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Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X vs The James Brand The Helton
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X ($130) vs The James Brand The Helton ($169) — side-by-side specs, weight, pros and cons to help you pick the right multi-tool.
Spec-by-spec
| Spec | Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X | The James Brand The Helton |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $130 | $169 |
| Weight | 174g | 98.4g |
| Tools | 24 | 9, all locking |
| Weight | 174g | 98.4g / 3.5 oz with clip |
| Lock | All blades lock | — |
| Pliers | Yes | — |
| Scissors | Long-reach | — |
| Origin | Switzerland | — |
| Blade | — | VG-10, partially serrated |
| Drivers | — | Two, magnetic |
| Handle | — | 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Closed | — | 3.5" / 8.8cm |
| Extras | — | Chisel-tipped tweezers, scissors, file, bottle opener, metal pick, lanyard and bead |
Pros & Cons
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X
- All 24 tools lock — superior to most competitors
- Swiss manufacturing quality is unmatched
- Scissors reach beyond the body for large work
- $130 is competitive with Leatherman Wave
- Less brand recognition than Leatherman in USA
- 174g heavier than Wave+ despite fewer perceived tools
The James Brand The Helton
- Every tool locks, which is the real complaint about traditional multi-tools
- Magnetic drivers keep bits and screws where you put them
- No plastic, unusual at this size
- 3.5 inches closed carries like a pocket knife, not a multi-tool
- $169 is Swiss Army money several times over
- No pliers, which rules out a whole class of jobs
- VG-10 is good, not exceptional, at this price
- Some finishes list at $179
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X is the better value at $130. If weight matters most, The James Brand The Helton carries lighter at 98.4g. Both are part of our curated multi-tool index — tap through to check current pricing.