this version of the Suspension more comfortable to carry and fits better in my hand. I also like the long shanked full size Phillips driver.
I’ve had it for one day and I want to like it but there are some issues. Quality control is awful. The ruler markings are of uneven depth. The markings at the top right of the scale are stamped incredibly shallow and hard to see. The pliers head feels like something is grinding when squeezing the handles. The worst how loose all the tools are. New out of the box and the tools feel like they’ve been worked for 15 years.
Any vibration while while the tool is unfolded, like say using the pliers, will cause the tools in the handle to deploy. This is dangerous cause the knife is pointed directly at the meaty part of your hand. If you’re not careful with how you hold it, it’s possible for the knife to be right up against your hand.
Do not purchase until they fix this problem. It’s currently a stabbing just waiting to happen.
Well, if you're going to make multi-tools that open like leatherman's, then i'll go with leatherman… Gerber system of one-hand opening should not be compromised...
I own two of the Suspension NXT multi-tools and I love them so far. I keep one in my backpack for camping and one in my EDC bag. I have one of the Center Drive's I keep at home for every day use.
I just gifted myself a new Suspension NXT. Had the previous Suspension for quite a long time using it all the time working as a plumber. Loved it. The NXT is even better however with more useful tools. Love the wire stripper on the medium slotted screwdriver blade. Thanks for another great multi tool!
Purchased in October and is part of my daily carry tools. When using the plyers today they snapped behind the head of the plyers leaving no way to use the tools.
The frame feel cheap and has a lot
Of flex while in use or closed.
Like the pocket clip and overall tool package. I will be sending in for warranty but disappointed they do not cover shipping. I’ll most likely have to spend 25% of the tools cost just to send it back in.
Love my Suspension NXT Mulit took so glad Gerber made it for EDC users I use it every day at work or around town doing errands.
Thanks Again
I just got this for Xmas! My wife got it for me; but I picked it out. I’ve had a leatherman and some other cheaply made brand and both broke. I sent the leatherman back in and got a new one. I like the looks of this one and wanted something I could use at work. The Gerber hopefully “fits the bill”! I really haven’t used it; but it appears sturdy enough. The only thing I don’t like is the lanyard point. I really didn’t know what this was for until reading this on this webpage. I opened the package and left the house. I just think that area and/or the same area on the other handle could have been used for a bit driver and storage area. I use T-25 Star screws a lot and a place to use a bit driver would be much more useful! Maybe they have this on a higher priced model. This was the only Gerber model they had. 4stars for no bit driver. If the tool last it would probably be a five.
I recently purchased one at lowes for 23 dollars on sale. I loved it. In fact i bought one for my dad and uncle, and they both love it. The pocket clip was what sold me... i have the mp600 which i love but i dont wear a belt and its very heavy to be carrying around in your pocket. Also what the mp600 doesnt have is the outside tool access that the nxt has which is awesome cus you dont have to open the whole pliar to get to the knife. My only dislike is that there is a bit of handle play, but to make that excusable i also purchased a 30 dollar pair of leathermans which are the flimsiest pliers i have come across (even the ozark trail pliars) so kudos to gerber on a well made, well thought out pair of affordable pliars
I had mine for less than 4 months and it didn't see much use until last week when I started finding more uses and excuses to pull them out and fix something. Sadly they broke where the bottom of the pliers contact the handle frame and the pliers are inoperable. It's basically brand new still and everything else worked great for me so I've sent it in for warranty. I'll see in a coupe weeks how things go.
I wanted a nice multi-tool to keep in the auto emergency kit and saw this one at REI. Played around with it a bit and it'll definitely get the job done. I like the locking mechanism on the flip out tools, the pocket clip is sturdy and secure without being too tight, and the spring loaded pliers work excellent. I bought my first multi-tool over 25 years ago (and still have it) when I was in the Marines and I'm impressed with the progressive improvements over the years.
A couple of points I'll nitpick over. First, the plier grip is a little slick and I'd imagine it would get worse with sweaty hands. Second, there's quite a bit of twisting play between the two halves at the lanyard point end when the tool is closed. The excessive play doesn't affect functionality, it just feels cheaper than the Gerber name and reputation implies.
Overall I think this is a very good tool at a great price. A quick note on the stars - something has to really exceed expectations for me to give the max number of stars. I dropped one star due to the play issue I described, but I'd not hesitate to buy again or give to family as a gift.
Got the original suspension it was cost for the price sheath as we all know was a bit thin so I pit it in my leatherman leather case with the single light attachment. Fit snug as a glove yawl. Then I got wind of the NXT mhmm hmmm had to have it. First one was a but warped so I took it back to homedepot and the passed me another which we checked at the counter right and clean! On my belt loop it went and off to work... that all is great for scrapping char off a burnt up gas oven, I kind you not that babe shines :] used it to dig some pilot holes for door hinges tenants broke a bedroom door. Spring loaded pilers cut up them bronzed cost hangers like nothing car wire radio with 12g single stranded too. That cross is so boss use it to in stall a new porch light, 8ft led and bathroom fan without any additional tool Gerber keeping beautiful baby your awesome yawl love it keep up the good work, myhx AC.
I currently own the Suspension, MP600, as well as a Leatherman Signal. My primary reason for buying the NXT, was I simply wanted an EDC that was functional, and wouldn't weigh me down. At 6.7 ounces, this tool weighs 25% less than my Suspension. Two things that I really like about this tool, 1. A longer cross driver that actually looks like a Phillips. 2. The opening in the combo blade that allows for easy deployment. The NXT thoughtfully comes with a pocket/belt clip, which will keep Gerber fans from complaining about their poorly made sheaths. This is a medium duty tool, after putting it through the paces, I am completely satisfied. One last pleasant surprise, this tool opens and closes, as if already broken in. Five stars Gerber, great design. I also thank you for keeping your sheath.
Gerber keeps finding ways to improve multitools and driving the cost down. I have owned the original Suspension, so when the NXT came our with a pocket clip, I had to have it. I love the weight feel of this tool. I was surprised there is no stud on the blade for 1 hand opening. The Phillips screwdriver is long like a real screwdriver. The scissors are stubby, but usable. I'm not fond of the wire spring. The tool feels good in my hand and has the basics. Just what I need. For the money, it's an effective value-priced tool with a real lifetime warranty.
