Gerber 31-003345 Suspension NXT Multi-Tool, Silver, Medium

Product Information

With this multi-tool, you'll also get several secondary tools, such as a Phillips head screwdriver with a fully formed "3D" head, other small, medium, and large flathead screwdrivers, an awl, a multi-sided file, a can opener, a ruler, and the ever-useful bottle opener. If you compare the NXT to Gerber’s own Center-Drive (my review here), you can see the differences in the size of the tools like the pliers and the knife which are a size or two up from the NXT. That tells you it is more a medium-duty multi-tool rather than heavy-duty. If you are looking for a very useful gift idea, look no further than the Suspension NXT Multi Tool from Gerber. Made from stainless steel and with a 25 year guarantee you can be sure of giving a hardwearing and long lasting gift. Now, the flip side to this, as per the title of this subheading, is ‘Who isn’t the Suspension NXT for?’ After giving it some thought, I believe there are a few user profiles that might not fully benefit from what this multi-tool has to offer. The Truss and Suspension add functions while reducing weight from Gerber’s ‘best-selling’ predecessor.

The pliers have the sort of functions you would expect on a full-sized multi-tool so nothing to complain about there. They are also spring loaded which apparently reduce hand fatigue. I don’t know about you but I’ve never had hand fatigue using pliers before but you might appreciate it. The newly designed Suspension NXT gives you a compact multi-tool with 15 handy tools for the everyday user, from the commuter and hobbyist to weekend hiker and camper. Whether you are looking for a gift for an enthusiast of DIY, motor mechanics, camping or just someone who loves the outdoors the Gerber Suspension NXT Multi Tool is the perfect gift. It’s functional, practical, strong and tough and comes with an extensive guarantee. Having spent a week trialling this tool and putting all the different parts through their paces I can endorse it 100%. It’s certainly made my Christmas shopping easy ill happily just buy everyone a multi tool! You can even have it personalised (laser engraved) with your name for a few pounds. The NXT has one of my favorite tools – an awl. Want to know 11 uses for an awl I bet you’ve never thought of? It doesn’t have a thread loop but I’ve never used an awl to sew anything so I wouldn’t miss it. There’s also a multi-sided file and a can opener and the ubiquitous bottle opener. That’s it for all the tools on the NXT except a ruler if you want to call that a tool. Use-abilityWhat tools can you expect to find on a standard multitool? The list can vary widely, but it should include a screwdriver (with a Phillips and flat-head driver, at least), pliers, scissors and possibly a knife or two. Most will also have a bottle opener or something you can use as one. It’s a good bet that this tool is the one that will see the most actual use among weekend warriors. I’m not sure why the knife is only 2.25 inches (5.7 cms) when the inside of the handles is longer than that. It would be good to see the blade at least 2.5 inches (6.3 cms) particularly when you have a half/half blade that gives you just over 1 inch (2.5 cms) of either straight or serrated blade to work with. Not every multi-tool, even those from our favorite brands, are winners. These are models we've tried and don't like as much (or at all). Save your money and skip 'em.

The one knife that comes with this Gerber Suspension multi-tool is a combo blade of 2.25 inches (5.7cm) long. A half straight edge and a half-serrated edge with an oval thumb hole makes chopping and slicing all the easier.

Truss and Suspension Can Opener/Bottle Opener(Suspension) and Can Opener/Bottle Opener/Small Flat-head driver(Truss). The Truss added a small flat-head driver to the tool. A much welcomed addition to the combo opener. The can opener on the Truss is also notably sharper as well. So there you have it. I personally think that while the Suspension NXT is a superbly versatile tool, it’s not going to be the perfect fit for everyone – and that’s okay. It’s crucial to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all tool out there. It’s all about finding the right tool that matches your specific needs and preferences. The handles, when extended into ideal driver use position, are similar in comfort. See images of the drivers to see the ideal driver-use position. One, the NXT is at the lighter end of the weight range for a full-size multi-tool. In changing the focus of the Suspension from commercial users to more enthusiast users for the NXT, Gerber has reduced the weight from 9 oz (255 gms) down to 6.7 oz (190 gms). That’s 25% less weight to carry around. After spending some time studying the features and specs of the Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool, I’ve come to form some humble opinions about who might find this item particularly useful. It’s clear that this tool is designed with thoughtfulness and versatility, but let’s dive right into its user profile.

Now, who would find this useful? Given its multifunctional nature and compact size, I’d say it can cater to a wide audience. The ‘multisport’ label suggests it’s made for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy camping, hiking, or fishing. The wire stripper, Phillips and standard screwdrivers, and pliers all seem handy for dealing with unexpected equipment issues or setting up camp. Another thing to note is that the Truss fixes the biggest issue on the Suspension. The Suspension has suffered BADLY with broken plier-stops, whether the screws break or the stop breaks, the Suspension had that weakest link. The Truss fixes this by incorporating the plier-stops into the handle-frame themselves. Another much welcomed addition to the new Gerber Truss. Truss and Suspension plain-edge blades. The Truss changes the blade shape and adds a bit of length. A much welcomed change! The last primary tool that you'll need for everyday use is a pair of scissors. Although a bit on the small size, classing them as a main tool may be a bit of a stretch. The smaller Suspension-NXT weighs even less, advertised at under 6.5 ounces. Its updated features are the same as the Truss’, yet it’s longer and has three more functions than the 12-function Suspension.

But again, these are just my humble opinions. What’s most important is how well it fits your lifestyle and fulfills your requirements. So, keep this in mind while considering the Suspension NXT or any other multi-tool for that matter. Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool Review: Conclusion