Black Diamond Magnetron Recognized by Popular Science Magazine

Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd., a global innovator in climbing, skiing and mountain sports equipment, has been honored as a recipient of Popular Science magazine’s Best of What’s New 2011 award, presented annually to 100 products and technologies. Black Diamond Equipment’s new patent-pending Magnetron Technology™, available on forthcoming Magnetron RockLock and Magnetron GridLock carabiners, was chosen to receive a Best of What’s New award from Popular Science in the Recreation category.

“For 24 years, Popular Science has honored the innovations that surprise and amaze us − those that make a positive impact on our world today and challenge our views of whatʼs possible in the future,” said Mark Jannot, Editor-in-Chief of Popular Science. “The Best of Whatʼs New award is our magazine’s top honor, and the 100 winners − chosen from among thousands of entrants − represent the highest level of achievement in their fields.”

Each year, the editors of Popular Science review thousands of products in search of the top 100 tech innovations of the year; breakthrough products and technologies that represent a significant leap in their categories. The winners — the Best of What’s New — are awarded inclusion in the annual December issue of Popular Science, the most widely read issue of the year since the debut of Best of What’s New in 1987. Best of Whatʼs New awards are presented to 100 new products and technologies in 11 categories: Automotive, Aviation & Space, Computing, Engineering, Gadgets, Green Tech, Home Entertainment, Security, Home Tech, Health and Recreation.

While other locking carabiners rely solely on spring-based technology, Magnetron carabiners do not incorporate springs. RockLock and Magnetron GridLock carabiners feature an innovative locking method: when the two locking arms are depressed and the gate is retracted, magnetic repulsion keeps the arms apart. Upon release, however, magnetic attraction between the two arms and a steel insert on the carabiner nose ensures a safe, automatic locking closure. This design allows for easy, single-handed symmetrical operation with the convenience and safety of an auto-locking carabiner.

“We are very honored to receive this accolade from Popular Science magazine,” says Bill Belcourt, Black Diamond Equipment’s Climbing Category Director. “With each new product, we aim to push the standards of design, ease-of-use and security, and our Magnetron Technology does all three.”

Celebrating its 22nd Anniversary, Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. is a manufacturer of equipment for climbing, skiing and mountain sports. By consistently building innovative, standard-setting products and actively preserving the mountain/canyon environment, Black Diamond Equipment has assumed a leadership role in the international outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment visit www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com