DMM Shadow HMS Carabiner (Matt Gray)

The DMM Shadow HMS carabiner is a pear-shaped locking connector with a wide, rounded basket. The matt gray finish keeps glare down and the HMS shape gives a hitch or rope room to sit flat.

Where an HMS fits on a saddle

The wide end of an HMS gives a friction hitch, a Munter or two ropes space to lie flat instead of pinching. Arborists use the Shadow to tie into a bridge, to connect a hitch and pulley, or as a general anchor carabiner when building a canopy anchor or a basal setup.

The wide nose also makes it easier to clip and unclip with gloves on, which helps on cold mornings. If you carry several lockers, a different finish makes it quick to pick out the one you use for your hitch or anchor without looking twice.

Because the basket is generous, it also handles thicker rope and stacked hardware better than a small D. Compare sizes in our auto-locking carabiners.

Inspection and care

Check that the gate closes and locks by itself every time, and watch for rope wear grooves at the basket, which form faster when rope runs over the carabiner. Rinse grit out with clean water and let it dry before storage.

Treat it as life-support gear: follow the manufacturer's instructions, check it before every climb, and retire it after a hard fall, a drop onto a hard surface, or any damage you can't explain. Use it within an ANSI Z133 program and only after proper training.