Reviews You Can Rely On

Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier Review

A solid, affordable tool with what could be a “just right” set of features for you
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gerber suspension multi-plier multi-tool review
Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier
Credit: http://www.gerbergear.com/
Price:  $55 List
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Manufacturer:   Gerber
By Jediah Porter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 22, 2019
37
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#16 of 16
  • Functions - 40% 3.0
  • Construction Quality - 25% 5.0
  • Ergonomics - 20% 4.0
  • Portability - 15% 3.0

Our Verdict

Gerber has a solid, successful tool here. They are up against stiff, established competition in this category, and deliver a great product. We scoured the market for the best of the best, and have been evaluating tools for years now. The Suspension is Gerber's most refined tool, and hits a sweet price point. There are better tools and cheaper tools, but at this price the Suspension is a solid competitor. Only our Best Buy winning Leatherman Wingman edged out the Suspension as the top value. Interestingly, Gerber sells this same exact tool with just basic cosmetic differences and calls it the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate. They are exactly the same in design, function, and materials, with the Bear Grylls being more expensive. For large-handed folks, that won't carry their tool for extended times or distances, the Suspension is an excellent budget alternative.
REASONS TO BUY
Sturdy
Comprehensive
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Heavy

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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74
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53
39
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This is a good value and well built, with almost all the functions we look for in a multi-toolAll you should need, with proven pedigree, at a palatable price pointThis simple screwdriver tool has an interchangeable bit drive and a few other useful features, but the screwdriver itself doesn't lock, limiting its use for big jobsA compact budget tool with excellent construction and a reasonable set of features for daily useThis tool has some useful features like a large straight-edged blade, screwdriver, bottle opener, and pliers, but its weight and poor construction prevent us from recommending it to most people
Rating Categories Gerber Suspension M... Leatherman Wave+ Gerber Gear Armbar... Leatherman Wingman Amazon Basics 10-in...
Functions (40%)
3.0
8.0
5.0
4.0
6.0
Construction Quality (25%)
5.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
3.0
Ergonomics (20%)
4.0
7.0
5.0
8.0
2.0
Portability (15%)
3.0
5.0
8.0
7.0
2.0
Specs Gerber Suspension M... Leatherman Wave+ Gerber Gear Armbar... Leatherman Wingman Amazon Basics 10-in...
Number of Functions 10 18 + bits 8 10 10
Weight 9.1 oz 8.5 oz
(9.5 oz w/ case)
3.2 oz 6.8 oz
(7.8 oz w/ sheath)
7.9 oz
Locking Tools? All but pliers All but pliers Blade Scissors and blade Blade
Pliers type Spring-Loaded Needlenose, Regular, Wirecutters, Hard-Wirecutters, Crimper None Spring-Loaded Regular & Needlenose Needle nose, standard
Tools Accessible without Deploying Pliers All Blades, Saw, File All Blade & Scissors All
Blades and Type 2 Straight & 1 Serated 1 Straight, 1 Serrated 1 Straight 1 Hybrid Serrated/Straight Drop Point 1 Straight
Scissors Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Number of screwdrivers 3 5 included/integrated. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver 1 (Double sided bit) 3 2
File? No Yes, wood/metal & diamond-coated No Yes No
Saw? Wood Yes No No Yes
Openers Can & Bottle Can & Bottle Bottle Can, Bottle, & a unique box opener Can & Bottle
Other important features One-handed deploy blades Ruler Pry bar, Awl Very small ruler Carabiner
Sheath included? Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Other carry options Pocket, Lanyard Clip Pocket Pocket Pocket, Pocket clip Carabiner style clip
Closed Dimensions (Length x Thickness) 3.8 x 0.8 in 4.0 x 0.7 in 3.6 x 0.7 in 3.8 x 0.7 in 4.1 x 0.9 in
Open Length (Pliers) 6.1 in 6.3 in N/A 6.2 in 6.5 in
Open Length (Primary Blade Open) 5.9 in 6.9 in 6.4 in 6.4 in 7.0 in
Primary Blade Effective Edge Length 1.9 in 2.8in 2.6 in 2.4 in 2.5 in

Our Analysis and Test Results

Gerber's first entry to the plier's based multi-tool business was the slide-to-engage style Gerber Multi-Plier 600. The 600 is unique, but a bit unrefined. The Suspension is a "balisong" style tool, folding open to reveal the pliers. As such, it is less unique in the marketplace. Otherwise, the Suspension is more refined and has more tools than the older 600.

Performance Comparison



gerber suspension multi-plier multi-tool review - gerber suspension, showing the tool itself and the included, rigid...
Gerber Suspension, showing the tool itself and the included, rigid nylon case.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Functions


All the tools we reviewed here have multiple functions. Some are ubiquitous, like pliers, blades, and screwdrivers. In terms of these features, we compare quality. Others are less common, like scissors. For these items, simply presence vs. absence is the primary determining quality. For some, scissors are necessary and sorting our selection by those with scissors automatically narrows the field. The Suspension has scissors.

gerber suspension multi-plier multi-tool review - the suspension with tools deployed. clockwise from top: pliers...
The Suspension with tools deployed. Clockwise from top: Pliers, serrated blade, can opener, small straight driver, scissors, wood saw, phillips driver, medium straight driver, straight blade.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Ergonomics


In our experience, as well as in reviews elsewhere on the web, the rounded design of the Suspension make it one of the more user-friendly tools in our test. Additionally, like the best scoring tools we reviewed, tools of the Suspension are accessible without deploying the pliers.

Finally, like some of our favorite multi tools, both blades of the Suspension are equipped with thumb catches for one-handed opening. For the frequent blade user, especially he or she that is right-handed, this attribute is very much appreciated.

gerber suspension multi-plier multi-tool review - like modern pocket knives, as well as a few of our tested multi...
Like modern pocket knives, as well as a few of our tested multi tools, the main blade of the Suspension can be opened one handed. For frequent use of this handy tool, one-handed deployment is much appreciated.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Construction Quality


We had no issues with the durability and construction of the Suspension. This is as much a testament to our rigorous pre-screening of products as it is to the interest these tool companies take in making solid products. Consumers of multi-tools expect rugged performance, and the manufacturers deliver it. We then select products that represent the best of the best before closely comparing them. At no point in the testing process did we experience any issues with the Suspension. We have heard reports of people having issues with the spring-loaded pliers binding up, but in our extensive use, over multiple years now, this did not bother us.

Portability


Most of the tools we tested come with belt sheaths. This is an automatic bump in the tool's portability score. The Suspension comes with a basic nylon and velcro case. Beyond the presence or absence of a sheath, we look for other carry options (like a pocket clip or key ring- the Suspension has neither of these) and size and weight. Regarding mass and volume, the Suspension is near the top of the heap. Only a few tested tools are heavier, and the dimensions are just above average. For large-handed people that will carry the Suspension on their belt, this size and weight are decent. If you wish to carry your multi-tool in your pocket or on extended human powered adventures, others are more compact, lighter, and come equipped with a built-in pocket clip.

gerber suspension multi-plier multi-tool review - the suspension comes with a fold-out key chain loop, but putting...
The Suspension comes with a fold-out key chain loop, but putting keys there can interfere with the use of some of the tools.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Value


A few tools in our test are less expensive, but almost all of them compromise significantly on features and quality. The Suspension is an excellent value, in that it will last a long time and has the features that most normal users are looking for.

Conclusion


We dig the Suspension. It is useful, well-built, and has the most commonly employed tools. It is an excellent value. The only catch is that Leatherman, with their price-point Wingman tool, offers a smaller, lighter, more feature-rich product at an even lower price. We evaluate every product at OutdoorGearLab on individual characteristics and then generate an overall score by weighting the different characteristics. In overall scoring, the Suspension and identical twin Bear Grylls Ultimate tool are at the bottom of the chart. In a select subset of the available products, a subset we choose to represent the top of the heap, something has to score at the bottom. However, as compared to the entire market, the Suspension is still in the upper echelon.

gerber suspension multi-plier multi-tool review - gerber suspension multi tool shown in an average adult male hand...
Gerber Suspension multi tool shown in an average adult male hand, for size calibration.
Credit: Jediah Porter

Jediah Porter