Gerber Suspension NXT Multitool Review

Bottom Line

Updated from its Suspension predecessor, the lighter and shorter Gerber Suspension NXT rapidly became a hit with backpackers, campers, and our Midwest tester. The NXT is versatile and packed with features and practical functionality. 

With 15 integrated tools—including pliers, a sharp fine-edge blade, a saw, screwdrivers, a can opener, and more—it offers a comprehensive solution for everyday repairs and light outdoor tasks. The stainless steel construction and solid build mean excellent durability, and ergonomics make it comfortable to use over extended periods.

One standout feature is the smooth one-handed deployment system for quick and effortless tool access. The pliers are strong and reliable, while the blade slices easily through light-duty materials. One gripe is that the blade isn’t the sharpest on the market. It is small and the serrated portion often gets stuck on things mid-cut. And we love the integrated pocket clip.

Overall, our tester found the Suspension NXT to be perfect for a range of quick jobs like repairing camp gear or tightening screws on a deck rail. While it offers great versatility, it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than minimalist multitools that focus on portability and simplicity.

For our full lineup and review of the best multitools, head to our multitool gear guide.

How We Tested

Our tester brought the NXT into the winter fray to see how it measured up to single-digit temperatures at a northern Wisconsin cabin. He tested the Gerber Suspension NXT with various tasks, including adjusting a chainsaw engine, reshaping a bent fence latch, and pulling an electrical cord for an outdoor heater.

Weight & Portability

At 6.7 ounces, the Suspension NXT is not ultralight territory, but this tool is impressively light for what’s inside. Clipped to a belt during a three-day backpacking trip through the Boundary Waters, our tester, I barely noticed the extra weight until needing the tool to adjust a camping stove’s fuel line.

The closed length is about 4.25 inches, which hits the sweet spot of being compact without feeling too small in your hand. Testers also appreciated how it rides comfortably on the hip without swinging around or getting in the way.

The pocket clip is sturdy enough for scrambling over fallen logs without worrying about losing it. All told, the Suspension offers a great balance of capability and portability for those who appreciate real tools.

Ease of Use

The NXT offers smooth and intuitive operation that highlights its thoughtful design and user-friendly functionality. We like the quick and responsive deployment that gives us access to tools without needing to unfold them fully. 

Each implement transitions smoothly, with minimal friction, and the tool locks into place securely with a satisfying click. The pliers and other components feel sturdy and reliable during use, showcasing Gerber’s attention to detail.

While not as refined as higher-end multi-tools in terms of silky-smooth action, the Suspension NXT maintains an efficient and professional-grade operation for its price point. 

The initial deployment is frictionless, and its quick-access features reduce unnecessary hand movement, making it great for fast fixes. Some users may find the action slightly stiffer when compared to premium tools, but this quickly improves.

Ergonomics

Considering its functionality and price, the Suspension NXT offers solid comfort and decent ergonomics. The handles’ contoured design sits naturally in the hand without causing discomfort or strain during extended use. 

Overall weight is balanced well, making the tool easy to use over long days. The cutaways on the surface add some extra grip.

While not the sleekest or most refined multi-tool in terms of ergonomics, it gets the job done without compromising on usability. Some users might find the handle design a little bulky compared to slimmer alternatives, particularly during prolonged use, but it’s generally comfortable for most tasks. The Suspension NXT feels stable in hand and is intuitive to manipulate, with its design focusing on versatility.

Tool Deployment

The NXT offers efficient tool deployment chops, with most tools accessible within 4-6 seconds, thanks to its quick, intuitive design. A mix of one-handed and two-handed deployment makes it versatile, though switching between tools may require a bit of deliberate repositioning, especially if you’re accessing different implements rapidly.

The pliers are a standout feature, deploying smoothly with a reliable spring mechanism, while other tools slide out easily with minimal resistance. The locking system provides confidence with each snap, ensuring stability during use. While the system isn’t the fastest compared to premium multi-tools, it gets the job done without much fuss.

The slight learning curve for switching between the tools is worth noting, but shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. This design prioritizes versatility and ease of use without being overly complicated.

Load Bearing Capacity

The NXT demonstrates solid load-bearing capabilities, especially given its versatile design. Its stainless steel construction provides reliable strength for light-to-moderate gripping and twisting tasks without showing noticeable flex or deformation under pressure.

The pliers can handle a fair amount of force, making them dependable for everything from tightening bolts to adjusting gear, with even pressure distribution across the handles.

While not designed for extreme heavy-duty use, the Suspension NXT holds up well under everyday demands, maintaining structural integrity even during rigorous chores over the long haul.

We appreciated the tool’s overall balance of durability and portability, without unneeded bulk, and its pliers and key implements handle torque effectively without compromising performance.

Material Quality

The Suspension NXT delivers impressive build quality at its price point. Our tester put this multi-tool through six months of abuse, including a creek dunking while setting up camp on the North Country Trail in Wisconsin, and the frame-lock construction remained rock solid with zero blade play.

The stainless steel components held up admirably despite exposure to morning dew, rain, and drops into mud. While clearing brush at a rural property, our tester used it non-stop for hours and reported no hand fatigue thanks to the comfortable grip. 

The black oxide coating shows some honest wear marks after extended use, but it adds character rather than just looking beat up. What impressed our team most was how the spring-loaded pliers maintained their tension even after work like repeatedly cutting through rusty wire fencing. This tool is built for the tough stuff and delivers.

Should You Buy the Gerber Suspension NXT?

We know that practical, versatile, and easy to carry are the calling cards of a reliable multitool. The Gerber Suspension NXT makes a strong case as a go-to option for budget-conscious users who still want enduring reliability. 

Designed for ease of use, this tool blends function with simplicity, offering the tools you need without overwhelming bulk. The NXT is a user favorite for a no-fuss, dependable tool.

What Other Multitools Should You Consider?

Head to our best multitools gear guide for more of our favorites. Below are some other comparable options to the Gerber Suspension NXT that are on the market as well:

Gerber Truss Review: The Gerber Truss offers 17 essential tools in a slim, ergonomic, and affordable package. It brings one-handed deployment, durable stainless steel construction, and practical design, making it a straightforward, reliable tool for a variety of light-duty tasks.

The Truss has a sleeker design and is slightly lighter than the NXT, great for everyday carry. Its tools are well-positioned, easy to access, and lock securely into place. The Truss offers great value, but a less robust plier system and fewer specialized tools place it a notch below other higher-end multi-tools. It doesn’t have the same range of heavy-duty capabilities as the Suspension NXT, but it makes up for it with a slim, ergonomic feel.

Gerber Center-Drive Review: The Gerber Center-Drive is a craftsman’s companion that focuses on function and accessibility. It boasts a modest array of features, but those present are remarkably refined and purposeful. The standout highlight is the ingeniously designed wire cutter. Accompanying the wire cutter is a robust set of needle-nose pliers, a swift-deploy primary cutting edge, and several auxiliary implements nestled within the pliers’ framework.

Every component performs nearly as adeptly as a specialized tool, all consolidated into a compact form that slides comfortably into a pocket, though the included tactical holster provides a more convenient carrying option for serious users. While the NXT is lighter and more affordable, the Center-Drive provides better overall versatility with more advanced features. Downsides include a slightly bulkier design, making it better suited for those prioritizing heavy-duty capabilities over portability.

Leatherman Sidekick Review: This is a versatile adventurer’s tool, with an impressively comprehensive set of functions. The standout spring-loaded pliers define the tool’s utility, earning the Leatherman Sidekick a top recommendation for everyday carry enthusiasts. Complementing the robust pliers is a sharp primary blade, wire cutters, a can opener, and multiple specialized tools tucked strategically into the handles.

Each component performs with near-professional precision, creating a package that’s remarkably compact yet incredibly capable. While slightly heavier than ultralight alternatives, the Sidekick balances functionality and portability perfectly. It sits comfortably in a pocket but truly shines when attached to the included belt clip, ready to tackle everything from campsite repairs to quick home maintenance tasks.