A few weeks ago I bought a Pentagon brand 'D' lock and a Pentagon brand chain lock (10mm links, 110cm long). I am very satisfied with their quality and value. Here is why -
In the last month I researched bike locks ad nauseum,; at least 10-20 hours of research; having just ordered a Mini ST2 and having similar security concerns. My research found that the 'D' locks by "Seatylocks" were as good or better than competing brands, but for less money; and are a superior value because Seatylock:
1) had the widest space in-between the shackles, and the longest reach (for their large 11" model),
2) Had a "Sold Secure 'Gold'" rating, and was later upgraded to "Sold Secure 'Diamond'" when that higher classification was added; so Seatylock 'D' locks are as good as the best of them - with triangular no-twist shackles and double locking lugs, hardened steel, and a strong complex lock-work.
3) it is covered in plastic that won't scratch paint and a carrying bracket can be purchased separately.
4) The Seatylock 'D' lock has the same rating and specs as the best Kryptonite or ABUS 'D' locks (except maybe the ABUS $300 gigantic 'D' lock), BUT it costs significantly less.
Seatylock also has chain locks that are similar to the Kryptonite chain locks with the integrated lock. The thickness (10mm) and hardness of the chains by Seatylock is equivalent to the chains by Kryptonite. They come in 90cm, 110cm, and 140cm lengths. I purchased the 110cm as being long enough for my Mini ST2, but lighter than the longer 140cm chain. However, the Seatylock chain:
1) has a superior 2-layer wrap around the chain, made of silicone inside a nylon sleeve, to protect the bike's finish.
2) has a better lock design that uses a magnet to hold the lock closed so that you don't need two hands to hold the ends together to lock the bike.
3) again, the Seatylock is significantly less expensive than the Kryptonite or ABUS chains of similar weight and length.
THEN ... I noticed the Pentagon brand locks online - they are absolutely identical to the Seatylock locks. Every feature is identical between all models of their two product line ups, just a different color. Whatever the licensing agreement is between the brands, the Pentagon locks were consistently about $10 less than the exact same lock with a "Seatylock" label. I looked far and wide to find any difference at all between the Seatylock locks and the Pentagon locks, and could find none. The Pentagon locks are still 'only' rated Sold Secure 'Gold' because they haven't been put through the new 'Diamond' level tests yet, but I am confident that they will perform identical to the Seatylock versions. They are the same locks.
My plan is that I will use the 'D' lock for short duration lock-ups at low to moderate risk locations. I will bring along the 6.5lb chain when I expect the bike to be parked longer and in a more risky environment. I also have a motion alarm for such situations.
I whole heartedly recommend that anybody looking for the best deal in a top quality bike lock consider the Pentagon brand. If anyone has more knowledge they can share about the relationship or history between Seatylock and Pentagon, it would be appreciated.
In the last month I researched bike locks ad nauseum,; at least 10-20 hours of research; having just ordered a Mini ST2 and having similar security concerns. My research found that the 'D' locks by "Seatylocks" were as good or better than competing brands, but for less money; and are a superior value because Seatylock:
1) had the widest space in-between the shackles, and the longest reach (for their large 11" model),
2) Had a "Sold Secure 'Gold'" rating, and was later upgraded to "Sold Secure 'Diamond'" when that higher classification was added; so Seatylock 'D' locks are as good as the best of them - with triangular no-twist shackles and double locking lugs, hardened steel, and a strong complex lock-work.
3) it is covered in plastic that won't scratch paint and a carrying bracket can be purchased separately.
4) The Seatylock 'D' lock has the same rating and specs as the best Kryptonite or ABUS 'D' locks (except maybe the ABUS $300 gigantic 'D' lock), BUT it costs significantly less.
Seatylock also has chain locks that are similar to the Kryptonite chain locks with the integrated lock. The thickness (10mm) and hardness of the chains by Seatylock is equivalent to the chains by Kryptonite. They come in 90cm, 110cm, and 140cm lengths. I purchased the 110cm as being long enough for my Mini ST2, but lighter than the longer 140cm chain. However, the Seatylock chain:
1) has a superior 2-layer wrap around the chain, made of silicone inside a nylon sleeve, to protect the bike's finish.
2) has a better lock design that uses a magnet to hold the lock closed so that you don't need two hands to hold the ends together to lock the bike.
3) again, the Seatylock is significantly less expensive than the Kryptonite or ABUS chains of similar weight and length.
THEN ... I noticed the Pentagon brand locks online - they are absolutely identical to the Seatylock locks. Every feature is identical between all models of their two product line ups, just a different color. Whatever the licensing agreement is between the brands, the Pentagon locks were consistently about $10 less than the exact same lock with a "Seatylock" label. I looked far and wide to find any difference at all between the Seatylock locks and the Pentagon locks, and could find none. The Pentagon locks are still 'only' rated Sold Secure 'Gold' because they haven't been put through the new 'Diamond' level tests yet, but I am confident that they will perform identical to the Seatylock versions. They are the same locks.
My plan is that I will use the 'D' lock for short duration lock-ups at low to moderate risk locations. I will bring along the 6.5lb chain when I expect the bike to be parked longer and in a more risky environment. I also have a motion alarm for such situations.
I whole heartedly recommend that anybody looking for the best deal in a top quality bike lock consider the Pentagon brand. If anyone has more knowledge they can share about the relationship or history between Seatylock and Pentagon, it would be appreciated.