REASONS TO BUY
Relatively lightweight
Portable
REASONS TO AVOID
Small
Not very versatile
Struggles to lock to large structures
Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock Review
If portability and convenience are your priority, this model fits the bill while offering good security
This lock's diminutive size is its main limiting factor.
Credit: Matt Bento
By Matt Bento ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ November 9, 2021
RELATED: The Best Bike Locks of 2026
Our Verdict
Tiny but mighty, the Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock provides excellent security while almost fitting in your pocket. A perk that not all bike locks can offer. It is attached to a plastic clip, allowing you to connect it to your belt or back pocket. This eliminates the need for mounting hardware on your bike, allowing you to leave the backpack at home. While this isn't the most comfortable way we have ever carried a U-lock, the advantages are clear. The downside of the small size is that it limits the types of things you can lock to. If you want similar security to a large U-lock without lugging the extra weight, the Hiplok DX is a solid option.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best U-lock on a Budget |  Best Wearable Design | Best Chain Lock on a Budget | | |
| Price | $110 List Check Price at Backcountry | $80 List Check Price at REI | $130 List Check Amazon (on sale!) | $51 List Check Price at REI | $83 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | If portability and convenience are your priority, this model fits the bill while offering good security | A surprisingly difficult to cut U-lock that's an upgrade on its predecessor but continues to have annoying keyway and lackluster mount | While the design aims to make this lock more convenient, we found it compromised our ability to quickly lock and unlock our bikes | While the lock gives you more versatility than a U-Lock at an agreeable weight, it offers only modest security and may be less easy to haul | An easy to use, versatile lock that's surprisingly tough to cut, though tough to transport |
| Rating Categories | Hiplok DX Wearable U... | Kryptonite KryptoLok | Hiplok Original Supe... | Kryptonite Keeper 78... | Abus Ivera 7210 |
| Security (40%) | |||||
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Parking (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Hiplok DX Wearable U... | Kryptonite KryptoLok | Hiplok Original Supe... | Kryptonite Keeper 78... | Abus Ivera 7210 |
| Type | U-Lock | U-Lock + cable | Wearable chain | Chain | Chain |
| Time to Defeat Lock | 54 seconds | 20 seconds | 23 seconds | 14 seconds | 12 seconds |
| Measured Weight | 2.6 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 5 lbs | 3.1 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Locking Dimension | 5" x 8.5" | U-lock: 4" x 9", cable 5' | 33.5" circumference, 2" width | 37" | 33.7 circumference |
| Primary Materials/Thickness | 14mm hardened steel | 12.7mm hardened steel | 8mm hardened steel chain, 600D polyester sleeve | 7mm manganese hardened 4-sided chain links | 7mm hardened steel square chain |
| Included Keys | 2 Keys | 2 keys | 3 keys | 2 keys | 2 keys |
| Defeated by Tin Snips | No | No | No | No | No |
| Defeated by Hammer | No | No | No | No | No |
| Defeated by Hacksaw | Yes, eventually | No | No | No | No |
| Defeated by 24" Bolt Cutters | No | No | No | No | No |
| Number of Angle Grinder Cuts to Defeat Lock | 2 cuts | 2 cuts | 1 cut | 2 cuts | 2 cuts |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock is a small “wearable” U-lock that's comparatively lightweight, objectively compact, and effective. With this model, you get the security of a beefy U-lock without lugging around 5 pounds of hardware. The downside? The Hiplok DX is so small that you're limited in what you can attach to your bicycle and biking gear, and securing both wheels still requires some finagling, even after detaching the front wheel.
The DX Wearable U-lock offers maximum portability for a U-lock. Credit: Matt Bento
Security
Awarded the Gold status by Sold Secure, we were only able to breach it with an angle grinder, which required two cuts to free the bike. The 14 mm-diameter U section is just wide enough that our standard bolt cutters couldn't bite, and we seriously doubt they'd do much against the hardened steel. Sure, it doesn't score as high as heavier, thicker locks, but for situations when you're locking up your bike in broad daylight to go to class or the coffee shop, we think this model offers an appropriate amount of security.
We believe the hacksaw can cut through this lock...provided you have multiple blades and 12 hours to kill. Credit: Matt Bento
Ease of Transport
This lock features a plastic clip mounted to one side, allowing the user to attach the lock to their back pocket or belt. This will enable you to transport the lock without a backpack or the need for mounting hardware. In practice, our testers found that although this is a relatively lightweight lock at 2.6 pounds, it still feels heavy when worn on the back pocket.
Bolt cutter can do little against this tough little U-lock. Credit: Matt Bento
We were cinching our belts pretty tightly to keep our pants from falling down, and the whole setup wasn't very comfortable. We would not want to wear the lock on our pants for very long. Still, it's an attractive feature because you can grab the lock and hop on any bike, and have a way to carry it without it flopping around on your crossbar. Should you choose to strap it onto a messenger bag or tuck it inside, you'll notice that it adds about two pounds less weight than the average U-lock, which is nice.
Ease of Use
The DX Wearable U-Lock comes with three replaceable keys that turn smoothly in the lock. A small rubber tab covers the keyhole, ensuring the lock remains free from dirt and moisture. Turn the key in the lock, and both sides of the U release; you're now ready to secure your bike. Easy peasy. We also appreciate the rubber-like coating on this model, which helps protect our bike frame from scratches while it's locked up. Models that outscored the Hiplok DX included helpful features like LED lights on the keys and an automatic keyhole cover.
Versatility
The small size of the Hiplok DX significantly limits its versatility. It's easy enough to attach your bike's frame to a bike rack, but trying to secure even one tire along with it can be very tricky or impossible. Hiplok sells a version of this lock that includes a cable long enough to secure both wheels or multiple bikes, but it greatly reduces the lock's portability. We think it's ideal for securing your cruiser around town and is a good solution for an evening of bar hopping or any situation where you don't want to bother with a backpack.
Weighing 2 pounds 10 ounces, the DX Wearable is the lightest U-lock we have tested. Credit: Ross Robinson
Should You Buy the Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock?
The Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock offers an appropriate amount of security while being conveniently portable. However, most of our testers would prefer to shoulder the weight of a larger and more versatile bike lock for the price.
What Other Bike Locks Should You Consider?
There are other locks in our best bike lock review that are smaller, lighter, and more versatile than this one, but they are mostly thin cable-style or folding locks that are easily dismantled with bolt cutters or other hand tools. We suggest considering the Hiplok Original: Superbright, an award-winning lock that is also portable.
—Matt Bento
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