by Robotnik » 29 Jun 2015 22:59
That guide obviously took a fair bit of work to produce, so I'll keep my disagreements with it respectful. That said, I don't personally consider the SmartKey a good choice.
As UnlockingBoredom mentioned, there are some durability issues, especially long-term. Inserting the wrong key can render one inoperable. So can heavy use, light abuse, frequent or improper resetting, and exposure to adverse weather or extreme temps. While the article mentions a certain forced entry technique doesn't work, I disagree. Simply jacking it open with a screwdriver isn't really an option anymore, but there are...other...forced or semi-forced entry techniques that still work.
Resettable locks have a place, though rarely is that place in a single-family residential property. U-Change, Winfield, Schlage and Kwikset (off the top of my head) have all produced user-resettable locks, and with each, there's a tradeoff on security and/or durability versus a traditional pin-tumbler. Unless you actually need the frequent keying changes, go with a standard pin-tumbler.
As to the rest of the guide, I've performed and and logged similar pick/bump tests on these same locks for a project, and my findings were somewhat different. Suffice it to say, with my testing, Defiant did not have "Picking Unsuccessful" next to it. From what's available at the local big box hardware store, Schlage is probably the best choice.
Finally - speaking specifically to this guide as well as more broadly - don't get too hung up on the front door lock to the neglect of more pressing matters. The percentage of burglaries utilizing covert entry techniques is proportionally very small. If you have to replace your lock(s) anyway, get something robust, but reinforcing the structure against forced/destructive entry first will be a better use of your security dollar. Looking at it from the burglar's perspective, why would I waste time attacking the front door lock when I could kick that door in? Not to mention going around back to break a panel on the patio door, lift a slider off its track, etc...
