Tested: Almax Immobiliser Series IV Uber and Squire SS65CS review

Date reviewed: July 2017 | Tested by: John Milbank | Price: £189.95 | Weight: 10.41kg | www.almax-security-chains.co.uk

We’ve tested the 1.5 meter version of the Almax Immobilser Series IV Uber, which can also be bought in lengths of 1.0, 2.0 and 2.5m. It’s covered in a waterproof sleeve, which is zip-tied at both ends, and the end links can be passed through any of the other links, making for a chain that can be kept tight and – importantly – off the ground.

The chain’s paired with a Squire SS65CS padlock, which has a plastic cover to protect your bike’s paint, and a rubber flap over the bottom and keyway, though take care with this as it’s easy to tear the retaining strap and lose it. Two keys are supplied.

Size and weight

The total weight of this chain and lock is 10.41kg – 9.34kg for the chain (which works out at 6.23kg/m) and 1.07kg for the padlock. If coiled up, the chain covers a diameter of approximately 30cm.

Resistance to attack: chain

It’s no surprise that this chain proved to be unbreakable with the silent attack of bolt croppers. However, using a worst-case-scenario of an anvil and plenty of space, the noisy attack method of a sledge hammer saw the Almax’s link crack in 48 seconds, and break entirely in 2 minutes 2 seconds.

The rounded-square profile links are 17.9-19.5mm thick, and took an impressive time to cut.

Resistance to attack: padlock

Using an anvil and plenty of space, the padlock showed damage very quickly, and completely shattered in just 3 minutes. An angle grinder cut the 12.6mm-thick shackle but it was very hard to get the right angle to allow the link to pass through the gap when cut.

To understand how best to use your lock, click here

BIKESOCIAL TEST RESULTS

Product: Almax Immobiliser Series IV Uber and Squire SS65CS

Size tested: 1.5m

Weight as tested: 10.41kg

Rolled diameter: 30cm

Bolt cropper attack: GOOD

Sledge hammer attack: AVERAGE

Angle grinder attack: GOOD

Conclusion

Impressive bolt cropper and angle grinder attack times make the Almax Immobiliser Series IV Uber an attractive proposition, especially for home use. The sledge hammer attack times are disappointing – both for the chain and padlock – though if used correctly, by keeping it tight and off the ground, this very noisy method becomes irrelevant.

The weight and size of the product will make it more of a challenge to carry away from home – remember that it exceeds the capacity of most motorcycle luggage – so a bag will be necessary on the pillion seat.

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