Wera is the absolute best and no-one even comes close. They actually put some serious thought into the design. You can go from high torque to high speed just by moving your thumb and forefinger from the hexagon hump to the skinny part of the handle. (like shifting gears)
...
Wiha is #2 only because of the breadth of their offering. (their Pico series are much better then their std. ones). They should move the entire lineup to the Pico design but it still won't be as good as Wera.
I like that gear analogy! I never thought of it like that but you're exactly right. I disagree on the Picos, though. New or old, I don't think they're worth the premium over Wiha's standard line based on handle ergonomics. Perhaps the current ones also have different tips. My Wiha standard ones are old enough that half of them are stamped "W. Germany" and half stamped "Germany."
I've used precision screwdrivers from all of the quality screwdriver makers.
View media item 92317
My thoughts, going mostly from left to right.
Wiha (Germany): They just work well and have every conceivable size. Note that handle size varies based on blade length on classic and possibly Pico as well: longer blades have bigger handles. Picofinish is not worth the premium over standard Wiha. The difference between old (white "PicoFinish" text) and new (red molded "wiha" text) are inconsequential in use. The cap is a little taller on the new one, but the bottom bolster is in the same spot.
PB Swiss (Switzerland): The current line handles (SwissGrip) are a little flexy, but comfortable and grippy. The new handles are better than the old ones. The old slotted ones had Swiss norm tips, but the SwissGrip are standard hollow ground. US pricing is higher than Wiha, Wera, Felo, or Witte, but are cheaper than the rebranded parts sold by Stahlwille, Hazet, or Gedore. (German brand pricing from KC Tool.) Like Wiha, the handles on the old ones vary with blade size. SwissGrip handles do not.
Vessel (Japan): Tip seems fine, but the handle is notably slimmer than the others and is awkward in use. Flawed handle ergonomics are made worse by the longer than usual blades.
Wera (Czechia): Great handle, great tips. Uniform handle size.
Felo (Germany): Both the red and blue are great. The thicker handle with cushioned finger grip is a matter of taste. Somewhat limited size range.
Witte/Stahlwille (Germany): The old handle (Stahwille between Felo and Hazet) is great, but the new one is really flexy and generally unimpressive feeling. Put some force to them they feel as if they may come apart at the joint between the too-long spinner cap and main handle. Do not recommend. Then again, if you hate Wera's handle ergonomics these may be just right for you.
Oplast - Hazet, Gedore, current Elora (Slovenia): Handle is nice, tips seem strong enough. Single handle size. The drawbacks are they are generally more expensive, with fewer size options under each brand. Here, Elora's cap is a little more jerky than Gedore and Hazet. That may be sample variation (1 screwdriver from each brand), or there may be some selection going on.
Elora (Germany - unknown OEM): Likely discontinued, but a fine screwdriver. Equivalent to classic Wiha.
USAG (France): I really like the handle shape, but the mold release ridges are prominent and irritate one's fingers in use. Facom uses the same handle. If Facom are finished better then they would be a good choice. Handle size varies by blade length.
SK (France - Bost OEM): Purchased on eBay as NOS in a clear plastic snap pouch, but just terrible. The cap does not spin well, and the tips are the softest in this group. The short length could be useful if the tool were of sufficient quality. I've used standard Bost screwdrivers that were fine, but these are, again, terrible.
