37 Grams - Full Strength - Zero Compromise!

The GRIVEL Plume K3N stands alone as the world's lightest fully rated locking carabiner. Averaging 37.66 g on our scale (226 g for a set of six), it hits Grivel's 37 g claim precisely.

While breaking the 40 g threshold is a formidable engineering challenge, dropping down to 37 g is exceptional. The previous runner-up, the Climbing Technology Aerial Pro SG, suffered from the classic ergonomics flaws of miniaturized gear and has since been discontinued. Today, second place is shared by a three-way tie at 42 g among the Cypher Firefly II Screw (seems discontinued), the DMM Phantom Screwgate, and the Hawk Screw, followed by a crowded field at 43 g and 45 g.

Achieving an ultralight weight without compromising handling is rare. While many micro-carabiners have disappeared from the market, the K3N remains a staple years after its release, proving that true weight reduction requires smart redesign rather than simply shrinking dimensions.

Performance

The Plume K3N earns its Verti Call Performance Choice Award through exceptional geometry: its 19 mm gate opening matches or exceeds every single locking carabiner under 46 g. Lighter competitors sacrifice clearance, offering only 18 mm on the Firefly II and a cramped 15 mm on the Phantom and the Hawk. To find another locking carabiner that matches the K3N's 19 mm gate opening, climbers must step up to the Beal Be Quick at 47 g, a full 10 g heavier (27% heavier).

Take a close look at the image below to see how Grivel pulled off this engineering feat.

• A: The cut at the top of the gate lets the mechanism press further back against the spine, maximizing the physical opening.

• B: While bulky screw sleeves typically eat up valuable clearance, this model features arguably by far the slimmest sleeve on the market while still operating smoothly.

• C: The cleanly curved nose allows ropes, slings, and gear to slide out effortlessly—a subtle detail that dramatically improves efficiency on the wall.

To appreciate that nose geometry, compare the curve at point C on the GRIVEL Plume K3N with a typical alternative: a popular screw-lock carabiner darkened here to conceal the brand. Notice how severely its nose forms a snag hook, often requiring a frustrating double motion to clear gear. Unfortunately, that problematic shape remains common. Also, take a look at how bulky the screw sleeve is. This thick sleeve is prone to catching slings, which can cause the carabiner to cross-load on its minor (and weak) axis.

Winning the Ultralight award is practically a given for the world's lightest locking carabiner, but the Performance award is where it truly shines. Ultralight gear typically demands sacrifices in handling, but the Plume K3N defies the trend. Even if it weighed 45 g, its superior gate opening and ergonomics would still outclass competitors in that weight class. Granting it both Verti Call Choice Awards is simply well-deserved.

Conclusion

Compact carabiners require a bit more dexterity, particularly when wearing gloves, but they are unmatched for fast and light ascents. The GRIVEL Plume K3N stands alone not only as the lightest screw-lock carabiner in existence, but surprisingly as the most functional, offering the widest gate opening in its class. Grivel has fundamentally redefined what ultralight hardware can achieve.

For more Verti Call Choice Awards, follow the next links
Performance: The top products no matter the price!
Ultralight: The lightest products without sacrificing performance!
Value: The best quality for the price!