Gerber Suspension NXT Multitool Evaluate

Backside Line

Up to date from its Suspension predecessor, the lighter and shorter Gerber Suspension NXT quickly grew to become successful with backpackers, campers, and our Midwest tester. The NXT is flexible and filled with options and sensible performance. 

With 15 built-in instruments—together with pliers, a pointy fine-edge blade, a noticed, screwdrivers, a can opener, and extra—it provides a complete answer for on a regular basis repairs and lightweight out of doors duties. The chrome steel development and strong construct imply glorious sturdiness, and ergonomics make it comfy to make use of over prolonged durations.

One standout characteristic is the graceful one-handed deployment system for fast and easy device entry. The pliers are sturdy and dependable, whereas the blade slices simply via light-duty supplies. One gripe is that the blade isn’t the sharpest available on the market. It’s small and the serrated portion usually will get caught on issues mid-cut. And we love the built-in pocket clip.

General, our tester discovered the Suspension NXT to be excellent for a spread of fast jobs like repairing camp gear or tightening screws on a deck rail. Whereas it provides nice versatility, it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than minimalist multitools that target portability and ease.

For our full lineup and evaluation of the most effective multitools, head to our multitool gear information.

How We Examined

Our tester introduced the NXT into the winter fray to see the way it measured as much as single-digit temperatures at a northern Wisconsin cabin. He examined the Gerber Suspension NXT with varied duties, together with adjusting a chainsaw engine, reshaping a bent fence latch, and pulling {an electrical} twine for an out of doors heater.

Weight & Portability

At 6.7 ounces, the Suspension NXT isn’t ultralight territory, however this device is impressively mild for what’s inside. Clipped to a belt throughout a three-day backpacking journey via the Boundary Waters, our tester, I barely observed the additional weight till needing the device to regulate a tenting range’s gas line.

The closed size is about 4.25 inches, which hits the candy spot of being compact with out feeling too small in your hand. Testers additionally appreciated the way it rides comfortably on the hip with out swinging round or getting in the way in which.

The pocket clip is sturdy sufficient for scrambling over fallen logs with out worrying about dropping it. All instructed, the Suspension provides an important stability of functionality and portability for individuals who recognize actual instruments.

Ease of Use

The NXT provides {smooth} and intuitive operation that highlights its considerate design and user-friendly performance. We like the short and responsive deployment that provides us entry to instruments with no need to unfold them absolutely. 

Every implement transitions easily, with minimal friction, and the device locks into place securely with a satisfying click on. The pliers and different parts really feel sturdy and dependable throughout use, showcasing Gerber’s consideration to element.

Whereas not as refined as higher-end multi-tools by way of silky-smooth motion, the Suspension NXT maintains an environment friendly and professional-grade operation for its worth level. 

The preliminary deployment is frictionless, and its quick-access options scale back pointless hand motion, making it nice for quick fixes. Some customers could discover the motion barely stiffer when in comparison with premium instruments, however this shortly improves.

Ergonomics

Contemplating its performance and worth, the Suspension NXT provides strong consolation and respectable ergonomics. The handles’ contoured design sits naturally within the hand with out inflicting discomfort or pressure throughout prolonged use. 

General weight is balanced nicely, making the device straightforward to make use of over lengthy days. The cutaways on the floor add some additional grip.

Whereas not the sleekest or most refined multi-tool by way of ergonomics, it will get the job performed with out compromising on usability. Some customers would possibly discover the deal with design somewhat cumbersome in comparison with slimmer options, notably throughout extended use, but it surely’s typically comfy for many duties. The Suspension NXT feels steady in hand and is intuitive to govern, with its design specializing in versatility.

The NXT provides environment friendly device deployment chops, with most instruments accessible inside 4-6 seconds, due to its fast, intuitive design. A mixture of one-handed and two-handed deployment makes it versatile, although switching between instruments could require a little bit of deliberate repositioning, particularly should you’re accessing completely different implements quickly.

The pliers are a standout characteristic, deploying easily with a dependable spring mechanism, whereas different instruments slide out simply with minimal resistance. The locking system offers confidence with every snap, making certain stability throughout use. Whereas the system isn’t the quickest in comparison with premium multi-tools, it will get the job performed with out a lot fuss.

The slight studying curve for switching between the instruments is price noting, however shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. This design prioritizes versatility and ease of use with out being overly difficult.

Load Bearing Capability

The NXT demonstrates strong load-bearing capabilities, particularly given its versatile design. Its chrome steel development offers dependable power for light-to-moderate gripping and twisting duties with out exhibiting noticeable flex or deformation underneath strain.

The pliers can deal with a good quantity of drive, making them reliable for the whole lot from tightening bolts to adjusting gear, with even strain distribution throughout the handles.

Whereas not designed for excessive heavy-duty use, the Suspension NXT holds up nicely underneath on a regular basis calls for, sustaining structural integrity even throughout rigorous chores over the lengthy haul.

We appreciated the device’s general stability of sturdiness and portability, with out unneeded bulk, and its pliers and key implements deal with torque successfully with out compromising efficiency.

Materials High quality

The Suspension NXT delivers spectacular construct high quality at its worth level. Our tester put this multi-tool via six months of abuse, together with a creek dunking whereas establishing camp on the North Nation Path in Wisconsin, and the frame-lock development remained rock strong with zero blade play.

The chrome steel parts held up admirably regardless of publicity to morning dew, rain, and drops into mud. Whereas clearing brush at a rural property, our tester used it continuous for hours and reported no hand fatigue due to the comfy grip. 

The black oxide coating exhibits some sincere put on marks after prolonged use, but it surely provides character reasonably than simply wanting beat up. What impressed our staff most was how the spring-loaded pliers maintained their stress even after work like repeatedly reducing via rusty wire fencing. This device is constructed for the robust stuff and delivers.

Ought to You Purchase the Gerber Suspension NXT?

We all know that sensible, versatile, and straightforward to hold are the calling playing cards of a dependable multitool. The Gerber Suspension NXT makes a powerful case as a go-to possibility for budget-conscious customers who nonetheless need enduring reliability. 

Designed for ease of use, this device blends operate with simplicity, providing the instruments you want with out overwhelming bulk. The NXT is a consumer favourite for a no-fuss, reliable device.

Head to our finest multitools gear information for extra of our favorites. Beneath are another comparable choices to the Gerber Suspension NXT which might be available on the market as nicely:

Gerber Truss Evaluate: The Gerber Truss provides 17 important instruments in a slim, ergonomic, and inexpensive bundle. It brings one-handed deployment, sturdy chrome steel development, and sensible design, making it a simple, dependable device for quite a lot of light-duty duties.

The Truss has a sleeker design and is barely lighter than the NXT, nice for on a regular basis carry. Its instruments are well-positioned, straightforward to entry, and lock securely into place. The Truss provides nice worth, however a much less sturdy plier system and fewer specialised instruments place it a notch beneath different higher-end multi-tools. It doesn’t have the identical vary of professional quality capabilities because the Suspension NXT, but it surely makes up for it with a slim, ergonomic really feel.

Gerber Heart-Drive Evaluate: The Gerber Heart-Drive is a craftsman’s companion that focuses on operate and accessibility. It boasts a modest array of options, however these current are remarkably refined and purposeful. The standout spotlight is the ingeniously designed wire cutter. Accompanying the wire cutter is a sturdy set of needle-nose pliers, a swift-deploy main leading edge, and several other auxiliary implements nestled inside the pliers’ framework.

Each part performs almost as adeptly as a specialised device, all consolidated right into a compact kind that slides comfortably right into a pocket, although the included tactical holster offers a extra handy carrying possibility for severe customers. Whereas the NXT is lighter and extra inexpensive, the Heart-Drive offers higher general versatility with extra superior options. Downsides embody a barely bulkier design, making it higher suited to these prioritizing heavy-duty capabilities over portability.

Leatherman Sidekick Evaluate: It is a versatile adventurer’s device, with an impressively complete set of features. The standout spring-loaded pliers outline the device’s utility, incomes the Leatherman Sidekick a prime advice for on a regular basis carry fanatics. Complementing the sturdy pliers is a pointy main blade, wire cutters, a can opener, and a number of specialised instruments tucked strategically into the handles.

Every part performs with near-professional precision, making a bundle that’s remarkably compact but extremely succesful. Whereas barely heavier than ultralight options, the Sidekick balances performance and portability completely. It sits comfortably in a pocket however actually shines when connected to the included belt clip, able to deal with the whole lot from campsite repairs to fast dwelling upkeep duties.