SentrySafe 0.98 cu ft Safe Box with Digital Lock Review

SentrySafe is one of those companies that have been around for what feels like forever. They make excellent water and fire rated safes but typically include a fatal security flaw and low quality locks. With a few small changes, they could easily be the top safe company in the United States. Unfortunately, they were purchased by MasterLock nearly a decade ago and began only focusing on profits instead of the customers needs and security. In this SentrySafe 0.98 cu ft Safe Box with Digital Lock Review, I will help you understand why it is a decent anti-theft lock box but should not be considered a safe.

Lock – SentrySafe 0.98 cu ft Safe Box with Digital Lock

Un-Rated Electronic Lock

First and always most important for any gun safe is the lock. SentrySafe uses an un-rated electronic lock with two fail safe override keys included for emergency use. I never recommend an un-rated electronic lock and it doesn’t compare to a UL Rated high security electronic lock. Always go with a UL rated electronic lock made by NL, SecuRam or S&G. UL certifies both the quality and security of the locks.

Key Override

While this laser cut override key is much better than the tubular override key they typically use, it is still not very high security. I would have preferred they go with a double-bitted high security long key that is much more difficult to pick.

Security – SentrySafe 0.98 cu ft Safe Box with Digital Lock

The SentrySafe Safe Box with Digital Lock is California Department of Justice certified as a firearm safety device. This means it can withstand the most basic security tests and is adequate for keeping a handgun away from children. They advertise this as basic security and theft deterrence and I would say that is an accurate assessment. It does include two hardened steel live action locking bolts and internal hinge. This is not a strong safe by any means but will keep out the average kid.

Style and Function

The SentrySafe Safe box line is about as simple as it gets. It’s finished in a textured black powder coat which is the same basic styling as every imported safe from China. The interior is all metal with a thin piece of carpet and that’s really all there is to it.

Warranty

SentrySafe offers a 1 year product warranty where they will repair or replace the safe for defects in materials or workmanship. In my experience, SentrySafe is a long-standing and reliable company that is easy to work with and honors their warranties.

The Bottom Line

Would I buy the SentrySafe 0.98 cu ft Safe Box with Digital Lock for my valuables? Personally, no I would not. Having a UL rated high security lock and UL RSC burglary rating is the absolute minimum I would purchase.

You can refer to this list of the Top 3 Home Best Home Safes under $1,300 to see which models I recommend as best in category. All of these models feature a high quality, UL Rated high security lock, UL RSC burglary rating with thick steel construction and quality fire ratings.