Outdoor Gear Reviews

PowerAssist EOD Multi-Tool Review by Morry Banes

PowerAssist EOD Multi-ToolSOG or Leatherman? It’s one of those questions like Ford or Chevy. We don’t really know the answer, but there’s always something that tips the scales in favor of one or the other in our eyes.

Today we’re talking about a piece of multi tool brilliance that’s a scale tipper for sure. Welcome to my Sog PowerAssist multi tool review.

I don’t like wasting time so we should get right down to work, there’s a lot to be said here.

What’s the deal with this multi tool?

Well, it’s a hybrid of sort. It combines the functions of your everyday multi tool with the ones installed with the more tactical purposes in mind.

What are we talking about here:

  • This piece combines a blasting cap crimper with your everyday tools. It won’t go all c4 on you in terms of punching power, but we can’t overlook the 22 other useful tools
  • Another piece of technology featured here and not universally shared by multi tools is so called assisted opening. Blades will fly open once initially engaged
  • Compound leverage is a SOG proprietary technology, and it’s also featured in this model. It’s all about generating greater travel of the of the handle relating to the pliers using multiple multi tool pivot points
  • Great discounts are one of the SOG trademarks. Discount for this model goes up to 50%. Not a technical information but good to know none the less

We see companies constantly trying to invent hot water and combine the weirdest of blends. SOG did some out of the box thinking here, but the result is amazing. It all works as it should and you can’t but wonder why nobody made this before.

Basic specs

Let’s see really quickly what hides under the hood of the PowerAssist EOD Multi-Tool:

  • 3 sided file
  • Can/bottle opener
  • Bolt grip channel
  • Hard wire cutter
  • V-cutter
  • Small, medium and large screwdriver
  • Blasting cap crimper
  • Wire crimper
  • Full serrated blade
  • Ruler
  • Straight edge blade

OK, now we know what we’re dealing with. The sheer number of tools is what sets this bad boy apart. Especially since none of them is here to make this tools look good or overpimped. They all function perfectly and do just what the manufacturer intended them to.

Ergonomics and portability

These are very important aspects of every multi tool, so let’s see how our test subject holds up.

As I said earlier, the features that really stand out are assisted opening blades and enhanced pliers. They offer significant advantages, once the user grows accustomed to them. Each blade deploys in a snap, and it’s just pure joy how much pressure you can transfer through these pliers. This SOG piece has a spring-loaded plate, serving as padding for sharp edges while you’re using the pliers. It makes a bottle opener or screwdriver deployment a bit more time consuming but safety comes first, I always say.

It sits well in hand, and it offers a unique “industrial” feel. It has more sharp corners than, let’s say Leatherman Wave, but none of these corners interfere while the tool is being used.

As far as portability is concerned, this tool is one of the largest in this category currently on the market. It comes with a belt holster and a keychain loop. The best mode of transport is your toolbox or the aforementioned belt holster, since it appears too bulky for comfortable keychain carrying. This belt sheath is durable and very well designed, with a small velcro patch on the flap that keeps the sheath closed tightly.

The belt loop o the sheath is a plastic clip, meaning you don’t have to undo your belt in order to clip this tool on. Of course, once we see that kind of configuration we immediately think of the possibility where it becomes unclipped during the least convenient of times. To my knowledge that never happened, and I thin we can trust the name like SOG not making that beginners mistake with their tool.

Quality of the tool itself

When I say quality, I think of how well constructed the multi tool in question really is. Knowing that it’s a SOG product we’re talking about, I would safely presume it’s very well made, but let’s not jump to conclusions and see what’s really going on.

Beefy tactical knives is what SOG is known for. The same quality is reflected onto the PowerAssist. The steel is in all of the right places with small plastic additions. We’re talking about spacers in one handle arm of the pliers. The primary blades are replaceable, and the spring-loaded handle cover is too. All hinges and rivets feature just the right level of friction as they arrive from the assembly line. Pliers are deployable with a single wrist flick, but they’re kept right where you want them by the tension in the tool’s hinges. All of the other tools are easily openable, and they lock in place securely every single time.

Price

This is one of the more expensive multi tools out there. If you decide on buying one, be sure you can use it to its full potential. It’s a great product and certainly worth the money spent, just take a little time after reading this review to figure out if this is the best multi tool for you. If it is, go for it without a second thought. You won’t be disappointed.

I hope I managed to shed some light on this SOG masterpiece. If you decided to get one after reading all about it, I wish you both luck in your future endeavors. And may it serve you for a very long time.

Kevin Paulson

Kevin Paulson is the Founder and CEO of HuntingLife.com. His passion for Hunting began at the age of 5 hunting alongside of his father. Kevin has followed his dreams through outfitting, conservation work, videography and hunting trips around the world.

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