Travel Gear · Head-to-head
Pacsafe Prosafe 1000 Travel Sentry Approved Combination Padlock vs Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination TSA Lock
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full Which TSA Luggage Locks Are Actually Worth Buying? comparison.
The Pacsafe names its inspection system, lists a deadbolt mechanism and materials, and carries a 2-year accessory warranty. The Master Lock costs less and its flexible cable shackle fits awkward zipper pulls, but Master Lock itself classes it as basic security.
Pacsafe Prosafe 1000 Travel Sentry Approved Combination Padlock
Buy itA sturdy, clearly documented Travel Sentry padlock with a deadbolt mechanism and a 2-year accessory warranty.
- Pacsafe names it as Travel Sentry Approved, which is one of the two systems TSA holds master keys for.
- It lists a deadbolt locking mechanism and a 3-dial resettable combination.
- Materials are stated as zinc alloy and plastic with stainless steel, and Pacsafe gives a 2-year warranty on accessories.
- At 3 inches tall and 0.16 pounds it is the largest and heaviest lock here.
- A rigid shackle can be harder to fit through small or tightly spaced zipper pulls than a cable.
- Three dials give 1,000 combinations, the same as most TSA locks, so it is still a deterrent rather than high security.
Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination TSA Lock
Buy itAn inexpensive TSA-accepted lock with a flexible braided steel shackle that threads through awkward zipper pulls.
- Master Lock says it allows TSA inspection and relocking without damage and is recognized as a TSA-approved luggage lock in 29 countries.
- The flexible braided steel shackle, 1-1/2 inches long, fits through thick or offset zipper pulls that a rigid shackle cannot.
- It has a set-your-own three-digit combination and comes in assorted colors for spotting your bag.
- Master Lock rates it Basic Security, for low-risk environments.
- The shackle is a 1/8-inch (3 mm) cable, which is easy to cut with basic tools.
- Orders from Master Lock's own store ship only to the contiguous United States.
Side by side
The 8 criteria below are the ones our full comparison judged every product on, narrowed to these two.
| Pacsafe Prosafe 1000 Travel Sentry Approved Combination Padlock Our pick | Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination TSA Lock | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Most travelers who want a well-documented, solid padlock for checked bag zippers. | Budget buyers whose bags have chunky or awkward zipper pulls. |
| Price tier | $ · budget | $ · budget |
| Inspection system named | Travel Sentry Approved | TSA-accepted (system not named in text) |
| Shackle | Rigid shackle, deadbolt mechanism | Flexible braided steel, 1/8 in |
| Combination | 3-dial, resettable | 3-digit, set your own |
| Materials | Zinc alloy, plastic, stainless steel | Braided steel shackle; body not stated |
| Size | 3 x 1.3 x 0.8 in | 1-3/16 in wide body |
| Weight | 0.16 lb | Not stated |
| Warranty | 2 years (accessories) | Not stated on page |
| Maker security note | Deadbolt listed | Rated Basic Security |
Which one is right for you?
Pick the Pacsafe Prosafe 1000 Travel Sentry Approved Combination Padlock if
most travelers who want a well-documented, solid padlock for checked bag zippers.
Know before buying: at 3 inches tall and 0.16 pounds it is the largest and heaviest lock here.
Pick the Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination TSA Lock if
budget buyers whose bags have chunky or awkward zipper pulls.
Know before buying: master Lock rates it Basic Security, for low-risk environments.
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Pacsafe Prosafe 1000 Travel Sentry Approved Combination Padlock - A sturdy, clearly documented Travel Sentry padlock with a deadbolt mechanism and a 2-year accessory warranty. Choose the Master Lock 4688D Set Your Own Combination TSA Lock instead if budget buyers whose bags have chunky or awkward zipper pulls.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete Which TSA Luggage Locks Are Actually Worth Buying?.