Roxon Flex Review

A relative newcomer to the multi-tool world, ROXON has quickly made a name for itself with a reputation for quality production and modular innovation. Their flagship model Flex shows some major potential for future releases, while proving to be a reputable tool in its own right.

Everyday Utility

The incredible customizability of the Flex has prompted us to give a rare 10/10 score for this metric. When a user can dial in exactly the features and functions they want in their multi-tool, that's usability that just can't be beat.

We find the out-of-the-box functions a pretty standard, but fitting collection. But the real utility lies in the 50+ options available, including funky options like a comb, fire starter rod, and gun cleaner. Pick and choose your ideal set, and know that swapping them out takes just a few seconds each.

Spring pliers with replaceable wire cutter jaws are excellent on a sub-$100 tool. We also love the chisel and rope cutter; rare inclusions for multi-tools of any size. The scissors are an outdated design where the jaws fully pivot flat to store in the handle, and they also include an awl, which really should only be included on outdoor-specific models, in our opinion.

Also notable is Roxon's attempt to make all tools operable with one hand. Similar to Leatherman's excellent 'Free' platform, it unfortunately doesn't quite deliver on its promise in our testing. The deployment lever is on one side of the tool only, requiring some awkward positioning in the hand to operate at times, and the larger tools are only extended half as much as the smaller tools. We think users will resort to prying them out with a fingertip instead.

Construction Quality

While the one-handed system has some kinks to iron out, the tool as a whole feels very solid and well built. The pliers swing open easily and snap definitively in place, and we detect little to no jiggle in any pivots. The all-metal construction certainly helps everything feel secure and sturdy.

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While we think the pliers, wire cutters, and chisel are the main functions above average, the rest of the 'add-ons' included on the base model aren't particularly impressive. The Phillips driver, for example, is double-wide, taking up two tool 'slots'. But it could make better use of that space by being deeper in one dimension. The knife is made from D2 stainless alloy, effectively the most budget true 'knife steel' around.

To be fair, some of the other add-ons available online do look like they have more engineering thought put into them, and the engineering behind the modular system itself is impressive. Any component that may chip, bend, or dull can be easily replaced, vastly lengthening the Flex's lifetime of use.

Ergonomics

Opening and closing the tools and main pliers is buttery smooth. Everything locks into place with a satisfying click! The handles are so smooth and fit the hand so well that this wins our unofficial vote for 'most comfortable' multi-tool to use.

The one-handed deployment system annoyingly has the levers on just one side of the tool. That's great for lefties for one half, and righties for the other, but not both. That said, it is still nice to use, making two-handed access easier as well.

The tool locks are a mixed bag too. The deployment levers are pushed back to one position to unlock the tools, or further back to decouple the tool from the frame for replacement. There's a separate set of sliding locks that prevent the decoupling action, but it also prevents individual tools from unlocking. While undeniably clever, the whole system is confusing and needlessly complex, and hopefully will be addressed on future generations.

Portability

The Flex is a 'full-sized' tool, one of the largest and heaviest (9 ounces) examples in our tested lineup. That size is great for overall comfort and utility, but here's the trade-off: those excellent rounded scales add thickness to the overall tool, which would be just under 1/2in without them — those scales account for almost 30% of the total thickness. That's a hard compromise to make. Ultimately, we feel it's justified, but take a moment to consider how you'll carry the Flex day to day.

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The Flex is okay to pocket carry considering it slips in and out easily, but the clip is a little strong and could cut up a pocket edge over time. The included belt sheath is better, but is itself bulkier than competitors. The flap catches as you pass tight corners or walls, and the snap requires some force to operate. On the bright side, it is MOLLE compatible, so it can be lashed to packs or multiple orientations on a belt.

Still, while bulky, we feel that carrying the Flex can effectively remove the need to carry additional tools. The knife isn't fantastic, but it's big enough that you can probably leave your pocket knife at home.

Should You Buy the Roxon Flex?

Compared with the sheer modular supremacy of the Flex, the rest of the multi-tool market seems a bit outdated. Purchasing the base tool plus a few choice add-ons that fit your particular lifestyle will set you back about $100 — a screaming deal compared with other premium models. In those ways, the Flex is a fantastic purchase for anyone, really. There are strong arguments to be made for other multi-tool options (especially from a portability standpoint), but the Flex really shouldn't let you down, especially if you're looking for customizability.

What Other Multi-tools Should You Consider?

Value-wise the Leatherman Wingman is the only mid-to-full sized choice that gives the Flex a run for its money. It still features spring pliers, but has an improved pair of scissors, also with a full-metal construction. Portable considerations are the Skeletool CX, which we like for its simplicity and carabiner carry option, or mini tools like the Gerber Dime and NexTool Mini Flagship F12. You're sacrificing pure utility with their diminutive frames, but they both make up for it with some clever design tradeoffs.