Squire Snaplok 210

Here's what looks like a good idea, at least on paper: The Squire Snaplok combines a solid shackle with a combination cylinder, so you get the benefit of added security without having to worry where your keys are. The lock carries a Sold Secure Silver rating, and it's available in two sizes, the smaller of which I'm testing here.

At least on paper, you say? Yup. First look at this and I was convinced you'd be able to pop the lock mechanism (which simply slides over the two broken ends like a sleeve) in no time at all. To be fair it didn't take no time at all, but 17 seconds is a very poor return on investment. It's not exactly a great vindication for the Sold Secure process, suggesting that it doesn't include trying to prise a lock apart, a fairly standard method of attack for solid shackles.

This is a £60 lock. I don't mind a bit of portability and ease of use at that kind of money, so long as it's backed up by some good, old-fashioned stay-puttedness, and that's not the case here. Squire rate it at level 13, the same as their Urban Patriot which is a decent lock and a good bit cheaper. If you want a decent U-lock, you can have one for as little as £25. It's a novel idea, this, but when push comes to shove it's as good as useless. Avoid.

Verdict

Expensive lock that's easy to break. We wouldn't buy one.