Best Value

Although this biner tops 30 grams—heaviest in the review—we appreciated its value and strength. Rated at 25 kN, the Ultralight Straight Gate marks a good compromise between lightness and burl factor—even with its I-beam construction, it feels like a muscular performer that can handle the wear-and-tear of sport and trad cragging, but is also light enough to be attractive for racking and in the alpine. Testers appreciated the snappy gate, deep, beveled rope cradle, and ample gate opening, as well as the biner’s easy-handling, medium size (good for gloved or cold paws). This oblong I-beam biner has a subtle convexity to its spine that made it easy to wrangle when unfurling trad draws, fussing with the rack, and so on. At a bargain price, the Ultralight Straight Wire Gate is a versatile and bomber tool.