There are some things that are so useful you can't really image life without them. Nite Ize's S-Biners are one of those designs that have simply integrated themselves into so many of my every-day activities I'd be lost without them. For some these will need no introduction, but if you haven't used them before it is very likely the S-Biner is going to find a way into your selection of gear.
A few more details:
In the introduction image are all the versions of the S-Biner featuring in this review, which include the S-Biner - #10, S-Biner - #8, S-Biner SlideLock, S-Biner MicroLock, S-Biner® MicroLock® - Polycarbonate, KeyRack Locker® - Polycarbonate S-Biner® MicroLocks® and GearLine Organization System 4FT.
Moving forward I'm breaking this down into three groups, the larger S-Biners, micro S-Biners and the Gearline system.
Starting with the BIG S-Biner - #10 and S-Biner - #8, plus the S-Biner SlideLock.
Here are the first set of S-Biners
The packs say 'BIG', and big they are. These are the two largest S-Biner models. They only come in plastic versions and give you the option of a super-sized clip.
Of course the SlideLock S-Biners are much more normal in size for clipping keys and anything else to bags, belts etc.
With the SlideLock, you can see the black plastic slider on each gate. Here the top one is locked and the other unlocked.
The instructions for the SlideLock are very clear, but you don't need these, it is obvious how simply and easily they work.
Looking in closer at the slider, it is shaped so that it won't easily fall off the gate bar.
In the locked position the gate is positively held closed so the S-Biner won't get twisted off and become lost.
Next up are the real key-ring sized S-Biner models the Micro-versions. In this case these all feature the micro-lock design.
We have the standard metal S-Biner MicroLock, then the ultra-light Polycarbonate S-Biner® MicroLock®, and lastly the KeyRack Locker® - Polycarbonate S-Biner® MicroLocks® where the keyrack is metal and the S-Biners are Polycarbonate.
The MicroLock is a stroke of genius. With the smaller clips you are often carrying vital objects like keys. Previously the smallest S-Biners were pretty secure, but with the MicroLock you remove all doubt.
In the middle is a small plastic arm which rotates. When aligned lengthways, the gates are unlocked, but when turned cross-ways and clicked into the locked position, both gates are locked shut. Sitting on these or otherwise giving them a hard time won't shift those gates - believe me, I've given them a run for their money and the lock has not let me down.
Same hand (I take an XL size glove by-the-way) and these are as small as they can be, but still easy to use.
Lastly in this review is a logical extension of the usefulness of the S-Biner, and that is the GearLine. This is the GearLine Organization System 4FT.
This system contains 5 x #2 and 5 x #4 Plastic S-Biners on a special webbing strap with 2 x 12" Gear Ties, one on each end.
The Gear Tie fresh out of the box.
Along the webbing strap are a series of loops formed by the double layer of webbing.
Two sizes of plastic S-Biners are used (#2 and #4).
Quickly comparing the S-Biners in the GearLine system and the three sizes of SlideLock S-Biners.
Those Gear Ties just untwist and are a stronger version of twisty-ties.
What it is like to use?
Anyone leading an active life and who uses a variety of gear will need and use clips and karabiners of various types. The biggest revelation of the S-Biner design over karabiners is the double-gate. This keeps the item you are carrying secured separately to whatever you are attaching it to. A simple thing, but it means that when you open one gate or the other, you are either releasing the item, or taking the S-Biner off from the attachment point.
With a standard karabiner when you open the gate both the item carried and the fixing point can be released; not always what you want. Intended as true load-bearing devices, the karabiner is usually larger and heavier than you might want. Not only does the S-Biner take a karabiner to a more useful layout, but it is also not as big and heavy, as it is not intended to carry the weight of a person.
When preparing this review I wondered how I would show the extent to which I use these, but while standing there in my photo studio, I just patted myself down and pulled all these out of my pockets/belt. We'll take these one at a time in a moment, but you see how integrated these are.
So the biggest here is ...
For the full version of this section, please go to the Exclusive Content at Tactical Reviews , but remember to return to this forum to discuss the review.
So that GearLine, where is it? When I go camping I do use this inside the tent, but it also has an every-day use, which for me is in the boot (trunk) of the car. Fixed between ....
For the full version of this section, please go to the Exclusive Content at Tactical Reviews , but remember to return to this forum to discuss the review.
...I certainly forgive the design this minor flaw as overall the S-Biner makes the karabiner a practical true ever-day carry item and I would not be without them.
The BIG S-Biners also bring this practicality to a much larger scale. I carry the #10 S-Biner as a backpack hook and use it to hang the bag on tree limbs, rails and any other suitable hanging point up to the thickness of your wrist.
You have a choice of size, weights (plastic or metal), materials which are either stronger or anti-scratch as well as two types of lock.
Review Summary
The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer's personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.
Something that might be a 'pro' for one user can be a 'con' for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Statement for Transparency and Disclosure
The test sample/s featured in this article have been provided for technical testing and review by the manufacturer. Test samples are retained by the reviewer following publication of the completed review for the purposes of long term testing and product comparisons.
All output figures and test results published in this review are the sole work of the reviewer, and are carried out independently and without bias. Test results are reported as found, with no embellishments or alteration. Though best endeavours are made to maintain the accuracy of test equipment, the accuracy of these results is not guaranteed and is subject to the test equipment functioning correctly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Statement for Transparency and Disclosure
The test sample/s featured in this article have been provided for technical testing and review by the manufacturer. Test samples are retained by the reviewer following publication of the completed review for the purposes of long term testing and product comparisons.
All output figures and test results published in this review are the sole work of the reviewer, and are carried out independently and without bias. Test results are reported as found, with no embellishments or alteration. Though best endeavours are made to maintain the accuracy of test equipment, the accuracy of these results is not guaranteed and is subject to the test equipment functioning correctly.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A few more details:
In the introduction image are all the versions of the S-Biner featuring in this review, which include the S-Biner - #10, S-Biner - #8, S-Biner SlideLock, S-Biner MicroLock, S-Biner® MicroLock® - Polycarbonate, KeyRack Locker® - Polycarbonate S-Biner® MicroLocks® and GearLine Organization System 4FT.
Moving forward I'm breaking this down into three groups, the larger S-Biners, micro S-Biners and the Gearline system.
Starting with the BIG S-Biner - #10 and S-Biner - #8, plus the S-Biner SlideLock.
Here are the first set of S-Biners
The packs say 'BIG', and big they are. These are the two largest S-Biner models. They only come in plastic versions and give you the option of a super-sized clip.
Of course the SlideLock S-Biners are much more normal in size for clipping keys and anything else to bags, belts etc.
With the SlideLock, you can see the black plastic slider on each gate. Here the top one is locked and the other unlocked.
The instructions for the SlideLock are very clear, but you don't need these, it is obvious how simply and easily they work.
Looking in closer at the slider, it is shaped so that it won't easily fall off the gate bar.
In the locked position the gate is positively held closed so the S-Biner won't get twisted off and become lost.
Next up are the real key-ring sized S-Biner models the Micro-versions. In this case these all feature the micro-lock design.
We have the standard metal S-Biner MicroLock, then the ultra-light Polycarbonate S-Biner® MicroLock®, and lastly the KeyRack Locker® - Polycarbonate S-Biner® MicroLocks® where the keyrack is metal and the S-Biners are Polycarbonate.
The MicroLock is a stroke of genius. With the smaller clips you are often carrying vital objects like keys. Previously the smallest S-Biners were pretty secure, but with the MicroLock you remove all doubt.
In the middle is a small plastic arm which rotates. When aligned lengthways, the gates are unlocked, but when turned cross-ways and clicked into the locked position, both gates are locked shut. Sitting on these or otherwise giving them a hard time won't shift those gates - believe me, I've given them a run for their money and the lock has not let me down.
Same hand (I take an XL size glove by-the-way) and these are as small as they can be, but still easy to use.
Lastly in this review is a logical extension of the usefulness of the S-Biner, and that is the GearLine. This is the GearLine Organization System 4FT.
This system contains 5 x #2 and 5 x #4 Plastic S-Biners on a special webbing strap with 2 x 12" Gear Ties, one on each end.
The Gear Tie fresh out of the box.
Along the webbing strap are a series of loops formed by the double layer of webbing.
Two sizes of plastic S-Biners are used (#2 and #4).
Quickly comparing the S-Biners in the GearLine system and the three sizes of SlideLock S-Biners.
Those Gear Ties just untwist and are a stronger version of twisty-ties.
What it is like to use?
Anyone leading an active life and who uses a variety of gear will need and use clips and karabiners of various types. The biggest revelation of the S-Biner design over karabiners is the double-gate. This keeps the item you are carrying secured separately to whatever you are attaching it to. A simple thing, but it means that when you open one gate or the other, you are either releasing the item, or taking the S-Biner off from the attachment point.
With a standard karabiner when you open the gate both the item carried and the fixing point can be released; not always what you want. Intended as true load-bearing devices, the karabiner is usually larger and heavier than you might want. Not only does the S-Biner take a karabiner to a more useful layout, but it is also not as big and heavy, as it is not intended to carry the weight of a person.
When preparing this review I wondered how I would show the extent to which I use these, but while standing there in my photo studio, I just patted myself down and pulled all these out of my pockets/belt. We'll take these one at a time in a moment, but you see how integrated these are.
So the biggest here is ...
For the full version of this section, please go to the Exclusive Content at Tactical Reviews , but remember to return to this forum to discuss the review.
So that GearLine, where is it? When I go camping I do use this inside the tent, but it also has an every-day use, which for me is in the boot (trunk) of the car. Fixed between ....
For the full version of this section, please go to the Exclusive Content at Tactical Reviews , but remember to return to this forum to discuss the review.
...I certainly forgive the design this minor flaw as overall the S-Biner makes the karabiner a practical true ever-day carry item and I would not be without them.
The BIG S-Biners also bring this practicality to a much larger scale. I carry the #10 S-Biner as a backpack hook and use it to hang the bag on tree limbs, rails and any other suitable hanging point up to the thickness of your wrist.
You have a choice of size, weights (plastic or metal), materials which are either stronger or anti-scratch as well as two types of lock.
Review Summary
The views expressed in this summary table are from the point of view of the reviewer's personal use. I am not a member of the armed forces and cannot comment on its use beyond a cutting tool or field/hunting knife.
Something that might be a 'pro' for one user can be a 'con' for another, so the comments are categorised based on my requirements. You should consider all points and if they could be beneficial to you.
_______________________________________________ | _______________________________________________ |
Things I like | What doesn't work so well for me |
_______________________________________________ | _______________________________________________ |
Double-Gate karabiner design. | Sometimes catch when removing from tight loops. |
Choice of Sizes. | (seriously can't think of anything else) |
Choice of Materials. | |
Choice of two types of lock. | |
GearLine extends functionality. |