Dan Saelinger

radio opener

Online Editors — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:32:32 -0500

Cobra CXR900 Handheld Radio

Online Editors — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:18:59 -0500

cobra.com
★ ★ ★ 1/2
THE LOWDOWN Slim and lightweight (5.1 ounces), the Cobra CXR900 has the smallest display. It runs on rechargeable, proprietary lithium batteries and has a maximum range of 30 miles. The new Rewind-Say-Again function plays back calls and also serves as a voice recorder.

Motorola Talkabout MR355R Handheld Radio

Online Editors — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:14:50 -0500

motorola.com
★ ★ ★ ★
THE LOWDOWN Motorola’s top-line model has an emergency-alert function, eight repeater channels, and a built-in flashlight. A mini-USB port adds a charging option, and it also operates on three AAs. The figure-eight-shaped radio, which has a maximum range of 35 miles, can be operated hands-free.

Midland GXT1050 Handheld Radio

Online Editors — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:08:08 -0500

midlandradio.com
★ ★ ★ ★
THE LOWDOWN The Midland is the largest of the radios but will still fit in most shirt pockets. It also lists the longest range (36 miles) and most channels (50). Of the three non-GPS radios, it’s the only waterproof model. The GXT has instant weather scan and a whisper mode. It runs on four AA batteries.

Garmin Rino 110 Handheld Radio

Online Editors — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:50:16 -0500

garmin.com
★ ★ ★ ★
THE LOWDOWN Though much more expensive than the other radios tested, we chose the 110 because it was the Garmin unit that came closest to our price range. The only one here with GPS, it allows you to send your exact location to other Rino users. The waterproof unit takes three AA batteries and has built-in celestial tables.

multitool roundup

Online Editors — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:44:18 -0400

Buck 730 X-Tract Multitool

Online Editors — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:30:12 -0400

THE LOWDOWN Buck’s X-Tract can be used entirely with one hand. It has only the essentials: knife, pliers, wire cutter, screwdrivers, and a can and bottle opener. This was the most affordable tool, and at around 6 ounces, the lightest.

SOG PowerAssist Multitool

Online Editors — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:16:46 -0400

THE LOWDOWN The SOG features 15 tools and includes both a straight and a serrated blade. Its namesake spring system helps propel the knives open, and the compound leverage gearing allows for considerable torque to its pliers. It was the most expensive tool tested and weighed in at 9.3 ounces.
Most of the testers found the safety-lock system to be cumbersome, if innovative. The group also unanimously thought the price was high. But they didn’t question its performance. Koonce called it the multitool.

Gerber Ripstop Multi-plier Multitool

Online Editors — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:07:38 -0400

THE LOWDOWN Smaller than the other folders, with a sleek “open-curve” design, the Ripstop has a standard range of tools, nine of which can be opened with the handles closed. The pliers are spring-loaded. This was the only multitool in the test to include scissors.
Despite three out of four panelists giving it a higher score, the Gerber finished neck and neck with the SOG, due to a low rating from Koonce. There was a general discontent with the wide splay of the pliers. However, the tool scored the best in the value category.

Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multitool

Online Editors — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:54:33 -0400

THE LOWDOWN Maintaining its reputation as an innovator in the category, Leatherman debuts removable wire-cutter blades (additional inserts sold separately) and its strongest pliers yet with the 300. At 9.6 ounces, this was the heftiest of the group.
With three first-place finishes, the Super Tool lived up to its name, scoring high on all counts. Everyone was a fan of the replaceable wire cutter, and the grip was considered one of the most comfortable. This was the “best buy” out of all the tools tested, said Koonce.