Touring - Panniers: metal vs. plastic hooks/clips

Installed the new Tubus Tara only to find out that my current panniers, Serratus Aqua-Nots, won't work so I am in the market for a new front set. Probably cheaper to get a different rack but I like the rack.

I have used several brands, some with metal hooks and some w/ plastic like Ortlieb. The companies which use metal hooks/clips say the are better than plastic because they don't break. Sounds reasonable but I have never heard of a plastic hook/clip breaking. Have you?

I have used both Arkel and Ortleib for daily commuting in harsh winter conditons over very rough cobble stone roads. I have had no problems with the plastic hooks on the Ortleibs. I have had problems with the screws on the hardware of the Arkels coming loose do to road viberation.

Im my experience Ortleibs plastic clips are much less hassle.

Rixen and Kaul plastic hooks on my Carradice are approaching 10 years old.
The only part that snaps is the tab which holds the locking ring in place. This does not affect the hook and barely affects the locking mechanism so I haven't bothered to replace it.
If you carry really heavy loads you can always add a third hook to the rail.

The hooks have a plastic sleeve so they are usable on narrow or fat tubed racks.

[QUOTE=aroundoz]Installed the new Tubus Tara only to find out that my current panniers, Serratus Aqua-Nots, won't work so I am in the market for a new front set. Probably cheaper to get a different rack but I like the rack.[/QUOTE

If the problem is that the tube is too big for the hooks on your panniers, MEC sells hooks that you can use to upgrade your Serratus panniers to work with the thicker tubing. $6. I haven't had a chance to get down to MEC yet, so I haven't tried it out yet. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776589&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693397&bmUID=1147872722422

I've been using 3 different sets of panniers with plastic hooks year round, and I occasionally carry some heavy loads in them. The first two sets are a local brand (Halti), they get a lot of flak regarding the durability of their hooks. For me the hooks have been OK, so maybe I'm lucky. The latest set is a pair of Ortliebs (Back Roller Classic). No problems with them either, but they've only been through one winter.

--J

Plastic from a good brand should be fien for decades.
If it were a cheaper brand, I think I'd prefer metal, but in the high end, i wouldn't worry about it.

If the problem is that the tube is too big for the hooks on your panniers, MEC sells hooks that you can use to upgrade your Serratus panniers to work with the thicker tubing. $6. I haven't had a chance to get down to MEC yet, so I haven't tried it out yet. http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776589&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693397&bmUID=1147872722422[/QUOTE]


Actually the problem is the rack is too short for the bags so I can't get any tension on the bottom hook so they are only attached at the top. Maybe I need to play w/ them again but I did try.

I just ordered some Lone Peaks from the touringstore.com and will see how they work. Wayne also said plastic is easier on racks.

Thanks for your replies.

I just ordered some Lone Peaks from the touringstore.com and will see how they work. Wayne also said plastic is easier on racks.

Thanks for your replies.
Yup, thats another advanatge that wan't mentioned. Metal takes off the paint and unelss you have ALU or Stainless (both of which are weaker than standard steel), you have rust.