Been using the DL30 pretty hard for 6 mon as a daily carry. I have been very impressed with the quality that you get with a 37.00 dollar tool. I am surprised at how well the blade steel has held up and retained it's edge. Sharpens up easily and last a long time. Like I said I'm a hard user! I use it at work and on the farm many times a day and it has not let me down yet.
This is the best, most detailed, honest review and comparison of the DL30 with the Surge on TH-cam. I'm glad you're back to making such high quality videos. Other creators who machine-produce their reviews should learn from you.
You can put a 6mm by 1mm disk magnet in the bottom of the dl30s bit driver to make it magnetic while still being able to use the double sided ball detent bits
For those wondering about a god pocket clip option that isn’t adhesive based. The Donk - Titanium pocket clip for the leatherman wingman and sidekick fits very nicely onto the DL30. It’s not perfect but it’s the best option I’ve seen, and has served me very well for over a month now.
The next tool im gonna get is a victorinox. In the past, when i have used cheap multitools, have been aggravating and throwing the tool away. When i use something quality, i feel satisfied and glad i spent the extra money. I just won't buy any more leathermans until they step up their quality control, or i catch it on clearance.
good your back I've missed you so bad and two videos in a day twice as nice and knots video with your girls was great we all need a break but you've got a budget multi tools everywhere so you only have about 1 million videos to get done I'll enjoy all of them gald your back
90% as good, quarter of the price and not limited (by default) to the crappiest most expensive bits in existence. Not even a contest if you ask me. Works perfectly fine for all day to day tasks. Fixed a door mechanism, maintain the string trimmer, pull on suff, cut some wire, pry open parts, does it all, no problem. And when you need something really heavy duty, you go and get the right tool for the job.
The flat bits are inferior in their function and they are definitely more expensive, but the point is that the take up much less space and weigh less. If you’re already using a multitool then you should be familiar with that trade off. I keep a leatherman in my motorbike and you bet I have the bit extender and a set of full sized bits, but I would never carry that on my person. But a small sleeve that can hold twenty bits that will get me out of a bind, that makes sense for a lot of people. But you are right, the daicamping d30 looks like a great tool and an unbeatable value. I was considering it until I found this second hand surge at a great price
@@lachlanlander6002 I'd say I was even generous (to LM) with just the 90%, but whatever floats your boat. I don't have a Surge, but compared to the ones I have (Kick, Rebar, Wave, Wingman), the newer, well made Chinese tools are just as good for a fraction of the price. And the DL30 will do everything the Surge does, as demonstrated in the video. It's a usable piece of stamped metal, so I don't get emotionally attached to it or to a brand, I mostly look for what performs comparably at a better price. On the other hand the LM Kick is still my favorite lightweight multitool, such fine and precise pliers. My best purchase of the LM bunch. I do love quality tools and price is not always the first consideration. For example there is nothing the Chinese (or others) make much cheaper to come close to a Knipex plier or a Wiha bit/screwdriver set. Leatherman does not belong in such a class to justify the price, compared to what is now available on the market. Maybe they did earlier, but now not even close.
Very through comparison. Thanks. I think because the thumb slot on the DL-30 is wider, that would make that spot on the blade weaker than the Surge. My DL-30 plier tip is perfectly aligned. I like the Surge bit holder better because I can still use all the 1/4" bits by using the bit adapter and because the holder is thinner they can put the can opener on that same side, which allows the tools on the other side to be beefier. But because the DL-30 is so cheap, you could always buy 2 so you have replacement parts if anything breaks. I think the DL-30's main tools open a little smoother do to the extra washers they used.
The Leatherman Surge only comes with sheath and Saw/File holder right? I don't think it comes with the Leatherman Bits either. About the cutters..the reason there are new cutters: They changed the molds for the Leatherman Wave Plus..it no longer fits the old cutters well. So when they changed it, the cutters needed an update...silly I know.
I also carry a Leatherman surge And I am a little biased when it comes to that but I can see how people would like the standard quarter Inch bit But just to put it out there I also carry a Wiha set With my bit extension But I also have integrated a small nut driver set In my kit Comes in handy
I have been waiting for this and the Nextool Flex reviews. I have the Bibury Surge clone after I lost my surge. It's the same as the Dai. Got it for £25. Bought two, one for work and one for the car. I did a mod like yours, Chisel/wire cutter/stripper. Then modded the bottle opener wire stripper. Got me out of a few scrapes already. Knife is easy to sharpen, the Surge feels better in the hand. Might 3d print scales to fill in the gaps on the handle sides. Great and fair review.
How are those modifications working out for you? I think that I am going to do a different one and add that cable cutter at the base of the serrated blade on the next version. I feel like I will have enough usable blade to accomplish the cutting tasks that I will run up against while giving me the ability to use that cable stripper on an outbound tool.
@@txtoolcrib I actually used the large light prybar/driver in the Bibury, to make it so I didn't have much to do, it is great for cutting into and stripping large wire. Trying to now grind the edge like the one on victorinox where the corner is sharper to use as box/package opener. Seeing your mod was awesome, also need to work out how to improve the wire stripper on the can opener to get that V shape. The Surge is better Quality, but the price difference was the deciding factor for me.
Do you happen to have a Skeletool RX? Leatherman designs those with very deep serrations & they still don't "skip" across rope like that Dia DL30. They mention on the (Canadian) website specifically that they sharpen those serrations twice as deep as their typical serrated blades to make it more effective for these types of cuts in rope, seat belt, etc. I don't think the slightly deeper serrations on the DL30 are a problem, it's likely just dull as hell. Otherwise it wouldn't skip like that, it should be easily cutting through rope like the Surge here or the Skeletool RX regardless of its deep serrations.
I didn't knew that there was M390 replacement blades available ! As a knifemaker I was thinking about making a new blade for my Surge made of N690Co, I really can't stand the 420HC...
@@thomasg5601 lets hope its genuine M390 steel Ive mentioned it several times on youtube, but seems like TH-cam deleted my comments for having the link shown
I'm confused, at the bottom of my pliers cutters is this notch and you can strip wires with it. I'm so used to it from my PST, that i file the notch in the mutitools pliers cutters that don't have it. XD
Leatherman bits aren't even proprietary anymore. nextool makes them now for about half the cost of what leatherman charges for them. Leatherman bits aren't worth the $ since they are heat treated way to soft for bits
I have those nextool bits, just as bad, maybe even worse than the leathermans, as they fall/pull out all the time compared to the leatherman bits, they also wear out as quickly as well, both suck
@pmn6404 they might be, but it's a lot cheaper to get new bits from nextool than it is leatherman. That's why I prefer having the 1/4 bit driver on the dl30( get a 6mm/1mm disk magnet and the retention problem is solved). 1/4 bits from wiha, wera and Klein are way better than the marshmallow leatherman/nextool bits
@billybunter3753 That's a poor excuse. It's purely a cash grab for leatherman cause those bits cost hardly anything to make all leatherman cares about is $. That's been proven by their horrible qc lately and frankly leathermans are $20-30 overpriced for what materials they use
I get the huge price difference matters. But there wouldn’t be a DL30 if there wasn’t a Surge. We should consider more than price when we buy things. I’d rather save a little, and buy from a company that has employed people here for decades and has possibly made more inventions and innovations in edc tools than any other company, maybe besides Victorinox… that should mean something. 25 year warranty should mean something too. It’s too bad people would rather buy what’s cheapest and throw it in the trash when it breaks 😔
Y’all kno that leatherman really stretches that American made thing right? The blades and tools are VERY often made in china, probably at the same factory as the clone hence why they have no idea when THEIR OWN bit kits will be back in stock. Cause they don’t make em.
my DL30 broke after like 4 days, and support was doing the bare minimum to make me shut up. offered to ship me replacement pivot screw. still havent got it yet. def wont buy anymore knockoffs or reproductions.
I am a buyer of both the Surge and its Chinese copy, and I consider myself honest: it is most definitely not junk. Did you even watch the video? Granted, the Surge feels and performs better. But honest buyers will tell you that the Chinese copies come very close. You could be charged double what they charge now and it would still only have happy customers. Outstanding value and perfect as a glovebox multitool. For something you carry on your person all day, every day, ... nah, not refined enough IMHO. However, I see no reason to question the quality/ longevity of the tool (at this stage). Can you back your claim that they are junk?
Leatherman Surge Clones
Bilbury - amzn.to/47Y6xCU
Rocktol - amzn.to/3ZRsv8I
Diacamping - www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805409937925.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
Leatherman Surge - amzn.to/4eWZ0GU
Been using the DL30 pretty hard for 6 mon as a daily carry. I have been very impressed with the quality that you get with a 37.00 dollar tool. I am surprised at how well the blade steel has held up and retained it's edge. Sharpens up easily and last a long time. Like I said I'm a hard user! I use it at work and on the farm many times a day and it has not let me down yet.
This is the best, most detailed, honest review and comparison of the DL30 with the Surge on TH-cam. I'm glad you're back to making such high quality videos. Other creators who machine-produce their reviews should learn from you.
You can put a 6mm by 1mm disk magnet in the bottom of the dl30s bit driver to make it magnetic while still being able to use the double sided ball detent bits
make it, too
For those wondering about a god pocket clip option that isn’t adhesive based. The Donk - Titanium pocket clip for the leatherman wingman and sidekick fits very nicely onto the DL30. It’s not perfect but it’s the best option I’ve seen, and has served me very well for over a month now.
Good to have you back making multi tool video's👍
Thank you very much.
The next tool im gonna get is a victorinox. In the past, when i have used cheap multitools, have been aggravating and throwing the tool away. When i use something quality, i feel satisfied and glad i spent the extra money. I just won't buy any more leathermans until they step up their quality control, or i catch it on clearance.
good your back I've missed you so bad and two videos in a day twice as nice and knots video with your girls was great we all need a break but you've got a budget multi tools everywhere so you only have about 1 million videos to get done I'll enjoy all of them gald your back
90% as good, quarter of the price and not limited (by default) to the crappiest most expensive bits in existence. Not even a contest if you ask me. Works perfectly fine for all day to day tasks. Fixed a door mechanism, maintain the string trimmer, pull on suff, cut some wire, pry open parts, does it all, no problem. And when you need something really heavy duty, you go and get the right tool for the job.
The flat bits are inferior in their function and they are definitely more expensive, but the point is that the take up much less space and weigh less. If you’re already using a multitool then you should be familiar with that trade off. I keep a leatherman in my motorbike and you bet I have the bit extender and a set of full sized bits, but I would never carry that on my person. But a small sleeve that can hold twenty bits that will get me out of a bind, that makes sense for a lot of people. But you are right, the daicamping d30 looks like a great tool and an unbeatable value. I was considering it until I found this second hand surge at a great price
90% as good? 😂 No chance...
90% similar in looks not 90% similar in quality. Don't get mistaken. They aren't at a third of the quality of a surge
@@lachlanlander6002 I'd say I was even generous (to LM) with just the 90%, but whatever floats your boat. I don't have a Surge, but compared to the ones I have (Kick, Rebar, Wave, Wingman), the newer, well made Chinese tools are just as good for a fraction of the price. And the DL30 will do everything the Surge does, as demonstrated in the video. It's a usable piece of stamped metal, so I don't get emotionally attached to it or to a brand, I mostly look for what performs comparably at a better price. On the other hand the LM Kick is still my favorite lightweight multitool, such fine and precise pliers. My best purchase of the LM bunch. I do love quality tools and price is not always the first consideration. For example there is nothing the Chinese (or others) make much cheaper to come close to a Knipex plier or a Wiha bit/screwdriver set.
Leatherman does not belong in such a class to justify the price, compared to what is now available on the market. Maybe they did earlier, but now not even close.
All these simping for a product that stole someone’s r&d work and tears and sweat. 😂
I have the Bibury pro (basically the same as dl30). Works great for its price given that the Surge here is 180-190 USD.
Very through comparison. Thanks. I think because the thumb slot on the DL-30 is wider, that would make that spot on the blade weaker than the Surge. My DL-30 plier tip is perfectly aligned. I like the Surge bit holder better because I can still use all the 1/4" bits by using the bit adapter and because the holder is thinner they can put the can opener on that same side, which allows the tools on the other side to be beefier. But because the DL-30 is so cheap, you could always buy 2 so you have replacement parts if anything breaks. I think the DL-30's main tools open a little smoother do to the extra washers they used.
Love this channel
The Leatherman Surge only comes with sheath and Saw/File holder right? I don't think it comes with the Leatherman Bits either.
About the cutters..the reason there are new cutters:
They changed the molds for the Leatherman Wave Plus..it no longer fits the old cutters well. So when they changed it, the cutters needed an update...silly I know.
That’s true. Regarding the cutters, it that something you heard from a Leatherman representative?
Good honest review. I have both for the same reasons mentioned. DL30 in the glove box and the Surge I take with me when I know o will need it
I also carry a Leatherman surge And I am a little biased when it comes to that but I can see how people would like the standard quarter Inch bit But just to put it out there I also carry a Wiha set With my bit extension But I also have integrated a small nut driver set In my kit Comes in handy
If someone would make a crunch clone be great
I have been waiting for this and the Nextool Flex reviews. I have the Bibury Surge clone after I lost my surge. It's the same as the Dai. Got it for £25. Bought two, one for work and one for the car. I did a mod like yours, Chisel/wire cutter/stripper. Then modded the bottle opener wire stripper. Got me out of a few scrapes already. Knife is easy to sharpen, the Surge feels better in the hand. Might 3d print scales to fill in the gaps on the handle sides. Great and fair review.
How are those modifications working out for you? I think that I am going to do a different one and add that cable cutter at the base of the serrated blade on the next version. I feel like I will have enough usable blade to accomplish the cutting tasks that I will run up against while giving me the ability to use that cable stripper on an outbound tool.
@@txtoolcrib I actually used the large light prybar/driver in the Bibury, to make it so I didn't have much to do, it is great for cutting into and stripping large wire. Trying to now grind the edge like the one on victorinox where the corner is sharper to use as box/package opener. Seeing your mod was awesome, also need to work out how to improve the wire stripper on the can opener to get that V shape.
The Surge is better Quality, but the price difference was the deciding factor for me.
Do you happen to have a Skeletool RX? Leatherman designs those with very deep serrations & they still don't "skip" across rope like that Dia DL30.
They mention on the (Canadian) website specifically that they sharpen those serrations twice as deep as their typical serrated blades to make it more effective for these types of cuts in rope, seat belt, etc. I don't think the slightly deeper serrations on the DL30 are a problem, it's likely just dull as hell. Otherwise it wouldn't skip like that, it should be easily cutting through rope like the Surge here or the Skeletool RX regardless of its deep serrations.
Huh I've never moved that inner tension bar first on the surge t-shank adapter, I just push the nub and the entire thing over at once.
I have 3 Leatherman Waves and if this DL30 was available before i get the Waves i would definitively buy 3 DL30 !
10:55 Do you know the part/item number for those blades? I've checked Lowes, Home Depot, Amazon, and even Lenox's website and I can't find them.
My bibury surge clone is awsome!
how come no one on youtube tested that M390 Aliexpress blade replacement for the Surge
ive ordered one last week , exited to test it soon
Or the VG10 blades on aliexpress, those tend to be a lot cheaper but still great
I saw those also, very interesting. Not that I need it there's nothing wrong with my surges blade.
I didn't knew that there was M390 replacement blades available ! As a knifemaker I was thinking about making a new blade for my Surge made of N690Co, I really can't stand the 420HC...
@@thomasg5601 lets hope its genuine M390 steel
Ive mentioned it several times on youtube, but seems like TH-cam deleted my comments for having the link shown
@@thomasg5601 i bought it for 97canadian$ with shipping
Its now for 101 without shipping
Havent recieved it yet
I use the Bibury at work (construction)
my Leathermans will be used private only
great video. thank you
oh boy...here we go..
I sold my DL30 yesterday, ended up in the TV mum! 😂
Great review
I'm confused, at the bottom of my pliers cutters is this notch and you can strip wires with it.
I'm so used to it from my PST, that i file the notch in the mutitools pliers cutters that don't have it. XD
I have the same blade profile on my Surge and it gets really annoying to sharpen when the edge isn't straight.
thanks, Ben!
Great review! Usually I just see guys kissing Daicamping's ass for making a cheap tool very very cheap. You're actually showing us how you use it.
Do you have a link for the Lennox blade you used? Thanks.
Bibury pliers pro vs surge serrated blade comparison?
Good review. I've subscribed. I reviewed a Bibury Surge clone recently on my channel
My Daicamping failed the first usage. The biggest flat screwdriver/pry bar bent over during screwing.That's all, folks!
That’s not good
Leatherman bits aren't even proprietary anymore. nextool makes them now for about half the cost of what leatherman charges for them. Leatherman bits aren't worth the $ since they are heat treated way to soft for bits
I have those nextool bits, just as bad, maybe even worse than the leathermans, as they fall/pull out all the time compared to the leatherman bits, they also wear out as quickly as well, both suck
@pmn6404 they might be, but it's a lot cheaper to get new bits from nextool than it is leatherman. That's why I prefer having the 1/4 bit driver on the dl30( get a 6mm/1mm disk magnet and the retention problem is solved). 1/4 bits from wiha, wera and Klein are way better than the marshmallow leatherman/nextool bits
I think they are made a little softer so as not to break the tool itself.
@billybunter3753 That's a poor excuse. It's purely a cash grab for leatherman cause those bits cost hardly anything to make all leatherman cares about is $. That's been proven by their horrible qc lately and frankly leathermans are $20-30 overpriced for what materials they use
Ahhhh. Thank you, not another KNOT video!
My wife said she agrees with you.
@@txtoolcrib Lol. Ben, I still and will always will like your videos.
I get the huge price difference matters. But there wouldn’t be a DL30 if there wasn’t a Surge. We should consider more than price when we buy things. I’d rather save a little, and buy from a company that has employed people here for decades and has possibly made more inventions and innovations in edc tools than any other company, maybe besides Victorinox… that should mean something. 25 year warranty should mean something too. It’s too bad people would rather buy what’s cheapest and throw it in the trash when it breaks 😔
My opinions align very closely to yours.
USA! 🇺🇸
👍🏾🙏🏾
Y’all kno that leatherman really stretches that American made thing right? The blades and tools are VERY often made in china, probably at the same factory as the clone hence why they have no idea when THEIR OWN bit kits will be back in stock. Cause they don’t make em.
You have all the tools, you dont need a multitool
You spelled it wrong
I sure did didn’t I?
Thanks for catching that for me.
my DL30 broke after like 4 days, and support was doing the bare minimum to make me shut up. offered to ship me replacement pivot screw. still havent got it yet. def wont buy anymore knockoffs or reproductions.
Bro REALLY wanted the clone to suck a lot more than it did, but all it did was point out how overpriced and under delivered leatherman has become.
Honest buyers of the Chinese multi tools will tell you that they're junk. Even the Roxon Flex has been described by owners as feeling very cheap!
I am a buyer of both the Surge and its Chinese copy, and I consider myself honest: it is most definitely not junk. Did you even watch the video? Granted, the Surge feels and performs better. But honest buyers will tell you that the Chinese copies come very close. You could be charged double what they charge now and it would still only have happy customers. Outstanding value and perfect as a glovebox multitool. For something you carry on your person all day, every day, ... nah, not refined enough IMHO. However, I see no reason to question the quality/ longevity of the tool (at this stage). Can you back your claim that they are junk?
That’s crazy your going to promote a Chinese clone of an American made tool with an American flag background 😂