Tested: Almax Immobiliser Series III and Squire SS65CS review

Date reviewed: July 2017 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: £169.95 | Weight: 9.83kg | www.almax-security-chains.co.uk

Available in lengths of 0.8, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 meters, we’ve tested the 2.0m version of the Almax Immobiliser Series III, combined with a Squire SS65CS padlock.

The chain is covered with a waterproof textile sleeve that’s secured at both ends with zip-ties. All the links are the same size, and an end link can be passed through any of the others, making for a more versatile chain than can be shortened if necessary to keep it tight and off the ground – important on any security.

The padlock is supplied with two keys and has a plastic cover over the body. The keyway is protected by a rubber flap, though we found this to be a little fragile – care is needed to avoid losing it.

Size and weight

When coiled, this 2m chain covers a diameter of approximately 30cm, and weighs 8.76kg – that’s 4.83kg/m. With the weight of the padlock at 1.07kg, the total is 9.38kg.

Resistance to attack: chain

We were unable to break the chain using 42” bolt croppers, but surprisingly – using an anvil and with plenty of space – we cracked a link in just 36 seconds, breaking it entirely in 47.

Using an angle grinder took an average amount of time to cut through the rounded-square profile links, which are 15.2-15.6mm thick.

Resistance to attack: padlock

On an anvil, the padlock easily outlasted the chain when attacked with a sledge hammer. However, it showed signs of cracking so we continued to strike it, discovering that it would break completely in half within 3 minutes of this very noisy attack.

Using an angle grinder, we cut through the 12.6mm-thick shackle in a slightly longer time than the chain.

To understand how best to use your lock, click here

BIKESOCIAL TEST RESULTS

Product: Almax Immobiliser Series III and Squire SS65CS

Size tested: 2m

Weight as tested: 9.83kg

Rolled diameter: 30cm

Bolt cropper attack: GOOD

Sledge hammer attack: POOR

Angle grinder attack: AVERAGE

Conclusion

Considering its size and weight, the Almax results were surprising, though it’s important to remember that any chain and lock must be kept off the ground. If used correctly, and a very noisy hammer attack becomes impossible, the reasonably high angle grinder attack time makes the Almax Immobiliser Series III a tough bit of kit. You’ll need to carry it in a strong bag on your seat, as the weight is beyond the recommendations of most top-boxes.

To see the other chains and locks tested by BikeSocial, click here

Find out how and why we did this test

Consumer editor John Milbank explains how you can get the best out of your chain and lock, and how this test was done