Choosing the right D-lock for your bicycle is crucial for protecting your investment. This review pits two top contenders against each other: the Seatylock Mason and the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini. Both boast the prestigious Sold Secure Diamond rating, signifying top-tier security, but subtle differences set them apart. We'll delve into a comprehensive comparison, examining their shackle design, locking mechanisms, casing strength, weight, and additional features to help you determine which lock best suits your needs and budget.This head-to-head showdown explores the strengths and weaknesses of each lock. We'll dissect their security features, comparing shackle thickness, locking cylinder types, and overall resistance to various attack methods. Portability and user-friendliness will also be considered, alongside a detailed analysis of their respective price points. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which lock – the robust Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini or the lighter, more affordable Seatylock Mason – offers the optimal balance of security and practicality for you.
Pros And Cons
- Lightest Sold Secure diamond bike lock on the market (2.2 pounds/1 kilo)
- Uses a triangular shackle design offering 30% more resistance to bend and twist attacks compared to a circular shackle of the same size.
- Spring-loaded shackle prevents it from falling out when unlocked.
- Uses a 2.5 millimeter hardened steel outer casing and two 2.5 millimeter drill thickness plates for protection against heavy impact attacks (5mm total thickness).
- Smaller shackle (13.75 millimeter) than the Kryptonite Forget About It Mini, offering less bulk cutter resistance.
- Earned Sold Secure diamond and gold motorcycle ratings.
- Uses an 18 millimeter hardened steel shackle with high resistance to bolt cutters.
- Inner mechanism housing is made of two cylindrical hardened steel plates (8 millimeters total thickness), offering higher impact protection.
- Includes an LED key fob.
- Heavier (4.5 pounds/just over 2 kilos) than the CT Lock Mason.
- Uses a manual keyhole cover.
Read more: Top 5 Folding Bike Locks for Ultimate Security
Security Ratings and Shackle Strength
Both the Seatylock Mason and Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini boast the Sold Secure Diamond rating, the highest for bicycle locks. However, the Fahgettaboudit Mini also achieves the Sold Secure Gold motorcycle rating, indicating superior protection.
A key difference lies in the shackle. The Fahgettaboudit Mini features an 18mm hardened steel shackle, highly resistant to bolt cutters. The Mason's 13.75mm shackle, while not technically bolt cutter-proof, offers strong resistance.
The Mason's triangular shackle design provides 30% more resistance to bending and twisting than a circular shackle of the same size, a significant advantage over the Fahgettaboudit Mini's circular design, despite the latter's thicker shackle.
Lock Cylinder and Picking Resistance
The Mason uses a slider cylinder and key, common in high-value items. The Fahgettaboudit Mini utilizes a disc detainer cylinder and key, Kryptonite's standard for many bike locks.
While both are pickable with the right tools, this is considered an unlikely threat. Modern thieves are more likely to use power tools or brute force.
Both locks are double-bolted, significantly increasing security against various attack methods compared to single-bolted locks.
Internal Mechanism Housing and Protection
The Mason features a 2.5mm hardened steel outer casing with two additional 2.5mm drill-resistant plates for a total of 5mm of protection against attacks.
The Fahgettaboudit Mini boasts a more substantial 8mm thick inner mechanism housing constructed from two cylindrical hardened steel plates.
This difference in housing thickness directly impacts the level of protection against heavy impact attacks and attempts to drill through the lock.
Practicality and Usability
The Mason weighs significantly less (2.2 lbs) than the Fahgettaboudit Mini (4.5 lbs), making it a more portable option. This weight difference is a major factor for cyclists.
Both locks offer similar shackle space. Neither includes a mounting bracket, but a universal bracket is available for the Mason, making it easier to carry on a bike.
For the Fahgettaboudit Mini, a universal D-lock mount is recommended, offering secure and affordable transportation on a bicycle.
Additional Features and Key Differences
Both locks include keyhole covers to protect against debris, extending their lifespan. However, the Mason's spring-loaded shackle offers more convenience, staying securely in place when unlocked.
The Fahgettaboudit Mini includes an LED key fob, a helpful feature for nighttime use. Both locks come with three keys and have a custom key code for replacements.
Both provide protective outer casings to prevent damage from impacts during use.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Both the Seatylock Mason and Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini are high-quality D-locks, offering excellent security features. However, their strengths cater to different needs.
The Fahgettaboudit Mini provides superior security due to its thicker shackle and more robust inner mechanism housing, justifying its higher price point.
The Seatylock Mason, while slightly less secure, offers a compelling balance of security and portability at a significantly lower cost. The choice depends on prioritizing either top-tier security or a lighter, more affordable option.