This is the best carabiner I have ever used. I origionally bought one of theses for a friend for christmas. I liked it soo much I got him something else and kept the carabiner. I soon decided that from then on I was only buying Helium quick-draws and trad draws.
It does cost 3 or 4 bucks more than its cheeper competetitors, wait, competitors should be replaced with another word cause this carabiner blows all others away even without the hooded nose.
Why? Cause its lighter than others, (ok I know it isn't lighter than the nano's but imo those are best regulated to keychain duty)
It's as strong as superman.
It's not a keychain biner, we're talking a full-size, fits in your hand carabiner.
Has the best gate action I've ever felt.
Looks awesome.
And its Notchless! What more could you ask for!?
And, its really not that much more expensive... If you're buying 6 QD its going to be just about thirty bucks more to get these.. Thats thirty bucks to upgrad your decently good QD to the top of the line QD! Idk, but to me buying this carabiner over others is a no brainer..

I use these on my cams.. I love the gate action and their shape takes clove hitches really well. When REI was sold out I went to the touble of calling their Seattle store to have them ship me some more! I Love these carrabiners! I'd give them five stars if they were knotchless..

This is my first soft shell so I'm a little biased. I Love It. Ever since I got it I have worn it every chance I could. It's super comfortable, it handles well in light mountain rain and its great for hiking and extended backcountry excursions. I would definitely recommend this product to a friend.