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Tue 20 Oct, 12:11 pm UTC

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Just in: XDK Slug CamelBak opener

By James Costley-White

When this arrived in the post we weren't quite sure what to make of it. It's basically the biking equivalent of one of those gizmos your gran uses to get the lids off jam-jars.

The idea is that if the lid on your CamelBak's Omega bladder has become jammed shut, the Slug will give you some extra leverage to wrench it open.

It's essentially a plastic handle with an S-shaped groove at one end that grips the turning handle on the lid.

Initial reaction in the BikeRadar office was 'why on Earth would you need one of those?', but some of the female staff members admitted they'd had problems with seized bladder lids, so maybe there is a market for it. And at £4.99, it's not going to break the bank.

The Slug is made by a new Lake District-based company, Xtreme Design Kendal, from recycled materials. XDK's Chris Gawith said: "I am well aware that some people have never had a problem with Omega lids getting stiff or seized, but I also know a lot of people who do ride very regularly, and know it's a little problem."

We'll put it to the test and let you know how we get on. Is this a product you've been waiting for all your life? Let us know in the comments box below...

XDK slug camelbak opener: xdk slug camelbak opener

User Comments

There are 14 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 comments

  • I'll admit it, I'm a guy and there were times when i'd ram the top up tight and struggle to get it undone again. Leaving this by the sink would just make life easier. Price dependant...

  • We've updated the article with the price: £4.99

  • Worth it, i struggle with the lids. Combination of skinny bony girly arm (sorry girls), arthritis and recently a dislocated thumb, this would be very handy (sorry)

  • briliiant was just about to bin mine

  • Where would I get one? I have had ""issues" getting into my camel back and it looks great!

  • Any plans for a carbon version?

  • Ah thanks jeff, I was going to add to my comment "if it sold for £4.99 i'd very much consider it"

    I would have considered it too but i left my camelbak on my car roof one day as i drove off and now have a fantastic Dakine Nomad as a replacement. not much use for that!

  • Over summer I often store my camelbak bladder in the freezer with about 1/4 full of water in for a nice cold drink next ride (lasts a couple of hours once topped up with tap water). Only trouble is the lid often ices shut and is a pain to get open without spending 5-10 minutes running it under a hot tap, this might save that added hassle ;)

  • Yes- one of those would be VERY useful. My camelbak regularly gets skudged shut with High 5 and related powder. One of these in a kit box would save destroying thumbs and a lot of cussing on transitions.

  • Thanks for the comments! If you want to get hold of one, please go to www.xdkslug.com

    I tend to leave mine in the kitchen and reach for it whenever i need to open the Omega reservoir since it's nearly always jammed.

    No plans for a carbon one yet lol! these only weigh 75g in their packaging so a carbon one might be just a little too fancy. Thanks for your support.

    Chris - XDK

  • put a littel baby oil on the threads and it will never stck again!

  • they should make one with a brush on the other side & inbuilt dryer!

  • Been using the Slug for the last couple of months and not only does it help undo the lid its great for tightening it up as it used to take a number of attempts to get the lid to seal on my reservoir but now I just tighten up by hand and then give a quarter of a turn with the slug and job done, no more leaks.

  • Cool. Just got one. I can usually get it off but sometiems the sweary levels end a bit high.

  • 1

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