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
Credit: Hiplok
RELATED: Best Bike Locks of 2024
Our Verdict
Tiny but mighty, the Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock provides gold-standard security while almost fitting in your pocket. A perk that not all of the best bike locks can offer. It is attached to a plastic clip so you can connect it to your belt or back pocket, which lets you skip adding mounting hardware to your bike, and you can leave your backpack at home. Although we cannot say this is the most comfortable way we have ever carried a U-lock, the advantages are clear. Also, this U-lock is on the small side and limits your unmovable structure options to standard bike racks and thin structures. Still, if you want similar security to a large U-lock without having to lug around the weight, the Hiplok DX is a solid option for your biking needs.
Editor's Note: We updated this gear review on January 25, 2022, with different sections with information about whether or not we would buy this product and others worth considering.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Hiplok DX Wearable U-Lock | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best U-lock on a Budget | Best Chain Lock on a Budget |  Best Wearable Design | Best Low Security Lightweight Lock | |
| Price | $76.67 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $53.19 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $70 List $63.13 at Amazon | $99.99 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $17.99 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This model is strong and quite secure while being light and portable | Above average security in a large, versatile lock that's let down a bit by difficult to use key and annoying mount | Can fit any bike and rack and is remarkably secure though tough to ferry around town | Wear this chain lock around your waist to bring solid security with you whenever you cycle | Among the lightweight, low-security options, this lock is a steal and one of our favorites |
| Rating Categories | Hiplok DX Wearable... | Kryptonite KryptoLok | Abus Ivera 7210 | Hiplok Original: Su... | ABUS Chain Lock 120... |
| Security (40%) | |||||
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Hiplok DX Wearable... | Kryptonite KryptoLok | Abus Ivera 7210 | Hiplok Original: Su... | ABUS Chain Lock 120... |
| Type | U-Lock | U-Lock + cable | Chain | Wearable chain | Chain |
| Time to Defeat Lock | 54 seconds | 20 seconds | 12 seconds | 13 seconds | 3 seconds |
| Measured Weight | 2.6 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 4.3 lbs | 0.5 lbs |
| Locking Dimension | 5" x 8.5" | U-lock: 4" x 9", cable 5' | 33.7 circumference | 33.5" circumference, 2" width | 43" circumference |
| Primary Materials/Thickness | 14mm hardened steel | 12.7mm hardened steel | 7mm hardened steel square chain | 8mm hardened steel chain, 600D polyester sleeve | 4mm hardened steel |
| Included Keys | 2 Keys | 2 keys | 2 keys | 3 keys | N/A |
| Defeated by Tin Snips | No | No | No | No | Yes, requires two cuts to defeat |
| Defeated by Hammer | No | No | No | No | No |
| Defeated by Hacksaw | Yes, eventually | No | No | No | No |
| Defeated by 36" Bolt Cutters | No | No | No | No | Yes, but not very easily. Requires two cuts |
| Number of Angle Grinder Cuts to Defeat Lock | 2 cuts | 2 cuts | 2 cuts | 1 cut | 2 cuts |
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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 to what you can attach your bicycle and biking-related gear to, and securing both wheels requires some finagling, even after detaching the front wheel.
Performance Comparison
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 break it with an angle grinder, which required two cuts to free the bike. The 14 mm diameter U section is just wide enough that we couldn't get our standard bolt cutters open wide enough to 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.
Ease of Transport
This lock has a plastic clip mounted to one side that allows the user to hook the lock to their back pocket or belt. This will enable you to transport the lock without a backpack or installation of mounting hardware. In practice, our testers found that while this is a relatively lightweight 2.6-pound lock, it still feels heavy when worn on the back pocket.
Weighing 2 pounds 10 ounces, the DX Wearable is the lightest U-lock we have tested.
Credit: Ross Robinson
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 the lock 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 sweet little rubber tab covers the keyhole and ensures that the lock will stay free of dirt and moisture. Turn the key in the lock and both sides of the U release, and you're ready to secure your bike. Easy peasy. We also appreciate the rubber-like coating on this model that helps protect our bike frame from scratches while locking 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 that greatly reduces its portability appeal. 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.
This lock's diminutive size is its main limiting factor.
Credit: Matt Bento
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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