BACKGROUND
I recently got a $5 voucher from a Dealextreme Facebook promotion... so I was looking for something to blow the $5 on and came across this: the Nite Ize S-Biner Keyring. I'm pretty happy with my current keychain setup with the wire loop and various lanyard hooks, but I was keen to give this Nite Ize keyring system a go. Even if I don't like it, it's always handy to have a few extra clips and keychain hardware. The version I got has the 'spectrum' stainless steel ring. The spectrum ring has a metallic multi-colour sheen, similar in appearance to some heat-treated titanium.
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
I'm feeling lazy so I pulled this from the Nite Ize website. Pardon me if it sounds too much like advertising spiel.
-Available in Black, Stainless & Spectrum Stainless Steel Rings
-Packaged with 6 Plastic Size #0 S-Biners
-6 different color S-Biners allow for easy identification of similar style keys
-Product Dimensions: 2.2" x 1.3" x .5"
"Our S-Biner KeyRing features six different-colored, lightweight plastic S-Biners that attach quickly and securely to a sturdy, solid, stainless steel ring. It's easy to hang on hooks or loop through cord. Use one of the plastic S-Biners to attach the whole unit to a second key ring, belt loop, purse strap, or zipper pull—anything with a loop or D-ring. The 6 plastic S-Biners the Key Ring comes with are perfectly sized to hold 6 separate keys, their vivid different colors allow you to identify your keys at a glance, and they attach and release from the Key Ring with ease. More S-Biners can be ordered separately — the Key Ring can hold dozens of them. No more fiddling with split rings or fumbling to find the key you need — the Key Ring is perfect for quick and easy sharing of keys with family members, co-workers, valets, babysitters, and for taking a single key with you when you're out on a run or ride."
Manufacturer's Website:
http://www.niteize.com/products/s-biner-keyring
PACKAGING
SIZE COMPARISONS AND PHOTOS
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| 25mm micro mcgizmo clip, 34mm mini mcgizmo clip, true utility clip (from the keyring system), size 0 s-biner, 3 x lanyard hooks from various sources |
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| size 0 s-biner (top), 'spectrum' solid stainless steel ring (bottom) |
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| Clips colours: black, grey, orange, purple, red, green |
THOUGHTS
I've been using this keyring system for a couple of weeks now. I'll break down my thoughts about this keyring system into some simple pros and cons.
Pros:
-Comparatively light weight due the plastic components
-Colourful, especially with the spectrum solid ring (this may be a con if you are after something less bright and flamboyant)
-Different coloured clips help make it easier to differentiate between your various keys
-Fairly cheap (I got them from Dealextreme for $4 shipped)
-The S-biner design allows you to clip or unclip from either end of the s-biner
Cons:
-The s-biners are slightly larger and bulkier compared to some other clips
-Plastic components may potentially be less durable than stainless steel clips?? This is purely conjecture. If you're not putting the clips to major abuse, the plastic s-biner will probably suffice
-I found it very hard getting thicker keys, such as my car keys and car remote, onto these 'size 0' s-biners
-I don't know if this relates specifically to this model of the Nite Ize clips, but the s-biner has a reputation of coming apart. Have a look at these threads on EDC forums and make up your own mind.
http://edcforums.com/showthread.php/57309-DO-NOT-Trust-the-S-Biner?highlight=s-biner
http://edcforums.com/showthread.php/84316-S-Biner-issue?highlight=s-biner
CONCLUSIONS
The main advantage I see about the s-biners are they can clip and unclip from either end of the s-biner, something most other clips can not do. I do have to say I have gotten very comfortable with my previous keychain setup, and will probably switch back to that later on. My previous keyring setup is less bulky and works well for me.
OTHER OPTIONS TO CONSIDER
Nite Ize make some other keyring products using the 'size 0' s-biners. Note the 'key-rack plus' also has a bottle opener feature.
http://www.niteize.com/products/s-biner-keyrack-plus
http://www.niteize.com/products/key-rack
True Utility Key Ring System
http://www.trueutility.com/pocket-tools-store/true-utility-tu45-keyring-system.html
Troika Patent Keyring/Troika Valet Multi Keyring
http://troikacatalog.com/keyrings/2616-troika-valet-multi-keyring.html
Also similar to the troika keyring is the EDCF keyholder
http://www.jsburlys.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=edcf_keychain
