Gerber Armbar Slim Drive vs Suspension
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 6 of 22 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Armbar Slim Drive weighs 71 g (2.5 oz) and the Suspension 289 g (10.2 oz), so the Armbar Slim Drive is 218 g lighter, 75% less. Only the Armbar Slim Drive has plain-edge knife and bit driver. Blade length is 63.5 mm (2.50 in) against 50.8 mm (2.00 in).
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Armbar Slim Drive weighs 71 g (2.5 oz) and the Suspension 289 g (10.2 oz), so the Armbar Slim Drive is 218 g lighter, 75% less. Folded, the Armbar Slim Drive is 76.2 mm (3.00 in) long and the Suspension 69.9 mm (2.75 in).
Sources: Armbar Slim Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Suspension: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
Tools
Only the Armbar Slim Drive has plain-edge knife and bit driver. Only the Suspension has wire cutters, saw, can opener, scissors and serrated knife.
Sources: Armbar Slim Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Suspension: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
Blade
Blade length is 63.5 mm (2.50 in) against 50.8 mm (2.00 in).
Sources: Armbar Slim Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Suspension: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
Pliers
The Armbar Slim Drive has no pliers.
Price and availability
At list price the Armbar Slim Drive is $24 cheaper: $45.99 against $69.99 for the Suspension.
Sources: Armbar Slim Drive: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Suspension: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26)
What they share
Both carry bottle opener.
Questions
Which is better, the Armbar Slim Drive or the Suspension?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Armbar Slim Drive if weight matters (it is 218 g lighter), price matters (it is $24 cheaper at list price) or you need a tool only it carries (bit driver). Choose the Suspension if you need a tool only it carries (wire cutters, saw, can opener and scissors) or you want a serrated blade.
Which is lighter, the Armbar Slim Drive or the Suspension?
The Armbar Slim Drive, at 71 g against 289 g for the Suspension, by the manufacturers' published weights.