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.

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.

Tool Deployment

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.