The Leatherman Juice Gets the Job Done in Style
Written: May 30 '02 (Updated May 31 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sturdy, compact, versatile, smooth handle, good pliers, cool color
Cons: May be too big and heavy to carry around in your pocket, blades don't lock
The Bottom Line: If utility, size, and good looks are your top priorities for a multi-tool, the Leatherman Juice CS4 is for you.
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| bdb55's Full Review: Leatherman Juice CS4 Glacier Multi-Tool |
Introduction
The Leatherman Juice CS4 "glacier" is a mid-sized multi-tool that is quite a bit better, but quite a bit bigger, than your standard Swiss Army knife. The Juice is a very substantial tool, it feels almost unbreakable; however, this may be due to its rather hefty 5.5 oz weight. I've been very impressed with the comfortable, smooth handles and strong pliers of the Juice. In addition, the beautiful blue color has not scratched or worn off as I had expected it would.
The Juice comes in several models, each with its own assortment of features and tools. All of the models are the same size, 3.25 in, yet weigh different amounts and come in different colors.
The Different Models and Their Features
Note: This section is fairly lengthy and is mostly data collected from Leatherman's site. If you don't want the raw numbers, just my analysis of the models, skip down to the next section. Also, all of the prices mentioned are retail. You can find all of these tools for considerably less if you shop around.
CS4
The CS4 is the model I have, so it will be the standard for my comparison.
The CS4's tools are:
Needlenose Pliers
Straight Knife
Wire Cutters
Hard-Wire Cutters
Extra-Small Screwdriver
Small Screwdriver
Med/Lrg Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
Lanyard Attachment
Can/Bottle Opener
Corkscrew with Assist
Scissors
Saw
Retail Price: $70
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Color: Glacier (Blue)
C2
Tools are the same as the CS4 except:
no Scissors
no Saw
Retail Price: $55
Weight: 4.3 ounces
Color: Inferno (Bright Red)
S2
Tools are the same as the CS4 except:
no Corkscrew
no Saw
Retail Price: $55
Weight: 4.4 ounces
Color: Flame (Orange)
KF4
Tools are the same as the CS4 except:
no Can/Bottle Opener
no Corkscrew
no Scissors
+ Awl
+ Serrated Knife
+ Diamond File
+ Ruler
Retail Price: $70
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Color: Solar (Yellow)
XE6
Tools are the same as CS4 except:
+ Awl
+ Serrated Knife
+ Diamond File
Retail Price: $85
Weight: 6.8 ounces
Color: Thunder (Purple)
Advantages/Disadvantages of Each Model
Well, I obviously prefer the CS4, seeing as that is the model I chose to purchase, but allow me to elaborate as to my reasons for choosing it. Right off the bat I eliminated the C2 and KF4 because they don't have scissors. Seeing as scissors are what I use the most in my multi-tools, these two models didn't stand a chance. The XE6 had features I knew I would never use, like the awl, and it was considerably heavier and more expensive. In addition, I'm not a purple person. That left me with only the S2 and the CS4 to consider. I thought I might use the corkscrew and saw on the CS4, and really liked the color, so I decided to go with it. The S2 would still have been a very good tool for me, though, because it has almost all of the features, weighs less, and is cheaper than the CS4. If the weight is important to you, I'd go for the S2. If you aren't going to be carrying your Juice with you every day, or just don't mind the extra weight, I'd get the CS4 (or the XE6 if you want the extra tools it provides.)
The Juice vs the Wave
My other Leatherman tool, the Wave, has served me well for a couple of years. It is a larger tool than the Juice, and has these additional tools: Regular Pliers (full sized, that is), Serrated Knife, Diamond-Coated File, Wood Saw, an additional screwdriver size, and a Wire Stripper. But the Wave doesn't have the corkscrew included on the Juice CS4. The Wave is .75 inches longer, and weighs 2.5 ounces more than my Juice. Perhaps the biggest difference, however, is that the Wave's blades lock, while the Juice's do not. Locking blades are much safer, as there is no risk in them closing on your fingers. This enables me to be more aggressive when using the blades, because I'm not worried about cutting my fingers off. The Wave does feel a lot bigger, even though its measurements may not convey a big difference. It also doesn't have the "cool factor" that the Juice does; it's plain old steel with no fancy anodized aluminum coloring. On the whole, the Wave is more useful, and retails for a mere $2 more than the Juice. However, you will have to weigh the Wave's locking blades, bigger tools, and extra features against the sacrifices of size, weight, and coolness. Both tools are well made, and there's no clear winner. The best way to decide between them would be by going to a store that carries both tools (REI, for example) and trying them both out.
Final Thoughts
The Juice CS4 is a good looking, useful tool that is more compact than my Wave. It is durable, and comes with an excellent 25 year warrantee. Many of the Juice's features are accessible form the outside of the tool, making it easier to get at the most used items (blades, can opener, scissors, corkscrew.) The pliers are great if you really have to torque on something, and the smooth handles won't cut into your hand. I'd recommend the Juice to someone who wanted a more serious tool than a simple Swiss Army knife, yet also cared about portability and style.
Sites to Visit
www.leatherman.com
Leatherman's site, for info on both the Juice and Wave
www.rei.com
Great place to buy on-line (Leatherman doesn't sell tools from its site.) If you want to look before you buy, go to a REI store.
http://www.epinions.com/content_11772923524
My Review of the Leatherman Wave
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bdb55
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Location: Portland, Oregon
Reviews written: 41
Trusted by: 23 members
About Me:
I love reading, photography, movies, music, ceramics, computers, hi-tech gadgets, and writing epinions!
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