PocketTool X Mako Review

Mako

• Aerospace Titanium 0.125" Thick
• Overall Size: 3.5" X 1.2"
• Frame Weight: 19 grams (0.7 oz.)
• Weight w/ bits: 45 grams (1.6 oz.)
• Included 1/4 Hex Bits: Torx T25, Phillips, 5mm Allen & 6mm Allen
• Box Wrenches: 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 15mm, & 16mm
• Bottle Opener
• 14G & 15G Spoke Wrenches
• MSRP $69

Combining the ultra light Titanium frame with the bare necessities the Mako will surely have cyclists stoked with this handy little too. Each of the bits are secured in the center of the Mako in a neoprene holder that easily pops in and out so you can access the individual bit you need. Unfortunately this also leads to an exponentially greater chance of loosing a bit...as I did, several times. As you know anything with small parts it is bound to happen so be aware. I could not find a way to order replacement bits but after diging through my tools I found that any 1/4" drive bit will fit and I was able to replace the missing piece for a few pennys. Now I am the first to gripe a little at the bulk of most bike tools but when it comes down to it, I truly love the fact that most come with some rudimentary form of tire lever and chain tool, which unfortunately the Mako lacks.

The frame of this tool is very well thought out which is evident in the minor details such as the ridges on the outside of it so you can get a bit of grip when wrenching. The "eye" of the Mako is the slot where your bits fit and with moderate pressure it works very well, however a few times I had not seated the bit firmly enough and it would pop out causing some busted knuckles, to which I would then overly seat the bit and then well fight to get the bit out again. All minor details but definitely worth mentioning.

The sleek styling of the tool and weight are by far the best features, well aside from the bottle opener which I use every single ride.  I would say that this is a nice little tool and if you are a recreational cyclist that is usually within easy reach of a city or town that could do chain repairs and other fun stuff, however if you are one that needs to be able to fix and ride on than this is probably not be a good fit.

Yeah I will continue to carry the Mako in my kit I do like it, but I still need to add a few extra tools just so I know I can complete most trail repairs with out an issue.