SCREW-GATE OR SNAP-GATE
These are two diverse categories of quality carabiners used for every kind of use there is. Screw-gate carabiners are the ones that have a secure gate in between that doesn’t pop open at will. These gates have a screw system that needs to be rotated to fasten it or unlock it at your convenience. Too much tightening will render the screw to remain like that for an extended period.
Snap-gates, on the other hand, work with a simple hinge mechanism that loaded with a spring lock. The gate is constructed out of solid metal or a wired material and is for light use only. Depending upon your usage, you can choose either one of them. Lightweight carabiners are a good option in this case.
COLOR
Carabiners come in many different colors based upon your choice of use. Some brands only have a standard color combination, and you may not find many varieties in them. Some of the colors include red, black, green, turquoise, etc.; while some shades also include shocking purple, pink, violet as well.
WEIGHT AND SIZE
At most the optimum size that is present in carabiners is close to 3 inches. For rough usages like mountain climbing, rappelling, and the likes. There would also be a markable difference in terms of weight as well. The average weight for a standard carabiner would be 25 grams or 0.9 ounces. These are best for carabiner belay and other uses.
STRENGTH
Large carabiners used for heavy usage can take the pressure of close to 20 kiloNewtons which is equivalent to 20,000 kilograms. If you were to measure that in real terms than it can hold an elephant at bay. These are required to stay strong so that it doesn’t give you away. So in terms of strength, a strong carabiner is what you need.
THE GATE OPENING
The gate mechanism is different from one category focusing on hinges, and the other is the screwed ones. The gates used for extreme sports are a bit sturdier than the normal ones. Some of the barriers have an interlock mechanism which is again a great option to consider if you don’t want hassles. You can refer to some of the best auto locking carabiners for reviews.
WIRE-GATE OR SOLID-GATE
Wire-gates are a lighter as compared to the solid-gate carabiners, but if you tend to make the comparison in terms of the rough usage, then the former is a good option. Solid-gates carabiners are seemingly heavier, so it won’t be a great option. Also, the wire-gates are the least likely to break off while cross-loading anything.
NOSE STYLE
The product’s distinctive nose style is not to make a statement in terms of fashion, but instead, it makes the product much more recognizable in terms of security. But it would be a preferable choice not to use a nose styled carabiner for heavy usage since it cannot withstand heavyweights.
CONCLUSION
Carabiners have many different uses, and they have classified accordingly. It is up to you as to what use you make of it, and how you use it. Since it can be used for rugged means, and it can be used for light purposes as well. So go on ahead, and choose one of the best carabiners for your needs.