Sobo.

[skyiscoolbeans]

These are obviously Abloy knockoffs, but the question is: Are they relatively good enough? I've been looking into getting one but I haven't found reviews on it at all, only speculations. One would assume it's garbage for $20, but then again maybe it's good enough for light use? Does anyone own one of these? How are they quality wise and pick/bump resistant wise? I'm rather interested, although I don't have high hopes.

http://www.amazon.com/FJM-Security-Prod ... 479&sr=1-2

[MacGyver101]

You're quite right: the cheap disc detainer locks are similar in concept to an Abloy (i.e., they use rotating discs)... but they're far less sophisticated. I have a similar lock to the model you linked to, and it's easily opened it in under 30 seconds with the right pick.

To answer your other questions, though: because of their design disc-detainer locks aren't susceptible to bumping, and a lack of springs could make them somewhat more reliable in harsh environments. (Well, "somewhat more reliable than a similarly-priced pin-tumbler padlock"... you tend to get what you pay for in quality, regardless of the locking mechanism.)

[skyiscoolbeans]

Another great reply, MacGyver. I was afraid I wasn't going to get anywhere there for a little bit. But darn, that's disappointing news (even though I expected it). I'm looking for the most unpickable/unbumpable padlock that I can find for under $40 or $50, so in a way I was crossing my fingers that the Sobos might have some magic to them, but you can't have everything in life, lol. Is the similar lock you're referring to a Sobo as well?

Since the Sobo is out of the picture, right now I'm torn between an American 6360 and an Abus Diskus 20/70. Do you have any opinion on which is superior? Thanks.

[MacGyver101]

If you're just interested in a picking challenge, you should have a look at Security Snobs: they have a low-end Abloy Protec padlock for $25, and a mid-grade BiLock "hybrid" padlock for $79. Both represent reasonable picking challenges (and I'm not going anywhere near the raging "Protec versus BiLock" debate with a 10-foot pole...)

[Josh K]

If you're just interested in a picking challenge, you should have a look at Security Snobs: they have a low-end Abloy Protec padlock for $25, and a mid-grade BiLock "hybrid" padlock for $79. Both represent reasonable picking challenges (and I'm not going anywhere near the raging "Protec versus BiLock" debate with a 10-foot pole...)

+1...

You won't pick the Protech. You probably won't pick the Bilock. Start with something easier, like Medeco.

[Squelchtone]

If you're just interested in a picking challenge, you should have a look at Security Snobs: they have a low-end Abloy Protec padlock for $25, and a mid-grade BiLock "hybrid" padlock for $79. Both represent reasonable picking challenges (and I'm not going anywhere near the raging "Protec versus BiLock" debate with a 10-foot pole...)

+1...

You won't pick the Protech. You probably won't pick the Bilock. Start with something easier, like Medeco.

PROTEC Josh, Protec. not protech.

[Josh K]

If you're just interested in a picking challenge, you should have a look at Security Snobs: they have a low-end Abloy Protec padlock for $25, and a mid-grade BiLock "hybrid" padlock for $79. Both represent reasonable picking challenges (and I'm not going anywhere near the raging "Protec versus BiLock" debate with a 10-foot pole...)

+1...

You won't pick the Protech. You probably won't pick the Bilock. Start with something easier, like Medeco.

PROTEC Josh, Protec. not protech.

Yeah, I knew it looked funny.