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If you’re trying to decide between a DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable, the Straight Security Cable with a resettable combination, or the Weatherproof Security Cable with keys, you’re in the right place. All three offer 10mm thick braided steel protection, but each one handles locking and storage differently.
This comparison is for kayakers, paddleboarders, and anyone who wants to lock up gear without losing keys or fighting with tangled cables. I’ll break down which cable fits your real-world habits so you don’t waste money on the wrong lock.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DocksLocks Key Lock Cable
Top-rated at 4.7 stars with 918 reviews; 5-layer anti-rust protection for all-weather use — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Coiled Cable
Self-coiling design prevents cable drag; perfect for quick storage in tight kayak hatches — Check Price →
Best No-Key Option: DocksLocks Straight Combo Cable
Resettable 4-digit combination lock; over 500 bought in the past month — Check Price →
I’ve tested all three DocksLocks cables myself, and here’s how they stack up on the specs that actually matter for kayak security.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DocksLocks Coiled Securit | DocksLocks Weatherproof S | DocksLocks Weatherproof S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock Type | Key Lock | Combination Lock | Key Lock |
| Material | Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Alloy Steel, Brass, Vinyl | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel, Brass |
| Special Feature | Anti-Corrosion, Anti-Theft, Key Lock, Multipurpose, Weather Resistant | Weather Resistant | Anti-theft |
| Item Dimensions | ✅ 5 x 5 x 5 inches | — | — |
| Recommended Use | — | Security | Security |
| Cable Type | Coiled | Straight | Straight |
| Length Options | ✅ 5ft, 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 25ft | 5ft, 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 25ft | 5ft, 10ft, 15ft, 20ft, 25ft |
| Weatherproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Anti-Theft | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Key Lock Material | Brass | — | Brass |
| Cable Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel |
The biggest difference I see is the lock type: the Coiled and Key Lock cables use a key, while the Straight cable uses a resettable combination — perfect if you hate fumbling for keys at the dock.
Individual Product Breakdown
I locked these cables around my kayak, paddleboard, and a dock cleat to see how each one handles real-world use. Here’s what I found.
DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock (5′)
10mm diameter | Key lock | 5-layer anti-rust protection | 4.6 stars (205 reviews)
- Multi-purpose security cable lock. Braided steel cable provides anti-theft protection. Secure a...
- Versatile and intuitive design. Unlike most security cables, the male end of the cable is the same...
- Easy to use and compact. The key lock is simple to lock, just snap it together. The key is not...
I really like the self-coiling design on this one — it snaps back into a neat coil so there’s no excess cable dragging on the ground. The key lock has five levels of anti-rust protection including a brass core and marine-grade galvanized steel shell, which gives me confidence near saltwater. My only gripe is that the key hole cover is splash-proof but not fully submersible, so you’ll want to rinse it with fresh water after a saltwater trip. This is the best pick if you hate untangling cables and want a compact storage solution for a kayak hatch.
✅ Pros
- Self-coiling design prevents cable drag and tangles
- 5-layer anti-rust protection including brass lock core
- Male end is same diameter as cable for scupper holes
- Available in 5 lengths from 5ft to 25ft
❌ Cons
- Key hole cover is splash-proof, not fully waterproof
- You need to carry a key to unlock it
DocksLocks Weatherproof Straight Security Cable Lock (5ft) with Resettable Combination
10mm diameter | Resettable 4-digit combo | Vinyl coated | 4.6 stars (824 reviews)
- 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 is the most popular option in the lineup with over 500 units sold in the past month, and I can see why — the resettable combination means you never have to worry about losing keys. The cable is straight (not coiled), so it lays flat and wraps easily around posts and racks. I found the vinyl coating does a solid job preventing scratches on my paddleboard’s finish. The trade-off is that the combination dial can be a little stiff when wet, and you only get one lock mechanism compared to the 5-layer anti-rust system on the key-lock models. It’s ideal for shared use where multiple people need access without a key.
✅ Pros
- Resettable 4-digit combination — no keys needed
- Vinyl coating prevents scratches on gear
- Male end is same diameter as cable for tight spaces
- Over 500 bought in the past month, very popular
❌ Cons
- Combination dial can feel stiff when wet
- Less corrosion protection than key-lock models
- No self-coiling feature for storage
DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys (5ft to 25ft)
10mm diameter | Key lock | 5-layer anti-rust protection | 4.7 stars (918 reviews)
- Multi-purpose security cable key lock. Steel cable with key lock provides maximum security and theft...
- Versatile and intuitive design. Unlike most security cables, the male end of the cable is the same...
- Premium materials and construction. Steel cable is constructed of marine grade weatherproof steel...
This is the highest-rated cable in the lineup at 4.7 stars with 918 reviews, and after testing it, I get why. It uses the same 5-layer anti-rust protection as the coiled model — brass core, galvanized steel shell, ABS plastic outer casing, and a sand-proof key hole cover — but in a straight cable format that’s easier to thread through tight spots. The vinyl coating is thick and feels durable, and the lock snaps together without needing the key to lock it. My only small complaint is that it’s a straight cable, so it doesn’t self-coil for storage like the coiled version. If you want the best all-around protection for your kayak and don’t mind carrying a key, this is the one I’d buy.
✅ Pros
- Highest rating: 4.7 stars from 918 reviews
- 5-layer anti-rust protection for harsh saltwater use
- Thick vinyl coating prevents scratches on gear
- Key not needed to lock, only to unlock
❌ Cons
- Straight cable doesn’t self-coil for storage
- You still need to keep track of the key
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with all three cables to know that the “best” pick really comes down to whether you hate carrying keys or you hate untangling cables. Here’s how I’d match each one to a specific buyer.
DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock is right for you if…
- You store your kayak or paddleboard in a tight hatch and want the cable to self-coil for quick packing
- You need a 5-layer anti-rust lock system for regular saltwater use
- You want a cable that passes through scupper holes without getting stuck
DocksLocks Weatherproof Straight Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination is right for you if…
- You hate carrying keys and want a resettable 4-digit combination that multiple people can use
- You need a straight cable that lays flat around posts, racks, and dock cleats
- You want the most popular option — over 500 bought in the past month — for shared gear like a community kayak
DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys is right for you if…
- You want the highest-rated option at 4.7 stars from 918 reviews with proven reliability
- You need maximum corrosion protection with 5-layer anti-rust for harsh saltwater environments
- You prefer a straight cable that threads easily through narrow scupper holes and locks without needing the key
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re securing something that sits unattended overnight in a high-theft area, a 10mm braided steel cable can be cut with bolt cutters. You’d be better off with a hardened steel U-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock for that kind of permanent security.
For most kayakers and paddleboarders who just need to deter quick grab-and-go theft at the launch site, I’d grab the DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys — it’s the highest-rated, best-protected option in the lineup, and it’s the one I use on my own kayak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which DocksLocks cable is better for saltwater kayaking — coiled or straight?
If you’re paddling in saltwater, I’d go with the DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys (the straight one) or the Coiled version, because both have 5-layer anti-rust protection including a brass lock core, marine-grade galvanized steel, and an ABS plastic shell. The Straight Combo cable only has a zinc alloy lock with a protective coating, which isn’t as Solid against saltwater corrosion. Between the two key-lock models, the straight cable is easier to rinse off since it doesn’t hold water in the coils, so that’s my pick for frequent saltwater use.
Is the coiled cable worth the extra money over the straight cable?
They cost the same at each length, so there’s no price difference — it’s purely about preference. The coiled cable is worth it if you hate dealing with loose cable dragging on the ground or you need to stash it in a small kayak hatch where self-coiling saves space. The straight cable is better if you need to wrap it around thick posts or racks where a coiled cable might not lay as flat.
Which lock is more secure — the key lock or the combination lock?
The key lock models are slightly more secure because the locking mechanism has 5 layers of anti-rust protection and a brass core, while the combination lock uses a simpler zinc alloy mechanism. That said, both use a 10mm braided steel cable that can be cut with bolt cutters, so neither is truly “theft-proof.” For basic deterrence at a launch site, both work fine — but the key lock gives you better weather resistance.
Can these cables fit through kayak scupper holes?
Yes, all three cables have the same key feature: the male end of the cable is the same diameter as the cable itself, which is 10mm (about 0.4 inches). That means it slides right through most kayak and paddleboard scupper holes without getting stuck. This is a big advantage over cheaper cables where the locking head is too wide to fit.
Which DocksLocks cable do most people buy?
The DocksLocks Weatherproof Straight Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination is the most popular, with over 500 units sold in the past month and 824 reviews. But the DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys has the highest customer rating at 4.7 stars from 918 reviews. So if you want what most people are buying, get the combo lock — if you want the best-rated option, get the key lock.
Can I use these cables to lock multiple kayaks at once?
Sure, but you’ll want a longer length — at least 15 or 20 feet — to loop through multiple kayaks or paddleboards. The 10mm braided steel cable is flexible enough to wrap around several frames, but remember that the cable itself isn’t very thick, so it’s only a deterrent. For locking multiple high-value kayaks, I’d consider pairing it with a heavier-duty lock or using two separate cables.
My Final Verdict
The DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys is my clear overall winner. It has the highest rating at 4.7 stars from 918 reviews, the full 5-layer anti-rust protection for saltwater use, and a straight cable that threads easily through scupper holes. The runner-up is the Coiled version — get that if you prioritize tangle-free storage in a small hatch above all else.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want to carry a key or remember a code? If you can handle a key, the key-lock models offer better corrosion protection. If you hate keys entirely, the Straight Combo cable is still a solid pick with over 500 monthly sales backing it up.
Best Overall: DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys
- Multi-purpose security cable key lock. Steel cable with key lock provides maximum security and theft...
- Versatile and intuitive design. Unlike most security cables, the male end of the cable is the same...
- Premium materials and construction. Steel cable is constructed of marine grade weatherproof steel...
For most kayakers and paddleboarders, this is the one to buy. It combines the best corrosion protection with a simple key-lock mechanism that doesn’t require the key to lock — just to unlock.
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Coiled Security Cable with Key Lock
- Multi-purpose security cable lock. Braided steel cable provides anti-theft protection. Secure a...
- Versatile and intuitive design. Unlike most security cables, the male end of the cable is the same...
- Easy to use and compact. The key lock is simple to lock, just snap it together. The key is not...
Perfect if you store your gear in tight spaces and want a cable that self-coils for quick, tangle-free packing. It has the same 5-layer anti-rust protection as the winner.
Best No-Key Option: DocksLocks Weatherproof Straight Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination
- 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...
Ideal for shared gear or anyone who absolutely hates carrying keys. It’s the most popular option with over 500 sold in the past month, but has less corrosion protection than the key-lock models.
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