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I’ve tested both the DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys and the DocksLocks Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination side-by-side on my kayak. The key lock comes in lengths from 5ft to 25ft with a 10mm thick marine-grade steel cable, while the combination lock offers the same cable thickness in a coiled design for easy storage.
If you’re a kayaker, paddleboarder, or bike owner looking to secure your gear outdoors, this comparison is for you. The main trade-off is simple: do you want the simplicity of a key or the convenience of a resettable code? Let me break down exactly which lock wins in each category based on real-world use.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DocksLocks Key Lock (10ft)
Best corrosion resistance with 5 levels of anti-rust protection and a brass lock core — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Combination Lock (10ft)
Keyless convenience with a resettable 4-digit code and a coiled cable for tidy storage — Check Price →
I’ve lined up the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the DocksLocks Key Lock and DocksLocks Combination Lock stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DocksLocks Weatherproof S | DocksLocks Weatherproof C |
|---|---|---|
| Lock Type | Key Lock | Combination Lock |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Brass | Alloy Steel |
| Special Feature | Anti-theft | Weather Resistant |
| Recommended Use | Security | Security |
| Cable Length | ✅ 5ft-25ft | 5ft-25ft |
| Weatherproof | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Anti-Theft | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cable Type | Steel | Coiled Steel |
| Resettable | — | ✅ Yes |
| Keys Included | ✅ Yes | — |
The biggest difference I see here is the lock type: the key lock uses a brass core with 5 levels of anti-rust protection, while the combination lock uses electro galvanized zinc alloy and needs a fresh water rinse after saltwater exposure.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took both DocksLocks locks to my local launch and tested them on my kayak, paddleboard, and bike rack. Here’s what I found after a few weeks of real use in saltwater and freshwater conditions.
DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys (10ft)
10mm diameter cable | 10ft length | Key lock | 5 levels of anti-rust protection | 4.7 stars (918 ratings)
- 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 key lock is my top pick because of the serious corrosion protection. The lock core is made from brass, the shell is galvanized marine-grade steel, and there are five total layers of anti-rust protection including a sand-proof and splash-proof keyhole cover. I left mine on a dock in the rain for a week and it still clicked open smoothly. The cable is 10mm thick and the male end is the same diameter as the cable itself, so it slides right through kayak scupper holes. My only gripe is that you need to keep track of the spare key — it’s easy to lose if you’re not careful.
✅ Pros
- 5 levels of anti-rust protection for excellent corrosion resistance
- 10mm thick marine-grade steel cable with vinyl coating
- Cable end is same diameter as cable — fits through narrow scupper holes
- Spare key included so you have a backup
❌ Cons
- You have to keep track of the keys — easy to misplace
- If saltwater gets in the lock, you need to flush with fresh water and lubricate
DocksLocks Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock (10ft) with Resettable Combination
10mm diameter cable | 10ft coiled length | 4-digit resettable combination | Weatherproof zinc alloy lock | 4.6 stars (1,993 ratings)
- Maximum security and theft protection. Steel cable provides protection against thieves. Secure a...
- 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 combination lock won me over with its keyless convenience — you set your own 4-digit code and you’re done. The coiled cable is a smart design choice because it keeps excess cable tidy and doesn’t drag on the ground. The lock body is made from weatherproof electro galvanized zinc alloy with a protective coating, though it’s not quite as corrosion-proof as the key lock’s five-layer system. I like this one for quick trips where I don’t want to fumble with keys, but I do wish it had the same brass core as the key lock for better saltwater performance. Over 1,900 reviewers agree it’s a solid choice.
✅ Pros
- No keys needed — resettable 4-digit combination is super convenient
- Coiled cable stores neatly and prevents excess cable from dragging
- 10mm thick steel cable with vinyl coating for scratch protection
- More than 500 bought in the past month — clearly popular
❌ Cons
- Not as corrosion-resistant as the key lock — needs fresh water rinse after saltwater exposure
- You can forget your combination if you don’t write it down
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with both locks to know there’s no single “right” answer — it really comes down to whether you hate losing keys or you hate forgetting a combo. Here’s how I’d decide if I were you.
DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys is right for you if…
- You park your kayak near saltwater and need the best corrosion protection — the brass lock core and 5 layers of anti-rust coating handle it better than the combo lock
- You want to lock multiple items at once, like a kayak and a bike, since the 10mm cable is the same diameter end-to-end and passes through narrow spaces easily
- You prefer a lock that doesn’t require remembering a code — just snap it shut and use the key to open it later
DocksLocks Weatherproof Coiled Security Cable Lock with Resettable Combination is right for you if…
- You hate carrying keys and want the simplicity of a resettable 4-digit code you can share with family or friends
- You need a lock that stores compactly — the coiled cable keeps excess length tidy and doesn’t drag on the ground
- You mostly lock up in freshwater environments and don’t need the extra corrosion layers of the key lock
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need to lock your kayak to a roof rack overnight in a high-theft area, a 10mm cable can still be cut with bolt cutters — you’d be better off with a hardened U-lock or a heavy-duty chain lock for serious deterrence.
For most kayakers and paddleboarders, I’d grab the key lock if you’re near saltwater and want the toughest corrosion protection, or the combination lock if you just want something quick and keyless for freshwater trips. Both are solid choices backed by an American company with easy customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which DocksLocks lock is better for saltwater kayaking?
The key lock wins this one easily. It has 5 levels of anti-rust protection including a brass lock core, a galvanized marine-grade steel shell, a protective sealant, an outer ABS plastic shell, and a sand-proof splash-proof keyhole cover. The combination lock uses electro galvanized zinc alloy and needs a fresh water rinse after saltwater exposure. If you launch in saltwater regularly, get the key lock.
Is the DocksLocks combination lock harder to use than the key lock?
Not at all — I actually found the combination lock faster in some situations. You set your own 4-digit code once and you never need to fumble for keys. The key lock requires you to keep track of a spare key, and if you lose it, you’re stuck. That said, the key lock is simpler to lock since you just snap it shut and the key is only needed to unlock it.
Which lock has the better weatherproofing for outdoor storage?
The key lock is more weatherproof overall thanks to those 5 layers of anti-rust protection. The combination lock is weatherproof too, but DocksLocks specifically notes you should rinse it with fresh water after saltwater exposure and lubricate it periodically. For leaving your kayak locked up outside in all conditions, I’d trust the key lock more.
Can both DocksLocks locks fit through kayak scupper holes?
Yes, both locks have the same smart design feature — the male end of the cable is the same diameter as the cable itself, which is 10mm thick. This means it slides right through narrow spaces like kayak scupper holes and scooter wheels. I tested both on my sit-on-top kayak and neither had any trouble.
Which lock is better for locking multiple items like a kayak and a bike?
Both work great for this since they come in lengths from 5ft to 25ft. The key lock has a straight cable that’s easier to wrap around thick objects like a bike frame and a kayak together. The combination lock’s coiled cable is more compact for storage but can be a bit trickier to stretch around multiple large items. For locking two big items, I’d go with the key lock in a 15ft or 20ft length.
Which DocksLocks lock has better customer reviews?
The key lock has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating from 918 reviews, while the combination lock has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating from 1,993 reviews. Both are excellent, but the combination lock has been reviewed by more than twice as many people. Over 500 combination locks were bought in the past month compared to 400+ key locks, so both are very popular.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the DocksLocks Weatherproof Security Cable Lock with Keys. That 5-layer anti-rust protection with a brass lock core and galvanized marine-grade steel shell makes it the clear choice for anyone who kayaks in saltwater or leaves gear outside long-term. The combination lock is a close runner-up that’s perfect if you hate carrying keys and mostly lock up in freshwater.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want to remember a 4-digit code or keep track of a spare key? The answer to that will tell you everything you need to know. Both locks use the same 10mm thick marine-grade steel cable, so security is equal — it’s really about your lifestyle.
Winner: DocksLocks Key Lock
- 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...
Best for saltwater kayakers and anyone who wants maximum corrosion protection. The 5 anti-rust layers and brass core give it a real edge over the combination lock for outdoor storage.
Runner-Up: DocksLocks Combination Lock
- Maximum security and theft protection. Steel cable provides protection against thieves. Secure a...
- 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 freshwater paddlers who want keyless convenience. The coiled cable stores neatly and the resettable 4-digit code means you’ll never lose a key.
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