Not securing your snow gear well enough can quickly turn your holiday experience into a negative one. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision and purchase the best lock for your skis or snowboard, here’s our top 5:
Snowboard Locks Under Review
- Ski & Snowboard – Fat Ski Lock (EDITORS TOP PICK)
- Safeman Multifunction Quick Lock
- Bosvision 4-Digit Combination Lock
- Allnice ET-152 3-Digit Cable Lock
- Skiweb Retractable Cable Lock
On certain occasions, you might need to leave your skis or snowboard behind. You work hard to buy your equipment, some of which can be significant investments. It’s really prudent then, to protect them and safeguard what’s yours.
Review
Ski & Snowboard – Fat Ski Lock (Editors Choice)
This is a very specific type of lock that works with a framework system utilised by many ski resorts around America and Canada.
This lock sits at the top of our list as it combines high-quality and security of a rugged framework already in place in many ski resorts. It comes in 5 different colors with a set of 2 keys for each lock. This is a portable and lightweight option to secure your snow gear. It weighs just 2.4 ounces.
Unlike cable locks, this one won’t be accidentally or deliberately cut which guarantees maximum security for your skis and snowboards.
Most resorts have racks that work with this low-profile lock. It’s extremely popular as it’s easy to engage and can’t be open unless you’re using the right key. It’s recommended that you store one at the resort, hotel room, or car.
Comes with a LIFETIME warranty. Although some people believe that this is more expensive than other models on the market, we believe it’s still good value for money.
What makes it great:
- Lifetime warranty.
- Comes in 5 bright colors that complement the look of your gear.
- Easy and fast to engage.
- Recommended by most of the resorts.
- Comes with 2 keys
Does My Resort Support The FAT SKI LOCK >>
Skiweb Retractable Cable Lock
Not the cheapest of the locking systems but still good value for money and easy to use. A versatile lock but targeted mainly at the snowboard/ski crowd.
The skiweb lock weighs in at just 3.84 ounces.
It has a four digit locking combination and the white numbers are easily readable on a black background.
The combination code is easily set by simply pressing the RESET button whilst choosing your numbers.
The 2.4mm steel cable is 100cm long (3 feet) and utilises a retractable spring mechanism which helps you to tighten the cable around your equipment.
The unit itself is a decent size with white writing on the black casing. Even though the casing is made of only plastic, a thief will usually be deterred by the visibility of the lock in itself. They will always gravitate to the easiest targets and look for equipment that has no locks.
Things we like:
- Weighs just 3.84 ounces.
- 100cm cable.
- Easy to read 4-digit security combination.
- Retractable mechanism
Safeman Multifunction Quick Lock
If you’re looking for a versatile lock, then you need to check this one out. It’s designed to secure your skis or snowboards but can also be used to secure other possessions, such as bicycle or other sports gear.
This lock is quite light at 4.5 ounces. However, it’s very compact and easy to use. It comes in 3 colors so you can choose the one you prefer and you’ll have 2 keys available.
It features two loops that offer multiple locking options. Its sturdy stainless steel cable is extremely tough with a tensile strength of 2640lbs.
The cable length is variable from 0 to 30 inches again offering versatility.
Although most users are fans of the stretch and grab design, some believe that the cable is too short, given the overall price of the lock.
The cable feels a bit stiff at the beginning but relaxes after some use.
Things we like:
- Sturdy lock that weighs 4.5 ounces.
- It’s compact and easy to use.
- Convenient stretch and drag design.
- Strong steel cable.
- 2 keys available.
Bosvision 4-Digit Combination Lock
Some people aren’t big fans of keys. If this sounds like you, then we recommend that you check out the Bosvision. This is a compact ski and snowboard lock that comes in 3 colors. It’s extremely versatile so you can use it to secure your bicycle, luggage, stroller and any other possession of value.
This is an affordable model in ABS housing. All you have to do is pull the vinyl-coated steel cable and wrap it around your belongings. The vinyl coating prevents accidental scratches and allows the coil to retract smoothly.
The lock weighs 3.3 ounces and the steel cable measures 35 inches so it’s slightly longer than other cables on the market. The diameter of the cable is 2.4 mm so it doesn’t break easily.
To secure your gear, you’ll have to set the 4 keys, offering 10,000 combinations that would be impossible to guess. After you’re done, you can push a button that recoils the cable without any effort.
There’s a setup guide that will help you master the process.
We recommend this lock for people who hate keys or usually lose them. However, it won’t work for you if you tend to be forgetful. There’s an accessory hole where you can attach your key ring or tag.
Things we like:
- Lightweight ABS lock that weighs 3.3 ounces.
- Vinyl-coated steel cable to secure multiple items together.
- 2.4mm thick cable.
- Push button cable retraction.
- 10,000 security combinations.
Allnice ET-152 3-Digit Cable Lock
This is another good choice for people who like number combinations and find them more practical than keys. It looks different from the other models but it’s affordable and quite durable.
It’s made of zinc alloy so it’s resistant to rust and corrosion, which makes it an excellent choice for locking your skis and snowboards. However, it’s extremely versatile so you can also use it to secure your luggage, bike, and stroller.
With an inner metallic wire that has a 2mm diameter, you know that the cable will be almost impossible to cut. It stretched up to 59 inches to secure all your stuff and then retracts easily for a compact and convenient look. The metal cable is covered with PVC to prevent scratches.
You can set the code using the 3 digit combination so no one will ever have access to your gear. It’s extremely easy to use and weighs 3.5 ounces.
The numbers might fall into their place if you apply too much pressure while locking and unlocking this lock. You should keep it in a safe place, away from other metal objects when it’s not used because the paint scratches off easily. Nevertheless, this is an affordable option that secures your expensive snow gear without being too complicated to use.
Things we like:
- Affordable lock that weighs 3.5 ounces.
- 3-digit combination password.
- Zinc alloy housing for more durability.
- Long cable that measures 59 inches.
- PVC coating to prevent scratching.
How to Choose the Right Ski and Snowboard Locks
Everyone’s criteria for making a buying choice are different. Some will be guided by price only, others by brand or value for money. Needless to say, there are certain qualities that the lock must possess, such as being robust and difficult to break into.
The majority of people fall into 2 camps with regard to security locking systems. They are dial locks and key locks.
Buyers who invest in dial/combination locks are usually people who don’t like to carry keys around or have a habit of misplacing the key. Most of the key lock systems available now provide spare keys. This at least gives you the option of leaving the spare key with a friend, partner, or hotel reception.
Buyers who favor key locking systems are usually those who have a habit of forgetting the combination code or at least have the fear of doing so.
Regardless of system type, the main thing to consider is just how difficult it’s going to be for the locking system to be broken into and your possessions stolen.
Therefore, looking for a really robust lock and thick, high tensile wrapping cord, should be high on your priorities list.
The first thing a potential thief will be looking for is just how easily and quickly he can be away with your gear.
The longer he/she has to take in breaking the lock, the more chance they have of getting caught. Hence, the thief will always look for easy targets.
Don’t be an easy target.
Scrimping on your security could cost you far more in the long run. There’s always insurance, but who wants the hassle of claiming, right?
Another thing to consider is the length of the cord. Are you looking to use one lock for two sets of skis or two boards? If so what length of cord will you need?
Try to ascertain your required cord length by using a tailors tape measure to physically wrap it around the gear you want to secure. This will at least give you a starting point and determine whether you’ll need just one, or more locks.
Some people want more use and versatility from their lock and will want to use it to secure other belongings such as bikes and the like, as well as snowboards or skis, boots, bags etc.
Wrap up
Any of the above locks will do their job of protecting your skis or snowboard. The main reason being that most locks, regardless of ruggedness, are enough of a deterrent to thieves just by their presence.
If you’re looking for very good security, we suggest you check out our top pick – the FAT SKI LOCK, and see if your resort provides the framework to support the system.
