Black Diamond GridLock Magnetron Review

The Black Diamond GridLock Magnetron is a belay specific locker that uses magnetic technology in the gate to create an auto-locking system that is quite a bit different than most standard twist locks. In order to open the gate, you must squeeze two lever arms, one on each side of the gate, which releases the magnetic grip with the nose. The gate also features a curved extension bar off the bottom that combines with a unique shape to trap the belay loop of the harness in place, preventing potential cross-loading. While this carabiner is effective for the purpose it is designed for, we found it to be laborious to use, and honestly felt a bit exasperated having to open and close the gate so many times to fiddle the locker onto our belay loop, or to add the belay device, especially during long sport climbing sessions or at the gym. This is one case where the convenience of a screw gate, which doesn’t automatically lock whenever it’s shut, may be worth the trade-offs, and BD does make the GridLock Screwgate for those interested.
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