OTTOLOCK is a Cinch Lock system with a resettable combination that is made with bands of steel and Kevlar with a plastic outer coating and is ideal for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts who value their gear and need a small, compact, safe, and lightweight solution. It’s designed for short-stay security and protecting against theft opportunists in low threat crime areas. Think of it as a high-tech reusable zip-tie with a combination lock feature, and it’s more secure than a typical cable lock which is easily cuttable, and it’s lighter than a bulky though safer U-lock. The 30″ version we tested weighs in at 152 grams and can be coiled to around a 5″ diameter.
The OTTOLOCK is designed and manufactured in the USA and comes in an 18″ length for $60, a 30″ length for $65 and an extra long 60″ length for $80. It comes in Stealth Black, Flash Green, and OTTO Orange colors, plus a new CAMO color scheme (30″ for $70 and 60″ for $85.) They also have two carriers to hold the lock on your bikes, allowing attachments on your seatpost and frame, and it comes in the smaller OTTO Mount for the 18″ length for $10 and the OTTOLOCK Pro Mount for the 30″ and 60″ lengths for $25.
For further information refer to ottodesignworks.com
Features
OTTOLOCK is extremely cut-resistant because of an engineered design that uses multiple layers of high-temper, 18mm-wide stainless steel bands sandwiched between Kevlar fiber bands and coated in a non-marring Santoprene (a highly durable plastic) covering. Conventional theft tools like wire or bolt cutters are just not enough to cut the OTTOLOCK. They designed it with three resettable combination wheels with detented action, custom locking pawls, and a durable aluminum head with Chip-resistant Cerakote ceramic paint.
The short 18″ version locks single tubes to small post or pole, while the 30″ (76cm) is the most versatile choice and can lock frames and wheels, or two bikes, and lastly, the 60″ (152cm) is ideal for multiple bikes, car/truck racks, and outdoor applications.
Impressions
To set or reset the combination, set tumblers to the current combination (factory default is 0-0-0), insert a push pin into the hole on the side of the head until it clicks, turn the wheels to the desired combination and press the silver button until its flush.
To lock it, undo the ladder strap, uncoil the bands and set the tumblers of the lock to the current combination between the two raised indicators on the body. Press the silver button inward until its flush and hold it down, wrap the strap through your frame and around a pole, insert the bands tail into heads slot the under tumblers and release the button. Spin the tumblers to some random number and the OTTOLOCK is now locked.
To remove the lock, set tumblers to the current combination, press and hold the button and pull the band to unlock. Re-coil the band around its head to the desired diameter and secure the tail with the ladder strap.
It was simple to set/reset the combination, and lock and unlock the bike, and the 30″ length was about perfect for most bike racks, poles, and other attachment locations. It was lightweight and compact, and I could stick it in my jersey pocket, jacket, and pack without much issue. I did like their little mounting attachment systems, as it made it pleasant to carry the lock wherever I was going.
I tried cutting it with some large and very long bolt cutters, and I was unable to do much of anything. Between the Kevlar which made the blades slip and the steel band, it was not going to be cut without something more substantial, such as a noisy battery operated grinder.
Bottom Line
The OTTOLOCK Cinch Lock system utilizes a three-layer design with bands of steel and Kevlar and an anti-scratch plastic outer coating and is ideal for short-stay security and protecting against opportunist thieves. It comes in an 18″, 30″, and 60″ length and features a resettable three-digit combination lock, making for a portable, light solution to protect your bike and outdoor gear.
I think this is an ideal lock for when you quickly go into the coffee shop, grocery store or bank, and it will stop the nonprofessional bike thief from snatching your prized bike. I think the cinch system is ideal for tightly locking things down, and when combined with a more secure U-Lock on the frame it could help with theft of the wheels. It will also be useful for locking many other items, such as coolers, skis, tools (ladders/generators/boxes), vehicle cargo and racks, boats (canoe, kayak, and SUP), adventuring (travel, packs, and luggage), motorcycles (helmets and soft bags), etc.
When I want a super high-security system I use a 12mm pewag high-security chain with a pick resistant Viro shrouded padlock, but it weighs over 20 lbs.
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