When we reviewed the Mantus Chain Hook (see PS December 2013), we found a lot to like, but testers criticized the hooks tendency to come off the chain in some conditions, particularly when the chain was lying on the bottom in calm conditions. Mantus went back to the drawing board with the hook, and provided us with their newly designed injection molded latch retrofit to test.
A simple bit of engineered plastic, the new latch is easily snapped into place with the thumb and retracted just as easily, retaining the hooks simple one-hand action we liked. Weve tested it though 1,000 cycles (our thumbs are tired) and saw little wear. We also tried it out during many dozens of anchoring cycles over eight months, purposely letting it rest on all sorts of sea bottoms. Not a single time did the hook come undone as it had before the retrofit. We like the new latch, and now can recommend the hook.
The new latch is included with all current Mantus Chain Hooks, and the company will supply the plastic latch to all previous purchasers at no cost.
For more information, contact Mantus Anchors at www.mantusanchors.com or 855/262-6887.
