Best Locking Carabiner of 2024

Reasons to Buy

• Reliable locking mechanism
• Pearl shape has great utility

Reasons to Avoid

• May be too heavy for some lightweight applications

The Black Diamond PearLock Carabiner is an update on a Black Diamond classic. The peark shape is great for a bunch of climbing activities including belaying, rappelling, and building anchors. The rounded design ensures smooth rope play, which we definitely like.

The screwgate is solid and not at all flashy, which is how we like our security features. It doesn't take too many rotations to open or close. Screwgates and twistlocks both have their pluses and minuses. Black Diamond also makes a twistlock that we like, that you can find on this page, if you have a preference for twistlocks.

Where the Black Diamond PearLock Carabiner loses points is the gate opening and weight. The gate opening is slightly smaller than the best carabiners, but it's definitely above average. And in terms of weight, the PearLock is slightly above average. Objectively this just a dozen or so grams, and the slightly heavier weight is offset by what we think is a robust functionality and design. So overall, the Black Diamond PearLock Carabiner is a reliable choice for climbers who value utility and design over the absolute lightest weight.

Reasons to Buy

• The best twistlock we tested.
• Solid build quality
• Big size makes it versatile

Reasons to Avoid

• One of the heaviest carabiners we tested
• Pricey compared the competition

The Black Diamond RockLock Twistlock Carabiner stands out with its large size and pear shape, which enhances its utility for a lot of different use cases. The large form factor makes it particularly suitable for belaying and building anchors. The carabiner's rounded body is another plus, offering a smooth surface that allows for good rope play.

However, the size of the carabiner comes with a notable downside which is weight. Among the carabiners we tested, the RockLock Twistlock is on the heavier side. If you're looking for a carabiner to buy a few of, or something for alpine climbing or multi-pitching, this might not be the carabiner for you.

On the flip side, the twistlock mechanism of this carabiner is among the best we've tested. Its performance was flawless, showing no signs of catching or jamming, regardless of how hard we tried to get it to catch and jam.

Overall, a very reliable carabiner with a lot of utility, though definitely on the heavy side.

Reasons to Buy

• Lightweight, especially for a twistlock
• Comfortably fits in one hand

Reasons to Avoid

• Twistlock has a tendency to catch in sometimes

The Petzl Sm'D Twist-Lock Carabiner is notable for its weight, standing out as one of the lightest carabiners on the market, particularly among twistlock options. If you want a lightweight twistlock carabiner, this is the carabiner for you. But the light weight means it's smaller. That, plus the D shape, means you're not going to be able to clip as much stuff to it as you would with some other options. There's always a trade-off between size and utility, and you really have to decide what your needs are.

In terms of gate opening, the Petzl Sm'D Twist-Lock is about average, which is reasonable given its shape and size. But the twistlock mechanism is a bit of a letdown. We've noticed that it can catch or jam unless it's fully twisted before applying pressure to the gate. While this isn't a deal-breaker, it can be inconvenient to fiddle with the gate when trying to quickly clip something. This is an aspect where the carabiner could use some improvement.

So overall, a very lightweight twistlock with a gate that you might have to fiddle with from time to time.

Reasons to Buy

• Great value for money
• High strength and load rating
• Compact shape and size suitable for many uses
• Secure and reliable locking mechanism

Reasons to Avoid

• Might be small for those with larger hands
• Locking mechanism can be stiff initially

Campers and climbers worldwide swear by the Metolius Bravo for its superior functionality packed into an affordable price. This little guy stands toe-to-toe with the big players, outperforming many in its range.

The Metolius Bravo's lightweight design has been widely applauded. Weighing only 1.12 ounces, it barely makes a dent in your gear weight, making it perfect for those strenuous long haul treks or climbs.

Its strong, firm gate ensures reliable and secure locking. Quality is something the folks at Metolius clearly don't skimp on, even with a budget offering. Users have spoken highly about the reassuring 'click' every time they lock or unlock the carabiner, showing its premium build quality.

The compact design of the Bravo is another crowd favorite. Its small, sleek shape allows easy clipping and handling. Despite its compact size, reviews suggest it doesn't compromise on the gate opening, which is sufficient for most rope diameters.

The Bravo is crafted with premium material. Anodized aluminum gives it durability while keeping it light. Combined with its keylock nose, it prevents snagging and increases the product’s longevity.

A few customers have voiced concerns about the small gate clearance being a bit tight for bulky knots or clipping multiple ropes, but these instances are few and far between.

Its beautiful color variety has been praised as a fun offering that allows users to easily distinguish their gear. Be it traditional silver, bright yellow, or cool blue, there's a Bravo for all tastes.

Safety is paramount in rock climbing, and according to most reviews, the Metolius Bravo delivers in this area too. It passes both CE/UIAA certification and is rated at a decent 24kN, proving it can handle significant load.

Overall customer sentiment towards Metolius Bravo's locking carabiner leans positively, with users particularly fond of its lightweight, durable build and reliability. Its appealing price makes it a great addition for new climbers or those on a budget without sacrificing quality and security.

Reasons to Buy

• Ultra lightweight design perfect for long climbs
• Incredible strength to weight ratio
• Easy to clip and unclip with smart gate design
• Effective locking mechanism providing added safety

Reasons to Avoid

• Quite small for a locking carabiner, might not suit everyone
• Expensive when compared to competitors with similar specs

The DMM Phantom is a standout in the ultralight niche, offering awe-inspiring performance without weighing you down, ideal for those who prefer speed and efficiency. Its incredibly slight weight, a mere 28 grams, it's no surprise why many lightweight backpackers and trail runners are raving about it.

Design and construction are something the DMM Phantom doesn't compromise on despite its weight. It's robust and built to last, making it a reliable choice for those rough outdoor escapades. Some users have reported using it in different conditions - rain, sun, sleet, and it’s shown incredible resilience. The lightweight nature does not compromise durability, as expressed by many delighted backpackers and climbers.

Ease of use is another aspect that seems to impress customers. The gate action is smooth and the keylock nose prevents snag, making your climb faster and more efficient. A plethora of climbers has praised its effortless clipping and unclipping ability, especially under pressure. Plus, the compact size does not impede functionality, as some buyers initially worried.

The only hiccup seems to come in handling, notes a handful of users. Given its ultra-compact form, individuals with larger hands may find this carabiner slightly tricky to manipulate. A small section of users points to this learning curve but mentions that with time, handling the small size becomes less of a drawback.

Lastly, to talk about value for money, a lot of users confirm that the DMM Phantom packs an impressive punch given its size and cost. It’s a well-priced carabiner in the lightweight category, noted by several seasoned climbers. Despite its high performance, the small size also may shy away some buyers who prefer traditional sizes.

Reasons to Buy

• Strong magnetic locking system
• Reduced risk of cross-loading
• High strength ratings
• Innovative GridLock shape
• Great for belaying

Reasons to Avoid

• Might be tricky for new climbers
• Relatively heavy
• Pricey compared to other alternatives

The Black Diamond Magnetron GridLock locks onto belay loops like a best friend holding onto his fading ice cream in the middle of a summer noon. Not only does its innovative design prevent cross-loading, but it also saves you the hassle and time of readjusting your harness mid-climb. With its keylock nose, you don't have to worry about your ropes snagging onto gear or the carabiner itself - something that frequent climbers will find a relief.

The carabiner introduces a new technology in locking mechanisms. Called Magnetron Technology, it involves using two magnetic arms in the gate and a steel insert in the nose for super secure locking. The idea is to get rid of the old twist locks and obsolete screw locks. A word to the wise: be sure to keep this impressive gear away from magnetic materials that could potentially interfere with its locking capacity!

As for the feel and handling, the Black Diamond Magnetron GridLock is intentionally built with a chunky and solid design. To some, this might translate to ‘bulky’, but it actually maximises functionality and grip, especially if you’re wearing gloves. Expect no troubles there. However, some users did note that it’s a bit heavy weighing in at 78 g (2.8 oz).

Speaking of ease of use, some climbers mentioned in their reviews that unlocking the Magnetron GridLock can be tricky with just one hand - a reminder that this carabiner means serious business when it comes to safety.

Price-wise, it might be a little more expensive than your regular carabiners, but the majority of the user reviews we went over stated that it's worth the extra money for its novel technology, durability and quality. Many have said that if they’d known earlier how secure and reliable it is, they would’ve switched sooner.

Keep in mind though that like any equipment exposed to high-intensity use and harsh environments, long-term durability might wane. There have been reports of the gate becoming stiff over time, but such cases are rare and it hasn't been a widespread issue.

So, if you're looking for a locking carabiner that provides a firm handhold, serious safety features, and innovation in its design, you'll find a pal in the Black Diamond Magnetron GridLock. Make sure to practice using it before your climbing adventures to get a feel for its magnetic locking system!

Reasons to Buy

• Highly adjustable length
• Robust connection point
• Easy to use locking mechanism

Reasons to Avoid

• Not the lightest option
• May not be best for all climbing conditions
• Length may not be sufficient for some applications

The Petzl Connect Adjust Lanyard is a standout product in the Personal Anchor System category. It brings to life the qualities outdoor enthusiasts would highly appreciate: strength, flexibility, and stability.

Designed by Petzl, a reputable name in the outdoor gear industry, the Connect Adjust Lanyard lives up to its brand's reputation. It's remarkably sturdy, thanks to its premium quality aluminum construction, which is beloved by customers for its capacity to endure heavy loads and challenging weather conditions.

In addition to its strength, the lanyard is equipped with Petzl’s unique Adjust ascender system. This allows users to modify the rope length easily and quickly. A feature that's been praised by many for providing greater convenience and versatility, especially when forging through unpredictable terrains.

With safety being a top priority, the Petzl Connect Adjust Lanyard has not fallen short. Many customers mentioned in their reviews that they felt secured and at ease using this gear. They admired how the carabiner locks tightly and firmly - these are crucial features when you're hanging mid-air on a cliff or navigating through a rocky mountain path.

In terms of user-friendliness, the product has received glowing reviews. Even neophyte climbers have found it intuitive and manageable to use.

The only minor drawback some customers pointed out is the product’s weight. Weighing in at 125 grams, a few experienced climbers noted that they prefer lighter gear. However, others have countered that the heft gives them a sense of security and robust build quality.

Finally, regarding price point, the product is not the cheapest on the market. But numerous reviews pointed out that its performance, durability, and reliability make it a worthy investment for serious outdoor enthusiasts.