Update: 6/21/2011
This cap is still going strong and continues to be a favorite. I''ve not yet experienced any leaks, and the D-ring is as sturdy as ever. I sometimes clip the bottle onto bags, bikes, etc. for easy access. Haven''t had a problem doing this. I''ve also put it through the dishwasher a few times with no ill effects, though I don''t do it often. I''d still recommend washing by hand on most days.
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Original review:
Since moving from the classic Klean Kanteen style to the wide mouth version, I''ve lamented the loss of the stainless flat cap. Those of you who have a classic bottle with this cap know what I''m talking about. The flat cap was flat (as you''d expect), and needless to say, very compact.
The Klean Kanteen wide bottles come standard with the loop cap, which has a relatively high profile. This D-ring cap falls somewhere in between. It''s not quite as low-profile as the classic flat, but fits better in bags than the loop cap. The ring itself is quite sturdy and easy to clip onto things, and falls flat when not in use. It fits fine with both the insulated and noninsulated wide bottles. I''ve never tried it in a dishwasher, but I would recommend hand washing anyway. I believe it does have a gasket in there, so to extend the life of your cap, hand washing is probably best.
If you are wondering about its plastic content, well yes, it''s made of BPA-free plastic. The inside of the cap where your water would come in contact with the lid is stainless. There''s not much else to say about it, except to add that I''ve never had a leak with it so far.
I have been using this cap with the insulated Klean Kanteen 20oz bottle and love it. This cap does not leak and it''s much more
ergonomically friendly and easier to use versus the traditional wide Klean Kanteen lid. I''m glad I purchased this instead of the
cafe cap because I have not experienced any leaks plus beverages stay really cold or really hot. I just wish it was included with
the wide bottles.
Buy Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Cap for Wide Mouth Bottles (Flip D-Ring) Now
The stainless "D" ring is so poorly finished for nearly ten dollars. It''s no where near polished, or even brushed. It''s finish is so "scratched" with deep grooves.
Heavier, and only barely lower profile. The smooth, rounded edges on the original loop cap has much better ergonomics than this thing.
It''s not any stronger, since the "D" ring is mounted into the plastic the shear force is only that of the plastic area it''s mounted into.
The indents for getting a finger under it, to lift it, is not sufficient for my normal sized phalanges.
It rattles.
I would return it, but it''s not worth the hassle. Even though the diameter is the same as other water reservoirs I own, it doesn''t fit anything other than Klean Kanteen. My MSR Dromedary bag wanted to use it, and has the same diameter cap, but it was a lost cause because of slightly different thread pitch.
I prefer the original loop cap. Don''t waste your money, unless you NEED an only slightly lower profile. Also, the metal "D" ring scuffs up carabiners much more than the original plastic loop cap.
Read Best Reviews of Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Cap for Wide Mouth Bottles (Flip D-Ring) Here
I use this D-Ring cap on my 16oz Insulated Kleen Kanteen, and I love it! (If you don''t have an INSULATED Kleen Kanteen, I highly recommend you get one)
The Ring --
The ring lays flat, which I like because it makes the bottle less bulky. The ring seems to be quite durable, though I haven''t tried attaching it to my backpack with a carabiner when hiking. I do, however, carry it by the ring wherever I go. I have small hands, so the ring just makes it easier for me.
Cap --
I read others'' reviews about the cap leaking within itself meaning that, fluid may reside around the mouth/opening of the bottle, but doesn''t actually leak out. Frankly, I don''t see this as an issue. If you drink out of the bottle, don''t wipe off the mouth piece, and screw the cap on, I''d expect that fluid to remain on the mouthpiece. As long as it''s not leaking out of the bottle, and not leaking into some inaccessible piece of the cap, then I''m content.
Washing... Obviously you shouldn''t dishwash something that''s part metal and part plastic. Plastic can shrink with heat, metal will expand with heat... It''s just not a good idea in general. I never dishwash my bottles. If you''re like me and might leave a bottle floating around in your car for a few days, after you''ve had juice in it, you can clean it out using vinegar water (also works for hot chocolate that has been ''growing'' in your bottle for a few weeks). :-)
Want Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel Cap for Wide Mouth Bottles (Flip D-Ring) Discount?
For anyone that owns a Klean Kanteen wide mouth bottle, you''ve gotta purchase the Flip D-Ring for your bottle! It screws on much easier than the original top. The stainless D-ring is sturdier than the plastic hook on the original top, and it plain just looks a lot cooler! The stainless steel bottle has a neo-modern industrial look, and the fat stubby D-ring top really accents it!!! The flat top takes up less room in my bag than the plastic hook top. The D-ring is a lot easier to hook on your finger than the original also. It is a litte pricey at eight bucks, but hey, the Kleen Kanteen bottles arent cheap either.
I love the bottle, but I had to switch out the top with one from a specialized water bottle because the spout was too hard to pull up and push down repeatedly while running.
