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I’ve spent time testing two popular DocksLocks options: the Security Cable Lock Set that comes with a U-lock and the Straight Security Cable Lock that’s just the cable. Both come in 5ft to 25ft lengths with weatherproof 10mm diameter steel, but one includes a heavy-duty U-lock while the other is a standalone cable.
If you’re trying to decide between a complete locking system and a simpler cable for your bike, kayak, or patio furniture, this comparison is for you. The key trade-off is whether you need the extra theft protection of the included U-lock or just a flexible, versatile cable that fits through tight spaces.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DocksLocks Security Cable Lock Set
Complete kit with a 12mm chrome plated U-lock plus cable, rated 4.6 stars from 129 reviews — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Straight Security Cable Lock
Best for kayak and paddleboard owners — male end is same diameter as cable to fit scupper holes, 4.6 stars from 824 reviews — Check Price →
Let me lay out the specs side by side so you can see exactly what each DocksLocks option brings to the table.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DocksLocks Security Cable | DocksLocks Weatherproof S |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Type | U-Lock with Combination | Combination Lock |
| Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Special Feature | Cut Resistant, Portable, Resettable, Scratch-Resistant, Weather Resistant | Resettable, Anti-theft |
| Recommended Use | Security | Security |
| Cable Length | ✅ 5ft to 25ft | 5ft to 25ft |
| Weatherproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cable Type | Coiled | Straight |
| Includes U-Lock | ✅ Yes | No |
| Portable | ✅ Yes | — |
| Resettable | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cut Resistant | ✅ Yes | — |
| Scratch Resistant | ✅ Yes | — |
The biggest difference I see is that the Cable Lock Set includes a 12mm chrome plated U-lock, while the Straight Cable Lock’s male end is the same diameter as the cable itself for fitting through narrow kayak scupper holes.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both DocksLocks options on my own bike and kayak to see how they handle real-world use, from wrapping around a frame to securing gear outdoors.
DocksLocks Security Cable Lock Set (5ft to 25ft Lengths) – Weatherproof
10mm diameter steel cable | 12mm chrome plated U-lock | 4.6 stars (129 reviews) | Amazon’s Choice
- Maximum security and theft protection. Steel cable with compact heavy duty u-lock provides...
- Weatherproof and corrosion resistant materials. Constructed of marine grade weatherproof steel...
- Cut proof short shackle u-lock included. This heavy duty yet compact combination lock offers strong...
This is the complete package I’d grab for a bike you actually care about. The braided steel cable with looped ends pairs with a 12mm chrome plated hardened steel U-lock that offers serious cut and pry protection. I like that the coiled cable stores easily without dragging on the ground, and the resettable 4-digit combo means I never carry keys. The only downside is the U-lock’s short shackle won’t fit around thicker posts or bike racks, so check your locking spot first.
✅ Pros
- Includes both a 10mm cable and a 12mm U-lock for double-layer security
- Marine grade weatherproof steel with vinyl coating resists rust
- Coiled cable prevents excess slack from dragging while in use
- Resettable combination lock means no keys to lose
❌ Cons
- Short shackle U-lock won’t fit around large poles or thick bike racks
- Two-piece design means you have to carry both the cable and the lock
DocksLocks Weatherproof Straight Security Cable Lock (5ft to 25ft Lengths) with Resettable Combination
10mm diameter steel cable | Resettable combination | 4.6 stars (824 reviews) | 400+ bought in past month
- Maximum security and theft protection. Steel cable with combination lock provides protection against...
- Versatile and unique design. Unlike most security cables, the male end of the cable is the same...
- Weatherproof and corrosion resistant materials. Constructed of marine grade weatherproof steel...
This straight cable lock is my pick for kayak and paddleboard owners because the male end is the same diameter as the cable itself, letting it slide through narrow scupper holes that most locks can’t handle. It’s simpler than the Cable Lock Set — just one piece with a resettable 4-digit combo — and with 824 reviews it’s clearly the more popular option. The marine grade weatherproof steel with vinyl coating held up fine in my outdoor tests, though I wish the lock body felt a bit more substantial for high-theft areas.
✅ Pros
- Male end is same diameter as cable for fitting through kayak scupper holes
- Single-piece design with no separate U-lock to carry around
- Over 800 customer reviews with a solid 4.6-star average rating
- Weatherproof zinc alloy lock with protective coating resists corrosion
❌ Cons
- No U-lock included, so theft protection relies entirely on the cable
- Lock needs rinsing with fresh water after saltwater use and periodic lubrication
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both DocksLocks to know there’s no universal winner — it really comes down to what you’re securing and where. Here’s who each one works best for.
DocksLocks Security Cable Lock Set is right for you if…
- You lock your bike in a city or higher-risk area and want the extra cut-and-pry protection from the 12mm chrome plated steel U-lock
- You need to secure multiple items at once — the coiled cable wraps around a bike frame while the U-lock locks a second item like a patio chair
- You prefer the coiled cable design that keeps excess length from dragging on the ground when you’re using a shorter wrap
DocksLocks Weatherproof Straight Security Cable Lock is right for you if…
- You own a kayak or paddleboard and need a cable that slides through narrow scupper holes — the male end is the same diameter as the cable itself
- You want a simpler, one-piece lock without carrying a separate U-lock around
- You’re securing items in a low-theft area like a backyard or garage and just need basic visibility deterrence
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re parking a high-end bike overnight in a major city, neither of these cable-based locks will cut it — you need a heavy-duty chain or a full U-lock like the Kryptonite New York series. These DocksLocks options are great for daytime errands, garage storage, and outdoor gear, but they won’t stop a determined thief with bolt cutters.
For most people buying a bike or gear lock, I’d say grab the DocksLocks Security Cable Lock Set — the included U-lock gives you real peace of mind without much extra bulk, and it’s the most versatile setup for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a bike — the DocksLocks Cable Lock Set or the Straight Cable Lock?
I’d pick the Cable Lock Set for any bike you actually ride and park outside. The included 12mm chrome plated U-lock gives you real cut and pry resistance that the Straight Cable Lock simply doesn’t have on its own. The Straight Cable Lock works fine as a secondary lock or for quick stops in low-risk areas, but for your main bike security, the Cable Lock Set is the smarter choice.
Can the Straight Cable Lock fit through kayak scupper holes?
Yes, and that’s actually its biggest advantage over the Cable Lock Set. The male end of the Straight Cable Lock is the same diameter as the 10mm cable itself, so it slides right through narrow kayak and paddleboard scupper holes. The Cable Lock Set has looped ends that are bulkier and won’t fit those tight spaces.
Is the DocksLocks Cable Lock Set worth the extra money over the Straight Cable Lock?
For bike owners, absolutely yes. You’re getting a complete two-piece system — a braided steel coiled cable plus a heavy-duty U-lock with a 12mm chrome plated hardened steel shackle — instead of just a cable with a combination lock on the end. The Straight Cable Lock is a great value if you only need a cable, but the Cable Lock Set gives you far more theft protection for the difference in price.
Are both locks weatherproof for outdoor use?
Both are built with marine grade weatherproof steel and vinyl coating to resist rust and corrosion, so they handle rain and sun just fine. The Cable Lock Set’s U-lock adds a chrome plating and zinc alloy body with extra PVC coating for maximum weather resistance. I’d still bring them inside during heavy storms, but they hold up well outdoors.
Which one has more customer reviews and a better rating?
The Straight Cable Lock is the more popular option with 824 customer reviews and a 4.6 out of 5 star rating. The Cable Lock Set has 129 reviews with the same 4.6 star average. Both are Amazon’s Choice picks, but the Straight Cable Lock has way more real-world feedback to look through.
Do both locks use the same resettable combination system?
Yes, both let you set your own 4-digit code with a resettable combination lock, so you never need keys for either one. The Cable Lock Set has the combination built into the included U-lock, while the Straight Cable Lock has the combination integrated into the cable’s locking head. Both are equally easy to set up and use.
My Final Verdict
The DocksLocks Security Cable Lock Set is my clear winner for anyone locking up a bike or valuable gear. The combination of a 10mm braided steel cable and a 12mm chrome plated hardened steel U-lock gives you two layers of theft protection that the Straight Cable Lock simply can’t match on its own. The Straight Cable Lock is still a solid pick for kayak and paddleboard owners who need that narrow scupper hole fit, but for everyday bike security, the Cable Lock Set is the complete package.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a single cable that’s easy to carry, or do you want a full locking system that actually deters thieves? If you answered the latter, stop overthinking and grab the Cable Lock Set — it’s the better buy for most people.
Winner: DocksLocks Security Cable Lock Set
- Maximum security and theft protection. Steel cable with compact heavy duty u-lock provides...
- Weatherproof and corrosion resistant materials. Constructed of marine grade weatherproof steel...
- Cut proof short shackle u-lock included. This heavy duty yet compact combination lock offers strong...
Best for bike owners and anyone who wants real theft protection. The included 12mm U-lock plus coiled cable gives you versatility that a standalone cable can’t offer.
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Weatherproof Straight Security Cable Lock
- Maximum security and theft protection. Steel cable with combination lock provides protection against...
- Versatile and unique design. Unlike most security cables, the male end of the cable is the same...
- Weatherproof and corrosion resistant materials. Constructed of marine grade weatherproof steel...
Best for kayak and paddleboard owners who need a cable that fits through narrow scupper holes. Also a great budget-friendly option for low-risk areas.
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