My kneejerk initial thought on the Sidewinder was, "Is this a solution looking for a problem? -You still have to gut it to change driver pins" but then I understood, this is simply targeted at beginner-intermediate pickers like me who should focus on challenging bittings and standard pins before getting into security driver pins and more advanced locks. But it lets you do that too, just without the crazy amount of convenience. I wasn't going to buy one but now I think I will. Yet another to my collection of Sparrows progressive and cutaway locks.
I have to say I do like Sparrows products. I bought this to see what it was like. Very disappointing the one I received. The first key/pin combination worked fine . Buy after trying out two different keys they failed because the pins for those keys were incorrect. Poor quality control. If I were a beginner I’d be put off. What started out as a fun lock for learning was, at least in the package I received spoiled. Not being a beginner I used the correct pins of of a Lab pinning kit and that made the keys work again. One of the keys was close so I gave it 4 or 5 strokes will a file to correct it. Unfortunately pinning kits and filling keys are not things or skills a beginner has available. I would be interested if my package was a fluke or if others have had similar experience. 🐾🐈⬛🐈🐾
Hi Lock Noob, risky ... particularly for newbies. As a Locksmith that has trained many apprentices, the empty plug WILL get turned back, then disaster. For some one that understands, just as quick to use a follower to change pins etc. Definitely a potential trap for beginners! Perhaps should still have grub screws up top ...
I do think you need a decent knowledge of locks for sure. It’s very easy to mess up even as an experienced picker… I know because I do it all the time 😅😅
Thanks for saying this, I'm a total noob to this hobby and almost immediately destroyed the original springs...I didn't know you couldn't turn it without the pins....do I have to gut it to replace the springs?
@@phoenixownsthischannel.977 I don't believe Sparrows have thought enough about new players to the game. Very easy to turn the empty plug back, driver pins are now pushed into the empty plug - and disaster. Springs then become mangled as you try to turn the plug, and every thing jams up. If you can remove the plug with the springs being mangled - could be a little tricky, you have to force everything, then the lock has to be gutted to replace springs and driver pins. This all could be avoided if Sparrows put grub screws in the top of the cylinder - at least you have a chance of pulling the springs out the top.
First thing i did upon picking this practice lock up was ruin all five original springs. Thank you so much for helping me fix that! The extra springs and other accesories are truly awesome.
Interesting review - value for money, I'd say! But - note the audio quality - the mic volume was too loud and is breaking up a bit. Thanks for the great review!
Thank you so much for saying something! I flipped on the vid when I got on for the first time today, and freaked out wondering if my headphones were dying!
Very cool, I have the 3 original versions of the practice locks but that sidewinder is nice. I love that they're selling the bulk pins but I'll admit I love the little bottles almost more... lol. On a side note, not a criticism at all but the audio sounds a little blown out.
Great video, Ash. Not going to get me the Sidewinder though, as i have a Sparrows practice lock with all the extras. (And oddly, i find the process of a "normal gutting" somewhat more satisfying.) However, as You pointed out, they did put together a very neat and generous package. They really spoil their customers in that regard... 😊 I do love the bulk pins in their gorgeous little bottles...
I just got one of these as a gift, along with the reload set of three additional cores. I am disappointed that neither come with the tool to remove the the core, and really disappointed that neither come with any sort of insert to keep the internals in place when you pull out the core. I don't think they would sell quite as many of these if they also mentioned that they exclude the tools you are going to need to easily swap cores or add a 6th pin.
Hi LockNoob, really appreciate your videos. Question, is Sparrow's Kick Start pick set adequate to pick the sidewinder and its various bittings? Cheers
I should I have bought the sidewinder instead of the CI practice lock. The CI one is hard to change the pins. The driver and key pins get stuck so each one takes about three minutes to remove because you have to bang on it with a lock or hammer they get so stuck but the sidewinder it’s way cheaper and they just fall out.
Greetings! New subscriber. Been binging your content last couple of days. Thanks for the review. I am contemplating a practice lock, so I found the information useful. And that is a a cute idea packing in the pins in those little corked bottles. I’m more of an occasional picker but I enjoy it as a diversion.
Man I wish I could get this training lock, it is reasonably priced too. But the shipping costs kill it for me :( it goes from 23 euros to like almost 70... ouch
I got a sidewinder but it seems to just lock up with the slightest tension and I can not get an audible or tangible click out of any of the pins, they just seem to jam up. I get beautiful clicks out of all my padlocks!
Enjoyed this. Why am I having so much trouble picking a simple S L door lock , with the Turner on one side. I have 3 locks , & haven't picked one yet. Any help would be appreciated, thankyou.
As an absolute beginner, I look forward to buying this. It's hundreds of locks in one (if you go from one pin to five, plus the different combinations). As for the three bottles, what do the different pins do in a lock? Maybe I missed that part.
@@LockNoob Hey! Off topic, but I just wanted to say that I really respect your video from ~3 years ago that show your EDC pouch. It seems 100% genuine, but I really wish you'd point us in the direction of buying that stuff. A lot of what is readily pushed on RU-vid is overpriced and kinda not great looking when it arrives.
