Litelok X3 Review: The Most Secure Bike Lock?

Hot on the heals of the Litelok X1 comes the Litelok X3. Thicker, heavier and even more angle grinder resistant than its little brother, the X3 is a direct competitor to the Hiplok locks in terms of security levels.

But is it worth the spectacularly high price tag (something that the Hiplok D1000 and DX1000 are also afflicted with)?

In this review I’ll be looking at how secure the X3 really is, how easy it is to carry around and use on a daily basis, and finally whether it's good value for money, and the best alternatives should you decide it’s not for you.

So let’s get into it…

How secure is the Litelok X3?

In my tests, using a mains powered angle grinder, it took longer to cut through the Litelok X3 than both the X1 and the Hiplok D1000 and DX1000.

You can see the exact times and watch the video below. But since the only way that really high security bike locks are likely to be defeated in the street these days is with an angle grinder, for my money, this makes the Litelok X3 the most secure bike lock currently available.

Let’s look at the numbers:

And here’s the video:

There are a few things worth mentioning about the test:

1. I used a mains powered angle grinder to eliminate any variability in power due to battery levels
2. I clamped or taped the locks in place to eliminate any variability in movement
3. I didn’t count the time it took to change the discs

All this was an attempt to reduce any factors that might influence the time it took to cut the locks, other than their essential angle grinder resistance. For example, I didn’t want one lock to take longer to cut than another because a battery had less power, or because it moved more when I was trying to cut it.

But while this approach helps definitively determine which is the most angle grinder resistant of the four locks, it doesn’t tell us how long it would take a thief to get through the locks in the street.

We can be sure it would be significantly longer though, as a thief would be using a lower powered portable grinder and have to deal with lock movement and multiple disc changes (in the case of the X1, X3 and D1000/DX1000).

So in my test, the Litelok X3 took 20% longer to cut once than the Hiplok D1000, nearly 3 times longer to cut than the Litelok X1 and 13 times longer to cut once than the Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini (which is the strongest regular bike lock).

Pretty impressive numbers!

And that doesn’t take into account the time it took to change the angle grinder discs (which would increase the difference between it and the X1 and the Fahgettaboudit, but decrease the difference between it and the Hiplok D1000).

Litelok X3 vs X1

So why is the Litelok X3 so much more secure than the X1?

Both of them feature a 16 mm diameter, double locking, hardened steel shackle (which also makes them impossible to crop with even the biggest 42” manual bolt cutters, by the way). And both use the same anti angle grinder technology.

This technology is a layer of a ceramic composite (which they are calling Barronium), fused onto the surface of what would otherwise be a pretty standard, high security u-lock. And it’s what wears down angle grinder discs as they’re cutting through the lock.

The Litelok X3 just has a much thicker layer of it than the X1, which makes it much more resistant to angle grinder attack.

A thicker layer of Barronium isn’t the only thing that makes the Litelok X3 more secure, though...

The crossbar on the X3 is significantly thicker and heaver, and features a bulky Alboy Sentry lock cylinder, which is supposed to be the most pickproof locking mechanism available (we’ll have to see what the Lock Picking Lawyer thinks of that!).

Of course, it doesn’t really matter whether the Lock Picking Lawyer can pick it or not. There aren’t any bike thieves picking locks in the street, and although I understand the allure of such a secure mechanism, I’d have preferred a more modest cylinder if it meant the price of the lock could be a bit lower.

Sold Secure Rating

The unprecedented levels of security are reflected in the independent security ratings. Not only has it been awarded a Bicycle Diamond rating from Sold Secure, along with a handful of other angle grinder resistant locks, it's one of very few with a Motorcycle Diamond rating too.

So yes, the Litelok X3 is extremely secure. In fact, I would say that it's the most secure bike lock you can buy right now.

But is it portable?

Is the Litelok X3 easy to carry?

The Litelok X3 is much lighter than most other high security bike locks. For example, it’s 20% lighter than the Abus Granit Extreme 59, it’s 24% lighter than the Kryptonite New York M18-WL, and it’s even 2% lighter than the much smaller Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit Mini.

And don’t forget, it will offer far more practical security for your bicycle or motorbike than any of these locks.

But the Litelok X3 is definitely not a lightweight bike lock! It weighs 4.6 lb (2.1 kg), which is about the same as 5.5 cans of Coke. And that’s a fair amount of weight to be carrying around every day.

It’s also quite a bulky bike lock. Although, the steel shackle has a diameter of 16 mm, once you add the layer of ceramic composite and the rubber coating, it’s more like 24 mm. It also has a very beefy crossbar, with the distended keyhole protruding from the bottom.

And since it’s closer to a standard size u-lock than the more mini sized Hiplok D1000 and Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit, it just takes up more space.

All this means that it poses certain challenges when it comes to how you will carry it around on your bike.

Luckily, though, you have various options!

The best is definitely the Tactical Mount, which attaches to your bike frame. Unfortunately, it’s not included for free with the Litelok X3, but it’s not too expensive, and in my experience it works really well.

Installing it can be a bit fiddly, but there is a decent YouTube video to talk you through it (see below). Just make sure you choose a spot on your frame where it doesn’t interfere with any cables or components, as it’s a pretty bulky.

I’m not a big fan of the O rings that are used to keep the plastic straps tidy and close to your frame once the mount is installed. The ones that came with the Litelok X1 mount snapped very easily, and I’m not convinced these are much stronger. And it would also be nice to have two per strap to better keep the straps in place.

Getting the lock in and out of the mount is one thing I imagine people are going to gripe about. I had to work the shackle from side to side as I pushed it in (and pulled it out), and that could be annoying in a busy bike rack.

However, I did find a way to make that easier…

If I installed it so that I was pushing the shackle downwards into the mount, it was a lot easier than if I had to push it upwards. So if yours is also a bit sticky, I would definitely recommend fitting the mount in this way, so the crossbar sits at the bottom.

Also, make sure you tighten the straps enough so that the mount doesn’t move about as you work the shackle through the hole.

Once the Litelok X3 is seated in the mount, it is really, really stable. I went on a long ride to test it out after I first installed it, seeking out some cobbled streets and popping off some curbs, and the lock remained secure and completely silent in the mount throughout!

So I’d say that this is easily the best frame mount of all the options available for the angle grinder resistant bike locks.

The Abus one is very limited in where you can attach it to your frame, with straps that feel a bit cobbled together. And the Hiplok one is more of a pouch that you strap to your frame with Velcro.

It’s not easy to design a proper frame mount for a heavy u-lock (that’s why most heavy u-locks don’t come with frame mounts), but Litelok have done a good job here, with a very stable and reasonably priced solution.

If the frame mount isn't right for you, you can buy a separate Restrap Lock Holster which you thread your belt through, so that you can carry the Litelok X3 on your waist. But I tried it out on the Litelok X1 and wasn’t a big fan.

I mean, it works. But bear in mind you have to take your belt off and on every time you want to use it (unless you wear it all the time), the substantial weight of the lock drags down whichever part of your waist you're wearing it, and it for me, it was a bit awkward to get the lock in and out.

On the other hand it’s fairly cheap, and if you don’t want to carry a separate bag then I suppose it will work OK. But I’d prefer to throw it in a bag, even if that means taking a bag that’s only for the lock!

Talking of carrying the X3 in a bag, the lock also comes with a neoprene pouch that you can slide it into, before you put it in your bag, to keep any water or street grime on the lock, off whatever’s in your bag.

This is definitely quite handy and a nice addition.

So in conclusion, considering just how heavy and bulky the Litelok X3 is, you still have a lot of ways to carry it around. My favorite solution is definitely the Tactical mount. Otherwise, I would just throw it in a bag.

But while the X3 will probably be a little bit more inconvenient in a bag than a smaller lock like the Hiplok D1000, the extra size of the Litelok does have a huge advantage in terms of usability...

Is the Litelok X3 easy to use?

For a lot of people, the big advantage of the Litelok X3 over the Hiplok D1000 (or any other mini u-lock), is that its larger internal dimensions mean there will be more options when you’re trying to lock your bike.

Internally, the Litelok X3 measures 3.9 x 7.6" (10 x 19.5 cm), making it similar to a standard size u-lock such as the Kryptonite Kryptolok or Evolution Standard. In fact, it's the same width, and just 1.4” shorter.

While there will always be situations and types of bike set-ups where you won’t be able to lock your bike how you’d like, I find that in general, a standard size u-lock gives you options in most cases.

Whether you’re locking the back wheel and frame of a larger framed ebike to a bike rack or securing a normal size frame to some other street furniture that’s a bit more awkward than a bike rack. You can usually find a way with a standard size u-lock.

For me, with my skinny framed bike, which is almost always locked to Sheffield bike stands, it’s not so important. A mini u-lock works just fine. But there are loads of people who will really appreciate the extra space in the Litelok X3.

I had a small issue with the Litelok X1, where the shackle didn’t sit properly in the crossbar (meaning that the key couldn’t be turned), until I gave it a wack with the palm of my hand. I didn’t have the same issue with the Litelok X3, so either they’ve fixed the issue or I had a dodgy X1.

If you do have this issue (with either the X1 or the X3), there is a simple DIY hack to solve it, so don’t worry.

In fact, for me, everything worked very smoothly with the Litelok X3.

Keyhole Cover

There is an unusual silicon keyhole cover with a slit down the middle that is designed to protect the lock mechanism from water, grime and debris. And to get the key in the lock, you just push it through the slit.

There are a couple of advantages to this design:

Unlike other keyhole covers, you don’t need to remember to close the cover after you’ve finished locking or unlocking (no one remembers anyway!). And you don’t have the minor inconvenience of moving a cover out of the way before you can unlock.

On the other hand, there is the chance that any grime or debris that might have accumulated on the outside of the cover, gets pushed into the mechanism by the key, defeating the whole purpose of the cover.

I was a bit negative about the design for this reason when I reviewed the Litelok X1, but I’ve had no problems in the 6 months I’ve been using it, so perhaps it works just fine!

Keys and Warranty

You’ll get 2 keys with the Litelok X3, with a key code that enables you to order more, engraved into the metal. I would like to have got a card with the key code on as well, as some idiots (e.g. me), won't think to write the code down until they’ve lost the keys!

However, if you want to qualify for the 3 year no quibble warranty, you will need the key code to register the Litelok X3, and do so within 30 days of your purchase. This will entitle you to cover for any mechanical fault the lock may experience in this time period.

So make sure you register, for both the warranty and for the record of your key code!

Eco-friendly Features

One last thing worth mentioning is Litelok’s efforts to make their products eco-friendly. The Litelok X3 comes in a fantastic box made entirely from unbleached cardboard, and not a single piece of plastic anywhere.

I love this and many other bike lock brands should take note

In order to protect your bike frame from scratches, the whole lock is also covered in an eco rubber that’s made from 80% non-food grade crops. To be honest, it’s not as smooth and finished as traditional, eco-unfriendly plastic, but it’s got to be a better choice and another step in the right direction.

Conclusion: Is the Litelok X3 worth it?

The Litelok X3 is the most angle grinder resistant portable bike lock I’ve ever tested. And I’ve tested them all now, so that means it’s the most angle grinder resistant portable bike lock you can buy!

What's more, since angle grinders are the only realistic way that thieves are defeating high security bike locks in the street these days, this also makes it the most secure bike lock currently available.

And it’s not just me saying this!

This is also reflected in its Sold Secure Motorcycle Diamond rating (the only other u-locks that share this rating are the Hiplok D1000 and DX1000, the Litelok X1, the Abus Super Extreme 2500 and the Squire Stronghold D16 MAX).

And as a standard size u-lock, it’s also going to be a much more practical for many people than the Hiplok D1000.

So what’s not to like?

Well, 2 things:

1. It’s incredibly expensive
2. You’ll have a 2 to 3 month wait between ordering and receiving the Litelok X3

In reality, the price issue is not much of an issue. It’s around the same price as the Hiplok D1000, which is the only other bike lock that offers a comparable level of security. If you want maximum protection, this is just the price you have to pay at the moment.

In the past, there was a 3-month wait between ordering and receiving the Litelok X3, but looking at their website, it seems like they've fixed this, as it's now available with next day delivery.

This is great news because it’s a great buy! And if you need the highest level of protection and practicality, then I highly recommend the Litelok X3.

But if it's not quite right for you, then there are of course alternatives…

Alternatives to the Litelok X3

Looking for something smaller?

The Hiplok D1000 is much smaller than the Litelok X3, so it's going to be easier to carry around in a bag. It's also slightly lighter (8%). And if you're sure it will work well with your bike and where you lock, it could be a good alternative.

Check out my full Hiplok D1000 review.

Looking for something cheaper?

And it’s 4 to 5 times more resistant than the strongest traditional lock (Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit Mini).

Throw in the fact that it’s not much more than half the price of the X3, and the Litelok X1 starts to look like a very practical alternative for many people! Check out my full Litelok X1 review here.

Litelok X3 Specs

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