The Litelok Core Plus is such a lock. It’s designed to be worn across the waist whereas in transit and includes a versatile strap that may be adjusted for dimension. Litelok is not the one firm that makes wearable bike locks; Hiplok, Squire, and Abus additionally provide comparable merchandise.
Litelok Core Plus building
The Litelok Core Plus has an authorized Diamond ranking by unbiased take a look at home Bought Safe, the best achievable ranking for a bicycle lock. Only a few wearable locks are in a position to meet this normal. So, how has Litelok managed it?
The model claims that its Boaflexicore+ strap is designed to face up to assaults due to its layered safety, which incorporates “a plant-based polymer, radial reinforcement, and high-tensile core.”
The webbed Boaflexicore+ strap and chunky lock barrel stand as a superb visible deterrent
(Picture credit score: Future/Matt Ischt-Barnard)
The tensile metal strap is fixed by a lock physique with corrosion-resistant internals – it’s stated to have been examined to -40c – in addition to pick-resistant disc retainer locks and drill-resistant automotive normal rivets.
The lock includes a keyhole cowl that’s designed to maintain the locking cylinder freed from moisture and filth. Its ‘click on lock’ closure means it locks with out the necessity for a key, clicking into place in the best way you may safe a seatbelt in a automobile.
Both sides of the lock options an adjustable Velcro strap, enabling numerous lengths for a comfortable match round your waist. Moreover, the lock contains body mounts, which allow you to connect it on to your bike body. Mounts on each the highest and seat tubes enable the lock to be tucked away inside the body. Altogether, this ends in a lock that weighs 1.9kg / 4.1 lbs.
Litelok Core Plus specification
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Weight
1.9kg / 4.1lbs
Variety of Keys
3
Bought Safe ranking
Diamond
Colors
3 choices – Black, Inexperienced & Orange
Size
75cm/100cm – 75cm matches 28″(70cm) – 41″(106cm) and the 100 matches 42″ (108cm) – 54″(136cm).
Body Mount
Sure, included
Litelok Core Plus in use
Let’s begin with locking a motorcycle; that is the place the Core Plus’s strengths actually lie, and it actually impressed me. The lock mechanism is each clean and safe. I appreciated with the ability to take the important thing out when it’s unlocked, and the clicking lock function is good, that means you’ll always remember to lock it.
Whereas the Litelok lacks the pliability of a series lock, it gives superior attain and suppleness over any U-lock. I needed to wrestle with it at instances, notably when locking up subsequent to a different bike or securing it to a lamppost as it’s fairly stiff, however this was no extra trouble than attempting to slip a U-lock between a number of bikes at a clumsy angle.
The Core plus’ additional attain proves very helpful on the bike rack
(Picture credit score: Future/Matt Ischt-Barnard)
When you deliberately select a wearable lock as an alternative of 1 saved in your bike or in a bag, you’ll count on it to be snug. Sadly, this wasn’t the case with the Litelok Core Plus.
When sporting the Core Plus, I used to be aware of its presence, maybe understandably given its Diamond ranking and almost 2kg weight. Nonetheless, it was cumbersome, and the outer webbed end was a tad ‘scratchy’, particularly after I was sporting solely a single layer. Given the safety provided, I really feel like this destructive attribute is forgivable, and when used on quick journeys, it was bearable.
What was extra annoying was the Litelok always slipped down past my hips – not superb whenever you’re in movement. I might counsel that the rubber O-ring that’s answerable for holding the wearable adapter in place is insufficient. It does not help you ratchet it up like a belt to carry the lock in place; whenever you strive, the result’s you simply stretch the O-ring. Had there been a set level, like on the alternative finish of the adapter, which clicks into the lock mechanism, this would not be a difficulty. I worry this lock was designed with the extra historically skinny bike owner construct in thoughts, which I’m not.
Litlok’s wearable adapter may do with a bit extra growth
(Picture credit score: Future/Matt Ischt-Barnard)
Litelok Core Plus Conclusions and Worth
The Core Plus actually meets the factors in case you’re searching for a high-security wearable lock, and due to this, it receives my suggestion.
Nonetheless, bear in mind that this stage of safety does include a portability penalty. Whereas my expertise sporting it wasn’t notably beneficial, slimmer customers might not face the identical challenges. Nonetheless, at this stage of safety, the lock’s wearability presents a number of drawbacks that outweigh its advantages. If safety is your precedence, I might advocate one of many greatest U-locks or a series lock as an alternative.
At £139.99/$169.99, the Litelok additionally does not symbolize the very best worth and is significantly dearer than a number of different diamond-rated locks. The OnGuard Pitbull involves thoughts, which may be bought for round £45/$55. Moreover, for simply £10/$10 greater than the price of the Core Plus, you should buy Litelok’s X1, which gives angle grinder resistance.
If wearability is a high precedence, I would advocate the Squire Straplok. It gives superior consolation, and at £69.99, you should buy two for the value of the Core Plus.
