We reviewed Leatherman’s Sidekick multi-tool a couple of weeks ago, and it left us with a very positive impression. The Sidekick and Wingman are Leatherman’s newest entry-level multi-tools, and they deliver decent functionality at inexpensive price points.
Although we only intended to review the Sidekick, we came across a great deal on the Wingman and promptly purchased one for personal use and review. Since much of what we said about the Sidekick holds true about the Wingman, we decided to do a comparison video review that focuses more on the tools’ different features.
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Although the scissors gave us some trouble initially, they work perfectly now that we realized they need a little extra force to deploy. If the liner lock is not engaged, the scissors will not work properly.
2013 Price Update: Sidekick is ~$30, Wingman ~$25
Comparison Summary
Assuming that you only plan to buy one of these multi-tools, here are a couple of points to help you choose one over the other:
Leatherman Sidekick
- plain edge blade
- wood-cutting saw
- leather pouch that can be reappropriated for use with other smaller tools
- neat carabiner accessory
Leatherman Wingman
- combination plain edge and partially serrated blade
- scissors (although they’re not the greatest)
- package opener (we LOVE this feature!)
- lower price – $30 vs. $40
So that’s what it comes down to – blade preferences, scissors vs saw, package opener vs. small serrated knife, price, and cool accessories that you may or may not care for.
John
I got a wingman at HD over the thanksgiving sales for under $20. Great tool. Lightweight, fits in my front packet with the clip easy, don’t even realize its there. The package opening tool is awesomesauce. The blade is good, tho I don’t like combo blades that much.
NOUMAN
HOW CAN I BUY THIS MULTI TOOL KEY CHAIN…?
Stuart
Click the purchasing links in the post? Or did you mean just the carabiner clip? It’s since been made available at select Leatherman dealers.
Mitherial
I like to keep a multitool in each drawer that I may need it in around the house / office / car. I can’t stand the cheap / off-brand options other than Leatherman, but do not want to pay for a full-featured option (which I would still recommend for an EDC, etc.)
For this purpose, Leatherman has a Costco-*exclusive* model — the “Bolster”–which is quite similar to the Sidekick, and currently $25 cheaper–a significant savings if you are buying more than one.