The 'deadblow' moniker refers to the anti-bounce construction, which incorporates a chamber containing loose metal bearings. Once you've stopped jumping round the workshop shaking it like Bez off of the Happy Mondays, it's time to get down to business. Hit stuff with the Birzman and it stays hit, and the bearings certainly do dampen the blow very effectively: there's a minimum amount of bounce and all the energy goes into smacking whatever it was you wanted to smack. The rubber coating is bike friendly and hardwearing.
It's available in two sizes, big and small. This is the big one, which is what you'll need if you're setting crown races or doing anything else that requires meaty blows, like knocking tent pegs into a baked campsite this summer. The small one should be fine for most general tinkering.
18 quid is a lot for a mallet but it is a good mallet, making it decent value. I've been impressed with Birzman's workshop tools and the Deadblow is no exception.
road.cc test report
Make and model: Birzman Deadblow hammer
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
1. H type rubber grip for additional handling comfort.
2. Oil proof, cold endurance, high impact.
3. With steel bead inside of hammer head.
4. Material: black SBR, high quality rubber.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
Rate the product for performance:
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
rubber is starting to scuff a bit
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
9/10
where higher numbers equal more heft...
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Rate the product for value:
6/10
Not cheap but decent value for what it is
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The Bez impressions. No, the lack of bounce from the head
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes
Would you consider buying the product? Yes, if i did a lot of mallet work
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, if they were a serious tinkerer
Age: 38 Height: 190cm Weight: 98kg
I usually ride: whatever I'm testing... My best bike is: Genesis Equilibrium with SRAM Apex
I've been riding for: 10-20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb, Mountain Bike Bog Snorkelling, track
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