The SMC Oval was one of the first aluminum carabiners manufactured in the US during the 1960-s. This classic traditional carabiner is highly versatile and functionally designed to withstand the test of time. A major benefit of using a --true-- oval carabiner is that it is very difficult to load incorrectly. Load forces tend to "self-equalize" between the pulley, ropes and anchors in your system by balancing your load equally on the spine and gate allowing the carabiner to maintain full strength under a variety of conditions.