Ski & Snowboard · Head-to-head
Dakine Cool Lock vs Kryptonite R2 Retractable Lock
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Ski Locks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Dakine Cool Lock gives the longest reach in this group with a four-digit code in a pocketable body, and Dakine designs it for ski racks and roof racks. The Kryptonite R2 matches the four-digit code and nearly the same reach, so it is the pick if it is the one in stock or slightly cheaper.
Dakine Cool Lock
Buy itA four-digit retractable cable lock with a 37-inch reach, built by a ski brand for resort racks and roof racks.
- Four-digit set-your-own combination gives 10,000 possible codes rather than 1,000.
- The 37-inch (94 cm) retractable cable is the longest in this comparison, enough to loop skis and poles through a rack.
- At 0.12 kg and 9.5 x 6.5 x 2 cm, it fits in a jacket or pant pocket without weighing it down.
- Dakine does not publish a cable diameter, so you cannot compare cable thickness against rivals.
- A thin retractable cable is a deterrent, not cut resistant.
- The body is mostly ABS plastic (50% ABS, 40% steel by Dakine's materials list).
Kryptonite R2 Retractable Lock
Buy itA lock specialist's four-digit retractable cable with a 90 cm reach, sold for accessory lock-ups.
- Four-dial resettable combination (it ships set to 0-0-0-0 per Kryptonite's instructions).
- The 3-foot (90 cm) cable is close to the Dakine's reach.
- Kryptonite publishes a cable diameter of 2.6 mm, so you know what you are getting.
- At 0.18 kg it is the heaviest lock here, though still pocketable.
- Kryptonite pitches it for quick-release components and accessories rather than skis specifically.
- Like any thin cable, it will not stand up to cutters.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Dakine Cool Lock Our pick | Kryptonite R2 Retractable Lock | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Skiers and riders who want one light lock that reaches around skis, poles and a rack at the lodge or on the car. | Buyers who want a four-digit retractable from a dedicated lock maker and do not mind a slightly heavier body. |
| Price tier | $ · budget | $ · budget |
| Lock type | Retractable cable | Retractable cable |
| Combination | 4-digit, set your own | 4-dial, resettable |
| Possible codes | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Cable or locking length | 37 in (94 cm) | 3 ft (90 cm) |
| Cable diameter (maker listed) | Not listed | 2.6 mm |
| Weight | 0.12 kg | 0.18 kg |
| Body size | 9.5 x 6.5 x 2 cm | Not listed |
| Maker's stated use | Ski racks and roof racks | Components and accessories |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Dakine Cool Lock if
skiers and riders who want one light lock that reaches around skis, poles and a rack at the lodge or on the car.
Know before buying: dakine does not publish a cable diameter, so you cannot compare cable thickness against rivals.
Pick the Kryptonite R2 Retractable Lock if
buyers who want a four-digit retractable from a dedicated lock maker and do not mind a slightly heavier body.
Know before buying: at 0.18 kg it is the heaviest lock here, though still pocketable.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Dakine Cool Lock - A four-digit retractable cable lock with a 37-inch reach, built by a ski brand for resort racks and roof racks. Choose the Kryptonite R2 Retractable Lock instead if buyers who want a four-digit retractable from a dedicated lock maker and do not mind a slightly heavier body.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Ski Locks: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).