Simond Jumbo VFA Auto-Locking Carabiner

I really like the auto locking feature.

strong, lightweight carabiner.

If labeled as a non-locking carabiner this one could get five stars. But I do not think that it qualifies as a locking carabiner. The auto lock barrel locks the gate with only about one milimiter overlay. I opened the gate by mistake few times because such short, smooth moving locking barrel yields even to the slight pressure. If you are looking for a good large non-locking straight gate carabiner, you can't go wrong with this one for the price.

This carabiner is rather small for a "jumbo" model. It's smaller than a BD Rocklock or Petzl William. It's just a medium sized HMS locker. The real problem is that there is a dangerous flaw in the auto "locking" sleeve. This carabiner doesn't lock securely at all; it's locking mechanism is completely ineffective and unsafe. It is very easy to push the gate open with a light side load from a finger. I wouldn't trust it at all for use as locker -- in which case it is just a rediculously heavy non-locker. Don't buy this item; buy one of the other Simond lockers available. All of the screwgates function well.

The locking system on this carabiner is a sliding lock system that does not provide any security. I would only use this for top rope or backed up by another good locking carabiner. I would never buy this style carabiner again.

These will be used for treestand hunting on my safety harness. At the time of this review I haven't tested them. Observatin seems that they will do exactly what I need. They seem perfect for the job.