Leatherman Raptor Response 

Instead of making the response, they should've just updated the original Raptor (Rescue) with the better handles and finish on the shears. I can definitely appreciate the upgrades with the Response, but I personally wouldn't trade that for losing the rescue tools and holster (and only saving $10!). Update: I just checked Leatherman's site and the cost of a replacement Raptor holster is $15. The Raptor Response loses the holster AND rescue tools, and yet you only save $10...

That was definitely my biggest complaint was the rust resistance with the original. Got caught in the rain with these on my belt in the holster and I didn’t get them dry in time. I actually contacted Leatherman and they want them back and are going to replace them. Solid review!! 💪🏻

I've always kind of wanted to get a Raptor, but never needed one enough to actually commit to it. I'm glad I never did, because the Response seems like a better fit for me. I don't have any real need for a rescue or medical tool, I just wanted a bombproof pair of scissors I could fit in my pocket or a small bag easier, and the Response seems much better suited to that. The sheath, strap cutter, and glass breaker weren't things I needed, and the polished steel, aluminum handles, and shorter length all seem like a pretty significant upgrades for general purpose use.

I like that you have both the original and the new version here side by side, Ben. It makes for good comparison review. Thanks.

Very informative. I was debating on which Letterman to get, this is the exact info I was looking for!! Thank you!!!

Every review is always thorough. Thank you so much. I look forward to reach presentation.

If Leatherman is reading my (this) comment --> you should consider engaging Ben (the channel owner), as a consultant Design Engineer across your entire product range

Great review Ben 👍 Hope you're well. I like the smaller form factor but would miss the glass breaker and strap cutter too much if I was in the emergency services i think.

Awesome mate have been waiting for this vid 🙏🏽 Would be great to see leatherman update their classic tools in a proper functional way.

Another great video. Appreciate the in-depth comparison. 🙏👊👍 I can see the appeal of the response, though in theory, i prefer the rescue. My one qualm is the lack of a sheath. I really hate when Leatherman does things like this: selling the pocket clip, holster, case separately.

I'm an ex EMT, long before the "raptor" was invented, and I'm an RN now, almost retired. We used to use a spring loaded centre punch to break windows, and we made a duct tape "handle" on the window glass to pull it outward. That might sound like it's long and laborious as a task, but with TRAINING, it's not, and you can do it in seconds. IMO the spring loaded center punch is best. Someone needs to make a pair of scissors and combine it with a spring loaded center punch. And there are still occasional tanks without the handle thingies so you need the Oxygen Wrench. The ring cutter needs a curve to it, like a regular ring cutter tool does. And if needs to be"deeper" and beefed up a bit for some of harder metals that some rings are made of today. Put all of that in a tool today, and you've got something. And it needs to be affordable on an EMT/RN/Paramedic budget. Just my take. Meanwhile, I've got the Chinese knockoff of the old style raptor in the center console of both of my cars, along with a small roll of duct tape, and a pair of outdoor work gloves. I've never cursed a tool that was a cheaper version and yet got me out of a "situation" on the road, so there's that in the glovebox, and a cheap set of Harbor Freight tools in the trunk. There's also a basic first aid kit. EVERY car needs these things. Otherwise, you and anyone else that you might need to rescue are SOL, because if you think that you are Okie Dokie with just a bumper jack and a spare tire or inflation kit, you are just kidding yourself. Be Prepared. And SUPER FINALLY: A POCKET TOOL should be able to fit IN YOUR POCKET, and while lottle hands can fit into LARGE handles, BIG HANDS (OR ANY HANDS WEARING GLOVES!) can't fit into Small handles! I wear size 8 1/2 SURGICAL gloves, and im not the only one! And I'm left handed!

When you work for an EMS agency or trauma/ED, you often have to lend your shears to a colleague while you are performing another task. These would walk so quickly.... I have never seen anyone carrying these.

Yes! Been waiting for this one, looking forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions.

Great video again! Still perplexed by Leatherman's current pricing and design schemes though...

Hello, Ben - great review - I like the Rescue as my orientation is ER....if it wasn't, the Rescue offers more options and the sheath for $10 more...also, your review of the Rescue awhile ago was the icing on the cake...thanks!

I have worn raptors every day of work since they were released, they are the only tool that ever made it on my belt.

I enjoy your explanation and video.

I have both the original Raptor and the Response now. First impression of the Response was disappointed in Leatherman's quality control again. I have ordered three times in the last couple of years and was shocked at the almost used looking condition in which they arrived from their own warehouse. On the Repsonse the shiney finish was grimy and scratched. The blades on these seem to be loose, or have play in them. I tried to tighten with a torx to no avail. Also, if you look closely, the belt clip interferes with the handles more. I might take off the clip because it just seems to hit my hand when I use them. I thought I would like these better than I do and was looking forward to a smaller version but not thrilled.

Interesting. The cheapest super shears I’ve used for 30+ years as a paramedic NEVER rusted. Autoclaves to clean or other wise. Aluminum. Thanks for the review.

Great review as always, funny though I found the orginal much more comfortable to use especially when cutting through tough material. The difference may be in hand size. I wear an extra large glove.

I was an EMT using the original Raptor shears back in the day and it really made sense. I did have complaints with the rusting since we constantly purple topped and disinfected them per patient so seeing Leatherman update the steel was great. However, now as an ER nurse... I was disappointed to know that it's still about the same weight as the originals. They should have made them lighter as a stronger overall shear. It sounds absurd but it weighs on you for 12 hours when running from room to room.

Here in Nor-Cal we comlain a lot about the droughts, fires and especially the politics but at least rust isn't usually an issue 😂 great review!

I really enjoyed your review and I'd have too agree that a sheath or pouch would be useful. However as a lefty I would like to see items like this being used ambidextrously.

Have you tried to fit the Raptor Response into the sheath of the Raptor Rescue? It probably won't fit when folded up, but maybe when unfolded? Just the tip

Please,is the ring cutter able to cut fence wire? thanks

Really nice video thanks

Good review , as always !

Great review.

Thanks for the review! I might have been okay with losing one of those tools or not having the case but with all three and only saving 10$ the Response is a hard pass for me

A great review that only has one thing that concerns me. As a Lefty it looks like the thumb hole machined to be smooth for only right handed users. I would like to know if what appears to be a rub point, for left handed users, is there or is it just the way it looks?

Another great review!

🙋 From Corpus Christi! Just found your channel. Sheath/pouch: Your right with the amount of molding options (cost effective) out there I believe they fumbled. I've seen em in package only and wonder if they would fit in a G.I. issue compass pouch as an impromptu option. Thanks for your content. 👍

Excellent review.

Thanks for the review. Would a cut test be possible? I'm not that impressed with the Raptor Rescue shears. I find I have to shim up the gap on the handle side of the pivot to prevent the shears from spreading apart, then it cuts fine. Perhaps this issue has been addressed in the Raptor Response? I'd also have liked aluminium handles on the original raptor, but it's clearly clever marketing by Leatherman, not giving consumers everything they want in one package, instead forcing them to buy multiple versions and making more profit in the process, oh well.

I use ballistol on all of my leatherman tools, no rust problems

8:57 And it works great to cut clamshell packaging.

I see I’m not the only one expecting your comparison between those Raptors and Xshear.

Hopefully Leatherman will be smart enough to market both these only with improvements including a kydex sheath or a soft case for the response.

Where do you get the all black one, I can’t find them on your links

have you tried the x-shear?

Most medical staff will not put this on their belt. They will remove the belt clip and pocket carry. They also enjoy that it is autoclave-safe compared to the Rescue. I'm not in the medical field and still picked up a pair of the Response. My biggest complaint about any shears or scissors is that they are too small for my hand. The response is a great fit. I am glad it is not sold directly with a belt case. I took the pocket clip off and found it fits nicely in a LM large five-pocket sheath. I like to pocket carry my Charge Plus, so that configuration balances on my belt really well.

I've been with Tytek Pirahna shears for about 6 months now. Only about $10, do everything these fancier ones can do, and a lighter weight, just a less premium finish. Don't think I'll be 'upgrading' any time soon.

Watching Ocean Conservation Namibia got me wanting one.

Thanks for the rust info on the original Raptor. I need to check my bag! The ring cutter works, at least on silver rings. Had to cut the Wife's ring off when her finger swelled up suddenly.

love the older model

Your way of speaking, makes me feel that you are a gentleman and a scallop!

Hopefully with this new model, it solves the rust problem.

would have been good to see how they cut through denim and some heavy duty nylon braid

I suspect I’ll be buying a Responce . I’ve schleped a Rescue for years , three of those , I was a Job Super. , doing a lot of first aid .

Response seems like a better daily user and rescue seems like a better emergency tool.

can you not cut straps with scissors, better than strap cutter?

Спасибо за видеоролик. Полезный. Ваш подписчик. С уважением ! Thanks for the video. Useful. Your subscriber. Sincerely yours !

As a paramedic I wish they had a case and kept the window breaker. The strap cutter is pointless because you have the shears to cut seat belts and straps .

Had there been a soft case that would have allowed storage...I would have said fine...but the lack of glass breaker is the biggest loss. Not worth it. Too many negatives AND thicker...which does make it more comfortable but it looks THICK (how thick?)

Mine comes in next week cant wait to try it out. Who won the victorinox

I carry a pair of raptors. I don’t know why they couldn’t use normal Allen or hex head so I could tighten everything up.

Response features vs Rescue: - more compact but thicker when closed - polished blades (more rust resistant) - doesn't come with sheath - different grip (more comfortable) - no glass breaker - no seatbelt cutter - same length of blades - same ruler - both have oxygen wrench - both have ring cutters - same price This is just for me, to decide later which one of them I wil buy.

Dang, I feel like I missed a good deal. I could have gotten these for $50 before they were announced in a local store that put them on the shelves too early, LOL. I didn't know the handles were aluminum, otherwise I would have picked them up. I just thought they were a lesser version of the raptors, so I overlooked them.

They should have kept the glass breaker. Such a small implement that could be handy. Also would have liked a case.

I love my raptor and use the snot out of it, but ive always hated the flash rust issue. But, i will not consider the response just because of the sheath. Not coming with the sheath is an absolute deal breaker for me.

Leather Bolster! Just saw news on it. Gotten round to it?

The only thing I really don't like about this channel is that it makes me want a new tool. 😉

I didnt see who was the winner of your giveaway

The Response seems to be a way to further milk the cow by downgrading the tool but keeping the price high... kind of like the manufacturers that diminish the volume content of a product and maintain the same price... same with the recent other releases by Leatherman, no improvements, just ever so slight repackaging and high prices... I expected much more of you Leatherman! Extreme disapointment on these products. What's going on with your marketing and product development departments??? New hires screwing up the Leatherman formula?

Some improvements, some losses. $70 for the new ones and a $10 bump to $80 for the old ones... If they would have gotten rid of the folding feature, dropped the price if would have been great. Still uses 420C, is hard to clean, heavy, bulky, expensive. They took out the extras making it a regular shear at twice the price of the good ones on the market.

I had the old raptor and it rusted like crazy early on. This wasn’t because I didn’t care for it but more because each time I used it I would have to clean it after. I switched to x-Shears which I love and find much more useful for me. I have no need for oxygen wrenches as we don’t use the old style cylinders in my workplace. I don’t need a belt cutter because I have..scissors. And I don’t need a glass breaker because I have an oxygen cylinder to smash a window. I’ve never used the ring cutter but can appreciate its presence. Now I lose a pair of x shears about once every two years…next time I lose them I might just pick up this new shear.

I like it. Wish they’d make a foldable keychain scissors ✂️ …no extra tools, just the scissors alone.

I...I totally have no response to the Raptor Response, already have the Rescue and it's all fine, why even bother to change?

I really enjoy your videos! Btw I don’t know if you knew this but you have the Texas flag upside down.

is the give away still going on?

You lose 2 tools and the sheath for $10 off!!! Drop the price by $20-$25 and maybe??!! I'll stick to my originals till then!!! Keep up the great vids, Ben!!!

The shears handles on the Response look incredibly uncomfortable for left-handed users. I can just imagine that big ol' bump grinding right into my palm.

Don't like the thickness of the new one. would love to see leatherman fix the rust issue on the old model. I'm a RN I disinfect my leatherman every end of my shift and the blades are rusted from the cleaners I use to disinfect them. I still love my raptor though, I tried the new model and the thickness ruined it for me I went back to using the old model.

The response seems to be a profit margin increase for Leatherman, rather than any improvement. No holster and a few tools less + smaller.

how do the Raptor shears work for the 10-11% of us that are lefthanded? Getting shears that work for lefties isn't always easy.

My Raptors have never rusted…. then again I live in Nevada which is a very dry desert, lol 😎

As used by Ocean Conservation Namibia.

Availability?

I'm sticking with raptors

rust resistance would sway me towards the response

I hated the original raptor because of the rust factor. I got one and because I live near the ocean, it started rusting within a couple of days so I returned it.

Sasquatch-sized hands me: cool new shears, but I'll stick to the original ones

Why didn't they just reshape the handles and put rust proofing on the original? Would make more sense than creating a whole new model with most of the tools removed.

Texas flag is upside down?

If your wearing gloves the larger raptor is better. Ricky from IBM, Ret

😶

Have you ever done any reviews of credit card multitools other than the swiss card? Im talking about the survival type cards that claim to have--like--30 uses? In theory it would seem like a good addition to my camping belt survival kit but at the same time they seem so gimmicky.

My favourite part of this is that you're from Texas. Hello from the Socialist Republic of Australia.

Adjust playback speed to at least 1.25x. Thank me later...

Imma stick with my raptor. Response just look cheap imo.

Both over priced for what you get.