We all have our favorite brands, styles, shapes, and colors when it comes to locking carabiners. Like many others, I certainly notice when folks show up to the gym or crag reppin’ a complementary kit. You match your harness to belay device, that is noticeable, toss in a matching locker, helmet, and shoes, and you might as well see if Demi Moore is looking for Met Gala fashion advice.
Personally, my climbing style rests somewhere between Zendaya’s Louis Vuitton three-piece and a generational hand-me-down from a 12th century Benedictine monk. I have some nice pieces, but it doesn’t all necessarily go together.
For my latest addition to the catalogue, I wanted to change that a little bit. I have locking carabiners from nearly every climbing company imaginable. They come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, they all have a special place in my heart as I have trusted my life in one way or another with each and every piece of gear. Recently however, I decided to revamp my anchor gear, and go for some consistency across the board.
That being said, while color, size, and shape were important factors, the most important factor for me was cost! I’m out here counting pennies when it comes to buying pickles, I don’t have the cash to go all in on the “it” biners of the day.
Oftentimes Black Diamond gear doesn’t translate to saving money, but when it comes to the Hotforge Screwgate Carabiner, BD takes the cake. They offer a 3-Pack for $38.95. I wanted four biners (Frankly, it seems like no one is asking for a 3-Pack, like who needs 3 locking biners? Unless you and two friends are each in need of one locker, and the three of you decide to go in on a deal, then it’s perfect, but gimme a break, 3? They should have made it a 4-Pack, but who am I?) so I ordered a 3-Pack and 1 individual biner.
For comparison, the Petzl Sm’D Twist-Lock retails at $24/biner, that adds up to $96 for four. With the Black Diamond Hotforge Screwgate 3-Pack +1 I am saving nearly $50.
With that I have put together my 1st all matching anchor system.
Aside from the cost, there are a few other perks. They look fantastic. I normally go for a pop of color, but these carabiners in all black matte make me feel like I’m a little bit cooler than I actually am. They kind of give off an Albert Camus vibe (just suggesting that there can be a carabiner with an Albert Camus vibe immediately reminds me that I am not cool at all). At 50 g and 24 kN strength with the gate closed they are among the strongest and lightest biners on the market. The Hotforge Screwgate is also more compact than most other screw gates in its class. This makes them more packable and less bulky.
Of course, size does matter. Compactness may not be ideal if you’re using a locker to hold a Munter-hitch, but if you are looking for a beautiful (nearly) all-around carabiner that can serve most purposes, and looking to do it on a budget, then this is the biner for you.
The Hotforge Screwgate from Black Diamond is a luxury biner at budget prices!
Recommendation: All Levels
Specs: 50 g; Closed Gate Strength: 24 kN; Open Gate Strength: 8 kN; Gate Opening: 18 mm
MSRP (Three Pack): $38.95
Website: Black Diamond
thedihedral.com 
That is a horrible looking Karabiner, but very interesting writing on the rated brand, how you just let yourself go like that knowing it would catch you.
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These rated at 24 Kn and each Kn can carry 225 lbs of force, so they are pretty bomber!!!
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