The Magnetron - Hint: It's not from a Summer Blockbuster

So I haven't seen the new Transformers movie yet. But there is a character in the old cartoon series named Megatron.  He was a great character and I hope he's in the movie.

I did see one review of the film that admitted that it was bad, very bad, but that it didn't matter. It essentially said that you should just "shut-up and eat your awesome."  I always have a hard time eating the awesome, unless there's some substance to it.

Every time a new piece of climbing equipment comes out, I can't wait to try it.  Unfortunately, not every new innovation has turned out to be as awesome as the hype,  I thought Link Cams were going to be the coolest addition to my rack, until I realized how easily they got stuck.  I felt the same about the GriGri 2, until half of them were recalled.  So I always try to temper my excitement...

But now I'm enamored with a new product, the Black Diamond Magnetron autolocking carabiner.  No, not the Megatron -- like the cartoon/movie -- but instead, the Megnetron!

As most of you are probably aware, autolockers are notoriously difficult to open and close.  Additionally, they don't operate well in snowy or icy conditions.  Black Diamond's new carabiners will supposedly deal with these issues.

Here is what Black Diamond wrote in their press release on the new product:

What’s so special about Magnetron Technology? One word: magnets. Yes, that’s right locking carabiners that utilize magnets and not twistlocks or screwlocks on the gates. Available on select locking carabiners in July 2012, our patent-pending Magnetron Technology is so revolutionary we decided to share a sneak preview with you now to get you stoked. Here’s the basics: using the power of magnetic fields to reinvent the locking carabiner, the Magnetron GridLock and the Magnetron RockLock locking carabiners combine maximum security and ease of use like never before.

•    Magnetic attraction to a steel insert in the carabiner nose keeps two independent arms securely locked
•    Locking arms must be individually depressed before the gate can be opened
•    Once open, opposing magnetic fields repel the arms to ensure smooth and reliable gate operation
•    Symmetrical design allows for easy one-handed operation (right or left)

For an in-depth look at the concept and development of Magnetron Technology, watch the video below, and then look for the Magnetron GridLock and the Magnetron RockLock to be in stores by July 2012. If you are a member of the outdoor industry, be sure to check out the Magnetron GridLock and the Magnetron RockLock in person at Black Diamond Equipment’s booth during the Summer 2011 OutDoor Europe and Outdoor Retailer tradeshows.

So yeah, I'm hungry for some awesome. I have high hopes for this new carabiner. Hopefully it will satisfy my hunger...for awhile...

--Jason D. Martin