Customer Reviews

Leatherman 831086 Core Multitool and Monarch 300 Multitool/Flashlight Combo Set

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

To give you a little background, I am a avid collector of flashlights and have had my fair share of multi-tools (mostly Leatherman). I have had this set for over seven months and I love the flashlight and case(more on the tool to follow). I have previously owned the old Super Leatherman, the Blast, the Wave, the Wave/Charger bit accessories, and now the Core that came with this combo kit. I saw this kit on a goldbox deal and had to have it.

My everyday light dilemma: I have had a Wave for a few years that I love and it came with a leather case which had two small elastic pouches on either side. I purchased a AAA Solitaire Maglite which would fit (although a little tight) in one of the side pouches. As a flashlight junkie, I found the Solitaire's 2.3 Lumens to lack the brightness needed for everyday use. I wanted to be able to carry a flashlight without having to put it uncomfortably in my pocket or add another bulky pouch to my belt.

I knew this kit would solve ALL my problems, although it's arrival was bittersweet. While I was impressed with the light and case, the Leatherman Core was not what I expected. I think they pulled a 15 year old design out to make the Core. It was extremely large and heavy compared to my Wave. The Core reminded my of the old Leatherman Super Tool I adored until it was stolen and I replaced it with the Wave. I opened up the Core and it seemed very sturdy and all tools seemed to be in working order. The knives were very sharp and I have no doubt this would last for a long time as most Leatherman's do. The tools on the Core also have the old release system where you have to pull a tool out halfway to release another tool that has been locked open. Please don't get me wrong, for the price, this combo set was actually a real bargain. However, after being spoiled by the Wave, I could not give it up for the Core.

Hence my solution. I set the Core aside and slipped my Wave into the new case with accompanying Monarch 300 flashlight. The case is a little large for my Wave, but it works. I have had this on my belt almost everyday for seven months and it has held up great. The flashlight for me is a gem. At 16 lumens it is almost 5X's brighter than the solitaire and still has about a 2HR runtime on 1 AAA. Obviously it's not a Surefire or Fenix but its not $60.00 either. I am very impressed with the quality of the light. It has a push button tail switch and Power Management Circuitry for Steady Light Output. This means the light doesn't get dim as the battery power drains(pro- brighter light for longer, con- no warning before the light shuts off).

Overall I would recommend this product to anyone who is looking to carry a bright flashlight without adding a lot of bulk. If you have not owned a super-tool before, you will probably be very happy with the Core multitool. I have no doubt about the durability and know that Leatherman stands behind their products.

The product arrived in the exact condition I would expect from Leatherman - perfect.

All the tricks that you would expect, and I really like the flashlight with the leather case - they both fit in the case BTW.

Great value for your money.

This tool is the best multi-tool I've ever owned! It came early, too! It's stiff to open so it won't come open in your pocket when you don't want it to, and all the tools and blades lock in place when you open them. The knives are extra sharp to the point to where I am really surprised. The saw blade has staggered teeth, and the wood/metal files look great.

This is one of the best tools I own. I bought this one for my dad because I felt that he was missing out for not having one. I've had mine for a year and it is an absolute wonder tool. The knife on it is very sharp. In fact I haven't had to sharpen mine since I got it one year ago. I use it a lot on investigations and just about anywhere else. The Philips head on it is made very solid and actually works like a screwdriver. The outside of the tool had rulers on both sides (Standard & Metric). With 19 tools on it, there's nothing else you need. I can't comment on the flashlight because I've never used it (since it was a gift). However, if you want a top of the line tactical flashlight for a reasonable price then you have to consider the Fenix LD20. Check out my other review to read about it.

The Leatherman Core is built to satisfy the heavy duty demands for any job. Its very heavy for a multitool and it features thick stainless steel tools to prevent breakage. This model is similar to the vintage Leatherman Super Tool series.

Pros:

1. Stainless. (It does rust however)

2. Strong pliers.

3. Thick steel tools.

4. Knife is very sharp. *ouch!*

5. Great metal file.

6. Handles have a smooth edge.

Cons:

1. Plastic bushings in hinges. This is a BIG NO, NO! I'm still wondering why did Leatherman went this.

2. Tool locking buttons are (in my opinion) fragile and weak. Compared to the Wave's locking design, the Wave is 10x better and brings confidence.

3. Nylon sheath is poor quality and could result in loosing your multitool.

4. Not American made.

It fails to my standards. I would rather purchase Victorinox's Swisstool over the Core.

BTW. The little Leatherman flashlight (Monarch 300) is AWESOME! Must a have.

This was a good buy. I bought 3 of them to give to my sons for father's day. They were excited to get a real Leatherman and I was happy to pay half price. They loved the flashlight.

This multitool offer all that you need in one piece. His body, construct on stainless steel, is a little heavy. I recommend to technicians who works with computer hardware or electronic devices.

This product came as advertised, although it seems heavy as multi-tools go. Seems to be well made, and the flashlight has gotten a surprisingly good performance from it's one AAA battery.

I'm very satisfied with this pairing.

The tool is very well built & has everything I want.

The LED light is very bright & has a very sturdy body.

There is only 1 thing I am concerned with, when you put the light back into the pouch it's very easy to turn the light switch on.

You can't tell if the light is on unless you take it back out & look at the lens.

I ordered this combo to keep in my car. It has everything and I especially like the flashlight that comes with it. The case keeps everything handy.