I have so far only used the tri-action carabiners.
Is the ball lock much easier to operate?
The tri-act seems pretty easy to use, but it seems like people seem to prefer the ball lock.
Just looking for opinions.
Carl

I'm a triple action kinda guy myself. No reason, it's just what I'm used to.

I have both and favor certian types for certian situations. I have the old type of ball locks with the plastic sleeves which I have heard are slightly different than the new _meta_l sleeve ones. I have not heard too many negatives about the plastic ones, but I have heard some negatives with the _meta_l sleeves. Most of the negatives center around how difficult it is to push the button with gloves on. I acutually dont like the new ones as much as the old ones, so I have been buying the Triacts. I think you will be happy with either one once you get used to them.

I think it is largely a matter of what you like. I personally only own triacts, but that was mainly due to the fact that when I was buying gear there was an interruption in the supply of ball locks, so they just weren't available. Now I'm used to them, and they work well for me so I have not seen a reason to change. The only annoying thing I've found with them is that when opening them it is possible to start swinging the gate open before the collar is turned all the way. This results in the gate jamming very slightly open. It is no big deal, I just let go, the biner relocks and I open it again. It usually only happens when I am trying to open the biner too fast -- I am pushing on the gate and rotating the collar at the same time.

I've used the ball lock at the climbing wall, and it is okay. My one complaint with them would be the ball seems too small, especially when wearing gloves. In that respect, the triact is easier to use. If you haven't already, check out the "Gear Rater" section on this website -- a few people have already weighed in on the topic there. Plus, there are some lesser known secrets I've found there -- like the fact the SherrillTree carries a ball lock with a larger ball -- which might mitigate my complaint from above!

I use a tri-act and ball lock, both made by Petzl. Developing the muscle memory to operate these biners takes a little while to master, but after a while it has become reflexive. I think I prefer the tri-act over the ball because, once in a while I need to open the gate with my left hand (I'm a righty), and getting the ball open is kind of like chewing gum and juggling at the same time. - Paul