Got a two for one product review this time, its the Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool and Iris LED Flashlight Combo pack from Costco.  I got mine as a gift during Christmas and wanted to share my thoughts on it.

The Iris LED flashlight is a bit of a let-down, especially compared to similar items by Maglite and Pelican.  You just don’t get the same sense of build quality and great materials in this unit.

Its not a particularly bad product but its also not that good.  The Iris is a disappointment on many fronts because there are much better lights out there.  Its another Made in China product featuring a prestigious brand on it that simply does not measure up.  Gerber makes many great products, I own several of them and can vouch for their quality.  Sadly, this flashlight isn’t one of them.

Pros:  Light output is decent

Cons:  Mediocre build quality and materials

I included this flashlight as a part of my work kit because it won’t see a lot of duty and can remain hidden inside my desk.  Its ok for occasional use but that’s about all I will use it for.

Overall Rating:  4/10

The Crucial multi-tool is a bit better but still does not measure up to competitor’s products.

Like most multi-tools, the Crucial has cutters, screwdrivers, and blades in one compact package.  The design is elegant and distinctive, it looks great in black too.  However, compared to a Leatherman it falls short in many areas.  The biggest difference is the hinge mechanism, which I noticed right away with the pliers.  Once you open up the tool and deploy the pliers (easier said than done), the feel is very loose.  It works but not as well as I have come to expect with other tools.  The knife is short yet sturdy, which is probably the best tool on the Crucial.  The strap cutter is fine, along with the Philips head screwdriver.  The flat-head screwdriver is much more difficult to deploy though.  Both screwdrivers are difficult to retract in my experience.

Pros:  Stylish design and integrated clip make it easy to carry

Cons:  Hinges are for the pliers are too loose, opening the tool requires effort

I want to like this tool but I can’t.  Like the flashlight, I will use this in my work kit because it won’t get a lot of use.  I’ll consider it a novelty that looks good and is marginally functional.

Overall Rating:  5/10

I am glad I received these as a gift because I would not spend money on this combo.  Spend the extra money on better multi-tools and flashlights lest you be disappointed in this combo pack.

Click here to purchase the Gerber Crucial Multi-Tool, Black