Vaultek DS2i Smart Station
Pros
- Bluetooth, Biometric, Smart Key & Electronic Code Access with High Security Key Overide
- Top of the Safe is a Wireless Charging Station for Phones
- Sleek Design Doesn't Look Like a Safe
- Clock, Temperature and Humidity Display on Front LED Panel
- Reliable and Helpful Company for Service & Warranty
Cons
- A Little Bit Expensive for a Handgun Safe
Vaultek has been making premium handgun safes for around 6 years now. They are the fastest growing safe company and have an incredible presence on Instagram, Youtube and are backed by nearly every influencer in the gun community. Normally, I would look at that as a red flag and only do to a large marketing budget but tons of these partnerships aren’t even paid, people just really like their products. They utilize what used to be unreliable technology like biometric fingerprint scanners and app access but significantly improved the quality to make it reliable and long lasting. In this review, I’ll go over what makes the Vaultek DS2i Smart Station the absolute coolest way to store a handgun.
Lock – Vaultek DS2i Smart Station
First and always most important for any safe is its lock and the Vaultek DS2i Smart Station uses not only a 4-8 digit backlit push-button keypad electronic lock with key override but also integrates bluetooth via an app access where you can open the safe directly from your phone so long as you are within range and an LED backlit HD biometric scanner that opens via your fingerprint. It’s also compatible with the Nano smart key that can open the safe simply from pressing a button remotely hidden by you. The buttons on the keypad are firm and easy to use with a feel that provides feedback. There are over 40,000 possible keypad combinations and a proximity sensor illuminates the keypad in low light situations.
The lock is powered by an included AC power adapter that needs to be left plugged in. In the event of a power outage, there is a short term battery backup power. Finally, the key override is usually a feature I despise but Vaultek uses a very high security laser engraved key that I approve of. These laser cut keys are pick proof and even lock pickers like LockPickingLawyer on Youtube approve of them.
Security – Vaultek DS2i Smart Station
The Vaultek DS2i Smart Station is built tough with full solid steel construction in addition to anti-pry bars, anti-impact latch design and interior shielding that prevents tools from entering the safe and poking around at the release mechanism or programming buttons. This is a huge upgrade from the traditional handgun safes that leave exposed holes and easily accessible reset buttons. This handgun safe is progressive formed 18 gauge steel construction which is considered thin for handgun safes which normally range between 14 gauge and 16 gauge. A free security cable is included for securing the safe to a fixed object and optional mounting brackets are available as well.
Style and Function – Vaultek DS2i Smart Station
The Vaultek DS2i Smart Station is styled extremely well. The paint is so much better than the traditional textured black that usually comes out of China. It has a rugged finish similar to a trunk liner where you can feel the bumps within the paint. It also makes the safe extremely durable and resistant to scratches or damage. The front panel is an LED display that shows the time, temperature and relative humidity. The top logo placement doubles as a wireless charger for your phone and the interior is lined with a rubber mat to prevent scratches to your pistols.
The Bottom Line
Would I buy the Vaultek DS2i Smart Station to store my handgun? Yes, I 100% absolutely would buy it. It is substantially more secure than portable lock boxes made by GunVault, SnapSafe and Amazon Basics and has way better features like the bluetooth access, app and biometric scanner.
However, I would opt to ditch the high tech and spend around $200 less and get a much higher security handgun safe like the Stealth ShadowVault SV1. What makes the ShadowVault SV1 better is it uses a UL rated Type 1 High Security Electronic Lock made by S&G, a significantly thicker 3/16″ steel door, 10 gauge steel body and has a carry handle for portability.
