I like the dimarzio's clip lock but prefer the schaller strap locks. Not sure if true, but heard that the dunlop strap locks have a reputation of unclipping when u least expect it. But it's just hearsay - from a few of the dudes that work in the guitar dept at my local guitar center. maybe they get a bigger cut or comission if they sell more schallers. I have both the dimarzio, schaller and the dunlops but prefer the schaller's the best. (until it f's up on me onstage - hasn't happened yet though.)
On another forum, the Dunlop/Schaller debate has been waged quite a bit. There seems to be pros and cons to each, with loyalty to either spread pretty much equally.
The Dunlops lock like a socket attaches to a ratchet wrench, you know, with that little spring loaded ball. Consensus says that this mechanism needs to be periodically lubed to keep working. No biggie. The locking piece attaches to the strap with a "C" clip so it'll never loosen or come off. I have Dunlops on my Les Pa....oops, ..uh, non-EBMM guitar. I couldn't use the stock screw on one of the strap pegs because the head was too large to fit through the new Dunlop peg. I had to use the screw that came with the Dunlop, but the threads were too small for the hole in the guitar, so I used the old hole-remover trick (toothpicks and glue). Now it's stronger than before, even with the smaller screw. It's true though that if the little spring loaded ball mechanism fails, or the release button is pressed inadvertently, the guitar will fall, just like pressing that button on the back of your ratchet wrench, the socket falls off.
The Schallers (I've heard) have a U shaped "cradle" that allows the guitar to still be held up if the locking mechanism fails. This means that, if that U piece is oriented upwards, you'll have a backup system to save the guitar from falling. The cons of the Schallers appear to be that the piece attaches to the strap with a nut that has a tendency to work loose. Tightening it well with some Loctite will most likely help. The button also has a tendency to scrape and wear the U shaped piece, which may also lead to failure if not lubed.
On guitars with one-piece angled headstocks, strap locks are a MUST. You drop a Fender or EBMM, you get a chip or a ding...you drop a Les Paul, you get a broken headstock.
Alot of people swear by the little rubber washer from a Grolsch beer bottle. Slip it over the button after the strap. Someone also uses the little plastic thing that keeps your loaf of bread closed.
I have used the schaller system for 20+ years with no failures. I did have to tighten up the strap side a couple of times though. It was a lot easier to do that than to drop a guitar.
I dropped a guitar once. ONCE.
i bought a pair of the dunlops for my G&L theyre pretty nice still thinking about the Axis probaly dunlops they seem pretty strong and wont come loose or fall
On two of guitars (including my Steve Morse) I use the Planet Waves locking straps : very efficient and you don't have to change the screw. So your guitar stays "original".
I use also the Schaller system on one guitar I build. Very efficient also, but at the end, I prefer the Planet Waves system. Besides, I found a Planet Waves strap that has a colour perfectly suited to my blueburst Steve Morse, so ... everything is great.
I'm not sure about whether to get Schaller or DiMarzio for my Luke (that I'm ordering today ). I use Schallers on my Les Paul which I really like. Heard really good things about the DiMarzios though, only concern is the the clips will damage the finish in my gigbag ( hardcases are banned from college because of concerns about damage to the walls etc )
All of my guitars are equipped with Schaller strap locks... Yes, you have to check the little nut that holds the clip on your strap about once a month (and tighten it maybe once a year), but I've never had a bad experience using them... I find the Dunlop ones rattle around too much when I'm sitting down and annoy the heck outta me...