SOG Reactor vs. Skeletool: The One Big Flaw 

9:56 is the secret problem he keeps alluding to and teasing us with earlier in the video.

I have many SOG products and think they are a great value. Thank you for being honest. These channels that get free stuff and say how wonderful it is even if it's crap really piss me off.

Wow that's a total deal-breaker of a design flaw. Thanks for pointing that out Scout!

thanks for the honest review. I don't know why you'd choose this one over a skeletool after watching this review. Skeletool is a proven tool for almost the same price.

Good review. I have a skeletool, and wondered if i made the right choice, now I know I did. Thanks

I wouldn't buy one of these now, and I'm looking for a new multitool, Leatherman for the win, again!

Really well done review over all, just one thing to be completely fair: yes the leatherman stores two bits, buut one aspect here really is a benefit you get with the reactor's bit system --> it's a standart hex bit driver you use there - this is a win!! I know u can buy a bunch of leatherman bits, but honestly, being able to use the every day regular bit everybody probably has stored somewhere at home, really is an upside in my opinion. But besides that, very interesting points u cleared up here, totally legit critisim - if they decide to fix that... great tool I think :) Greetings from Germany

Great review

Very helpful points, thanks! I was thinking of picking one of these up, but I think I'm gonna stick with my Skeletool.

Very nice review. I'm happy to see you didn't just sing praises, as I might expect from someone who'd received a testing sample from a company.

I have had the reactor for a few weeks now. I didn't have a problem with the retaining pin being loose on mine. Also, I completely agree with you about the blade lock. When I carry the reactor in my pocket the lock always seems to be pushed to the unlock position. Other than that I love it. It works great with my EDC. Barely notice it in my back pocket everyday.

I bought the Reactor because of your shotshow video. Sent in my review to there survey, haven't heard back form them. 2 problems i've had: 1.) my clip opened up and is a little loose on my jeans (figured it might have slipped through QC) 2.) my blade "lock" is very loose, i can shake it from "locked" to "unlocked"...no pressure needed. i figured that was like that on all of them. yours seemed more "positive" and appeared to require force to switch it...maybe this was another flaw only in mine. otherwise, i'm happy to own it.

I noticed the same design flaw you are talking about on the powerplay. Good thing that any general use on the powerplay in terms of screw driving needs can be accomplished with built-in flat and phillips screw driver heads. Out of all the multitools companies, I felt I can only go with SOG purely due to the compounding leverage pliers. I'd say it outweighs everything else, at least for me. I also understand why SOG made their knife safety pulling down/towards you. The sole purpose for an assisted-open knife is quick release. If the safety was pushing away from you like you suggested, you would need to take the tool out from your pocket and try to both push the safety away from you and push the knife opening stud away from you. That's just an awkward motion. Instead, the current design allows almost a pinching motion, where you can pull your index finger back towards you on the safety, disengaging it, and then push the knife stud away from you, opening the knife in a blink of an eye.

I have EDC'ed a SOG aegis knife for 5 years and I love it, and the SOG headquarters is only a few miles from my house. That being said, I have never really been attracted to their multi-tools, I have always bought leathermans (6+). The fact that this SOG reactor is made in china also isn't very appealing.

Made in China, design and quality looks lame...I'll stick with Leatherman.

You can use any 1/4 inch bit with the SOG, as well as an extender, Both of which can be bought from SOG

I agree with you on the flaw but like the idea of it taking standard 1/4 inch 6mm bits so you can get the longer longer bit in there. Thanks DD

Something about the skeletool looks and performers right. I enjoy using the skeletool. SOG just aint me

great video, I really appreciate the constructive criticism you offered up by not only pointing out the flaws but explaining a fix for each one. I was so excited for this tool after shot show and was looking forward to buying one to replace the skeletool in my edc rotation, having said that I will be holding off until sog makes some much needed adjustments too the reactor. great concept, great look and design but they didn't quite take the time that this thing needed with testing and qa. for now, leatherman wins again.

Good review. You hit the cons that I have observed with mine but I would add that the knife seems pretty flimsy. It has a lot of side to side play. I think they could have skipped the bottle opener too. Just my opinion. Why does every EDC items have to have a bottle opener? Most bottles are twist-off anymore and you can use just about anything to open a bottle.

glad I checked this out before I picked one up. really like the idea, but until at least the bit driver problem is fixed, it's a no go. Thanks Scout.

I agree with you with the lock. It's almost like these companies don't test their products anymore good vid

Its true, a lock or latch would also solve another problem. I find if you are using the pocket clip, the tool will begin to open up over time in your pocket. Causing it to snag when you attempt to remove it.

Good review and I agree with you here and I'll even go a step more and add that a multi-tool like this should be of simple design.

Instead of that bottle opener they should make it a mini strap cutter. I find those very useful. Especially on things like zip ties.

great review. I love it when you guys are honest about this stuff

I like your proverb "whatever the job is, is what the job is"

I think a good/cool way to compare the force is using a soft wood like a pencil, or a thick pencil if a regular one is too easy to crush. Just an idea, great video!

Honestly when I first saw your video where I think it was at Shot show, raving about the new SOG multi tools and saying you cant wait to try em, just from the guy showing it I was thinking it looks like garbage. Saw all these same flaws. Especially that bit portion. Seriously, when it comes to multitools I have the Charge, Surge, and OHT. I carry the charge on weekends when I am just out and about and the OHT is in my car. But at work (electrician) I ALWAYS have my surge with me and use it way more than I ever thought I would. I've tried gerber and some other brands, haven't found anything as durable as the leatherman. Since I'm usually in tight areas I cant keep all my tools on hand I'll usually just carry the specifics I need, or if I just climbed a ladder and forgot my screw driver, I'll just use my surge instead of climbing down. That being said, since my use for them is usually construction for when I dont have all my tools with me as the job sites are usually really big, PLEASE for the love of god, someone make multitool with pliers like my linesman. I want something I can twist wires with. There's many times I'll be at a friends house or something and asked to fix something quick and I'll try my charge or surge but you just cannot twist wires with it for a proper joint.

Great review, but even with it's flaws i would still go with the SOG over the other brands. The SOG Power Lock is part of my EDC and has been for a few years now. The gear system they use works much better than just a single pivot point, IMO, and it does get used daily.

The reason that the lock switch is in that direction is because they don't want you to accidentally unlock it when you put it in your pocket. They don't want you to stab yourself in the leg when you're walking

I edc the skeletool and was thinking about checking out the reactor. After watching your review I think I will stay with the skeletool. Thx for saving me the money.

I was looking forward to your reviews on these new Sog multi tools after your Shot Show videos. I bought BOTH of these tools - the Powerplay is bad, the pliers are amazing, but eerything else on it feels super cheap, and the ergonomics on it are awkward all over the tool. The Reactor is super cool, but tiny. I ran into the exact same issue and Im really glad that you showed in such great detail; the spinning bits. They were really close on this tool, but missed the mark. I'm looking forward to your Powerplay video.

I like my leatherman wave its great but it rusts up stupidly fast compared to my victorinox swiss tool so I tend to carry that more often. wouldn't say no to a skeletool though it looks kinda cool and useful in a minimalistic sort of way.

I've been checking amazon pretty regularly for this since your shot show video and I'm glad it has not been available yet. I definitely think I'll skip it for now. But, for anyone who does want to pull the trigger on it, you can order it down for 40 bucks and it will ship in a month or so.

hmm valid points, thank you. im looking to get another skeletool as it fits my needs and uses while carries easily. i was interested in the reactor but i'll stick with my skeletool. i have 2 wingman's and a surge. surge stays home, and the wingman are in bags. ive almost lost my skeletool a couple times and with all the other stuff i carry the wingman is too bulky and heavy to me now. skeletool it is

Thanks for the heads up. Recently lost my Juice J2. Need a replacement.

I like how this guy isn't afraid to give critical feedback to large companies. And I hope SOG listens and makes these tweaks. I'd then be ready to buy one of these.

Wingman is a better tool for everyday use. Biggest problem with the Leatherman bits is the limited selection. If you need anything specialised, like a security bit, your screwed.

I'd like to see the skeletool with the ratcheting pliers,and assisted opening knife of the SOG,but also the drop pliers of a Gerber.

SOG'S tools are awesome, very unique and their multitools are very interesting in my opinion, but their locking system is terrible, and that's the main reason why I always prefer leatherman on SOG

It's good i watched this first…. SOG on my amazon cart- Gone! SKELETOOL CX- added! Thanks L.B!

I'm with you on that conclusion. Still, love the innovative designs.

I'd like to see the other companies produce a tool that can compete with the Leatherman Signal as survival multitools

Great idea, bad implementation. When this tool came out, I was tempted to buy it. I held back and I am happy I did. Great review. Thanks for sharing.

I've had two reactors, both of them the blade would not lock in place. One out of the package the second just after a couple of days. I was more disappointed in the quality of the tool. SOG can and has done much better.

the skeletatool CX has an S30V blade, making it my personal favorite, I don't own one but I have a benchmade with a S30V steel and it's amazing, I trust leatherman to do the same

I like your Honesty.

this showdown its the skeletool. its also much thinner im guessing and can be hung off its own carabiner , longer reach with the bit tips I dont understand the thinking on the sog you cant use the bit tip arm to screw in anything. why even have the arm why not include another tool with a cut out for the tip to slide into. I predict many returns with stripped out arms from people abusing it I do like the quick blade, not sure on the gears can each handle open separately or because of the gears they both open at the same time?

My first multitool was a SOG powerassist; at the time it was my entire EDC. Worked great cutting wires when I worked IT. Now i just use it to cut pennies as a party trick :D The compound gear on the SOGs are stupid strong, but not necessary in many situations. tldr: If you want to do some silly demonstrations with the SOG, cut some coins one handed with it =]

All they would need to do is modify the plier head so the slot is a fraction more narrow.

Thanks for the review. I might just stick with EDCing my Juice S2. I might still get it further down the road though... Only because it's still kinda cool.

If you're comparing the regular skeletool for 50$ its got the serrations so... plain edge sog vs half serated skeletool.

I was really waiting for this tool (and the new PowerPlay too, as the old PowerPlay was so sweet), but now I feel kinda bad for SOG. This was meant to be their "year of the multitools". The older products are still really good, I love the Pocket Powerplier, maybe even the best tool in that size/price category. I feel like the only thing going on for the Reactor is the looks. It looks really good, I like the logo on that clip. Futuristic. These two new tools support invidual parts from SOG? If not, thats really shame.

Listening to the US prices makes me want to cry... Skeletools are about $110-$120 in Canada right now, haven't seen too many either.

I've never been disappointed with a Leatherman. The last great SOG tool in my opinion was the SOG Toolclip version 1. Bought it back in the early 90's and it's still working great. SOG has some great ideas but the quality just doesn't meet the standard.

I've been carrying that Skeletool for about a month and I love it. Very very high quality. It's definitely minimalistic though. I wish it had just a little more to it. Tweezers, even a bubble pack opener. I wish it had a quick-deploying knife, and even more so, I wish Leatherman made a left hand version. There's nothing quick about deploying that leatherman knife for a lefty. But I'd never buy that SOG, especially after this review. They strike out by the lack of quality. Good ideas, poor execution.

When you say QA what does the A stand for? Don't you mean QC for Quality Control? Thanks for the video, the criticisms you gave are very helpful for those of us who are in the market for that type of a tool. THANKS!

Bladesteel quality is a good fact to have for a review/comparison.

So glad I bought the leatherman skeletool.

Yeah Leatherman Multi-Tools for me. Leatherman and Victorinox Swiss Army multi-tool. Are number one.👌

Sorry, if while using a screwdriver and you have to concentration being used on the screwdriver for anything other than keeping the end in the screw head - the screwdriver sucks. Add the fact its reach is only that of bit - it really sucks - as a screwdriver. With that being said, I'm not a Skeletool fan as a multitool at all (give me one, straight to eBay), but have always thought the Freestyle CX was maybe the most underrated tool Leatherman had. Awesome blade/pocket knife with a decent pair of pliers. If there's a chance I'll need a screwdriver - I'll carry a real multitool. I do like the SOG pliers, so long as the extra mechanical advantage doesn't exceed the design of the of the fairly small pliers. I don't care about the warranty. I just assume have a tool designed to last. I'd bet 95+% of Leathermans returns are people wanting a free new tool. Anyway, all the rambling & run on sentences, and probably typos, I'm only saying I'd like a SOG version of the Freestyle CX. Since I'd view as a pocket knife, I'd only buy if premium steel..., and I lost my Freestyle CX.

I really like mine, but having to grip it hard to use the bit is true

Thx bro! Excellent comparison, deal breaker at 6:07! I Was looking for a handy tool for my girlfriend, with her strong grip she sure will break one of both and probably hurt herself in the process!!

That SOG looks like a cheap throw away multitool. For me The only serious manufacturer for multitools is Leatherman.

In my opinion, the idea of the Skeletool having the bit in the arm it's going to be in is a no brainier. How hard would it have been for SOG to make that bit holder arm a drive arm, and do away with the magnetic butt end of the plier retaining issue? When I first saw images of this and thought that the arm was the drive arm, I was excited by it, but lost interest once I saw where the bit was installed. I would say that because of the arms pivots and length, the Skeletool would have more torque ability and reach! You can use the other handle as a lever to apply force. Did SOG go this route to avoid being called out for copying that? I don't know, but the design of the Skeletool is better as far as that goes. If there was a way to meld the Skeletool's design with the SOGs compound plier, man, that would be awesome!

Dude thank you for your honesty!

thx for the honesty you saved me some bucks. another great review.

I work and volunteer both as an EMR and K-9 Search and Rescue, what multitool would you recommend?

I have been really looking hard for a smaller knife based tool and was about to pull the trigger on this one over the Freestyle, Crucial, Bivy, etc until I saw this and gideonstactical review. Now I think I'll wait it out to see what SOG does with this tool moving forward and just keep using my Tool Logic SL plier tool for now. Any suggestions on some good EDC tools?

Really, no comments on the Hello Kitty light switch plate yet?

I want to like this more because it accepts non proprietary bits. The skeletool is great but it would be better if it worked with the normal bits they sell at the hardware store!

Boyscout - what's the two knives you are comparing in your intro? It looks like two kershaws. Thanks for the great reviews!

I know SOGs main issue was to make a multi tool to disassemble major appliances. 😐

What about the pliers? Did they hold up and not twist from side to sideline twisting wire. ect.

Thats a bummer....I wanted to get the Reactor.

What are your preferences on the kershaw blur tanto point

So did the PowerPlay have the same loose bit unless you grip tight flaw as well? Any other multi tools have standard hex bits that you know of? Not the flat ones from the skeletool, standard bits.

I've heard the pliers on the Skeletool are made out of crap steel ?- I've seen reviews on many that were busted. I own one and the pliers don't look very good, as compared to the SOG stuff, as well as most Leatherman pliers.

all SOG is made in Taiwan. many fool don't know about it.

Why not make it so you can drive with the arm that holds the bit as well! Really lame in my opinion, I own the Skeletool and love it except for the pocket clip. I would prefer the Sog deep carry pocket clip.

Wow that screwdriver flaw looks.......annoying to say the least. I JUST ordered this thing a day ago too.

I love my Skeletool - carry it everywhere with me.

Good review

Recently purchased a Sog Reactor and sent it back immediately. It looked and felt too small (kid sized) and flimsy and the assisted main blade wouldn't fully deploy on it's own. I also saw a video where there is a problem with the bit spinning when clamped correctly between the plier jaws. Just didn't feel like a man's tool to me and I wouldn't trust it to do any real work. More of a gimmicky toy. If they had made this full sized with a bigger knife blade and sturdier then I think it would have been a big seller. As it is, I personally think it's a fail. Sog also really needs to come up with replaceable wire cutters like some Leatherman's & Gerber's have. Listening Sog? Looks cool though...

Why you can not use it as a screwdriver when a bit is in the handle?

Is skeletool cx good for cutting with its 420hc wire cutter?

50$ for the regular skeleton seems a little high last time I check it's only 30

SOG multitools just don't impress me one bit. I'm a Leatherman guy all the way!

I bought the learherman skeletool. The locking mechanism failed exactly like you said the sog reactor would. I'm guessing that this might be because of machining. Sliced my finger open pretty deep. Just a heads up.

so basically in the multitool hierarchy SOG is worse than gerber. while leatherman is still king.

I feel like SOG and Leatherman are on a quest to hide and complicate features. The more I test them, the more I love my Gerber tools.

You gotta be honest!

*I'm selling mine Leatherman stainless steel anyone wanna name their price for it?*

Tried a Skeletool. It's rubbish. Too light, and your stuck with Leathermans proprietary bits unless you buy the bit extender.

leatherman owns the multi-tool game.

He keeps saying "QA", does he mean "QC" quality control?

what you can ask for sog made in china

Looks like Leatherman wins another round in the multi-tool fight. Yet again.

Such an innovative design ruined by flawed quality.