Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Blackburn Big Switch and Switch Wrap: First Look
We’ve been happily using the Blackburn Switch multi-tool for a couple years now, so we were excited to see the release of a bigger and more comprehensive second generation model of the tool, the Big Switch. Here’s our hands-on first impressions along with a look at the Switch Wrap…
With just four double-sided bits and a wrench, the original Blackburn Switch Multi-tool is without frills. However, we’ve found it to be incredibly useful, comfortable in hand, and use it regularly. That said, it’s not without faults. In our review from 2016, we acknowledged the fact that the Switch abandoned several key functions and bits typically found on most folding multi-tools, specifically an 8mm hex and chain breaker. Blackburn just answered with the Big Switch, adding both of those functions and a new case.
The Big Switch vs The Switch
In addition to the 8mm hex and chain breaker, the Big Switch Multi-tool has everything you’ll find on the Switch—the exact same two sided wrench, T25 and T30 torx bits, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, and 6mm allen bits and a flathead screwdriver. The chain breaker handle includes size 0, 1, 2 spoke wrenches, a disc pad spreader, and a Presta valve core tool.
So what else changed? While the basic functions are the same, the design of some of the bits are not. Two of the double-sided bits are identical to the ones on the Switch—the flathead/2.5mm ball-end hex combo, and the T30/T25 Torx. However, the 3mm/4mm and 5mm/6mm bits are no longer ball-end hex. On the Big Switch, only the 2.5 and 3mm bits are ball-end. The rest are standard hex. I’m not exactly sure why Blackburn chose to do this. I honestly liked the ball-ends on the original, at least for bike assembly. That said, standard hex bits have tighter tolerances and are better for higher torque adjustments, without the risk of stripping bolts. I kind of wish they made all of them standard hex on the Big Switch and left the Switch all ball-end.
The case is only other differentiator on the Big Switch. While it’s generally the same size, it got a new color and has a few more details than the original. Changes include a useful mesh pocket in the center panel and a different bit holder design with two flaps instead of one. The flaps are held together by a strip of velcro. Although it’s not a deal breaker, I prefer the first single-flap design which is a little cleaner. To top it off, Blackburn added a little decoration to the Big Switch, a graphic depicting how to use your hand to estimate the last bit of daylight.
- Weight 134 grams
- Size 2.5 x 4.0 x .75″ (6.4 x 10.1 x 1.9cm)
- Bits T25/T30/2.5/3/4/5/6/8
- Price $29.99
- Place of Manufacture China
- Manufacturer’s Details Link
Pros
- Easy to use as screwdriver, T-handle, or L-hex
- More complete set of functions than the original
- Well balanced design
Cons
- Odd choice to leave only the two smallest bits as ball-end hex
- The rubber band, while useful for other things, is kind of annoying. I’d prefer another closure to make it more of an expandable wrap.
The Switch Wrap
The third product in the Switch family is the Switch Wrap. It comes with all the same tools as the Big Switch, but has a different case altogether. The case is made from heavy duty nylon, elasticized nylon fabric, and reinforced velcro. It features a small pocket at the front which houses the Big Switch tool in a removable two-sided sheath. On one side the bits and wrench are stored in several elastic loops. On the other, the sheath features a mesh pocket where the chain breaker is stowed.
The wrap itself was primarily designed to attach to saddle rails, but as bikepackers, this placement is generally used by a seat pack. However, there are other options. The first, as shown below, is to simply strap the tool to the bike frame. The back of the wrap has a rubberized dott-patterned coating which can be positioned against a frame to prevent slippage. And with the large 17″ strap, you can also add a spare tube, lever, and sealant, which adds some utility.
- Weight 179 grams
- Bits T25/T30/2.5/3/4/5/6/8
- Price $44.99
- Place of Manufacture China
- Manufacturer’s Details Link
Wrap Up
As with the original, the Big Switch allows its two-sided bits to fit into the handle end of the wrench for use like a screwdriver, or alternatively in the socket end. You can also do both and it becomes a T-handle bit driver. Ultimately, this is what makes it a great tool. It’s easy to use, and without a bunch of tiny bits, it’s easy to keep up with. The addition of the 8mm hex and chain breaker are certainly icing on the cake.
On the flip side, I wish they would have made all of the bits standard hex. Perhaps the ideal scenario is for Blackburn to keep the ball-end bits on the regular Switch to add some differentiation in the range. As for the new case design, I like the mesh pocket addition, but probably prefer the simplicity of the bit area on the original. But that’s neither here nor there, really. It’s still a great usable tool, just like the original.
As for the Switch Wrap, we really haven’t tried it, but I generally prefer the small, pocket case of the Big Switch, overall. That said, the tiny sheath stored in the Wrap could be used the same way. So if you don’t mind spending the extra $15 and have some use for the external wrap, it might be of interest.
P.S. we’re giving one away in our Collective Reward #007.
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