Not long ago I wrote a review of the Screwpull Revolutionary New Lever Pull. I've since also acquired a Metrokane Vertical Rabbit and I'm so happy with it that I feel compelled to write a review on it as well.
While the Screwpull is lovely and sculptural, the Metrokane is sexy and fun. The former is priced from $130 to $150 on Amazon, and the latter is $50 to $60. Each comes with a foil cutter, but the Metrokane also comes with a replacement screw. The Screwpull arrives in a very attractive leather presentation case which would look good anywhere, whereas the Metrokane arrives in a hinged plastic container which you could probably throw away. The taller and more angular Screwpull seems to be largely made of metal and has a noticable heft; the Metrokane handle is made of metal, but the body is plastic. It doesn't feel nearly as substanial as the Screwpull, but I don't find that to be a problem. Both pullers stand upright and would look fine perched on a table or sideboard.
As of this writing, the taller and more angular Screwpull seems to be offered only in satin with black accents, and the curvy Metrokane in black, gunmetal gray, and the one I bought, candy apple red. The Vertial Rabbit, true to its name, has a hint of an eye on either side so when looked at in profile, it gives the appearance of a rabbit. I probably should deduct a star for too much cuteness, but that's part of the fun of the Rabbit.
The operation of the two is somewhat different. The base of the Screwpull ia sprung open and must be squeezed to hold it onto the bottle. The lever is then thrown more than 180 degrees to pierce the cork, and then brought back the same amoount to remove it from the bottle. The cork is removed from the device by throwing the lever back and forth once more. Simple, fluid, magical.
Rather than being held open, the Metrokane base is held closed by a spring. Not a big deal. In contrast to the Screwpull, the lever is pulled up (or cocked) before placing it over the neck of the bottle. The throw, however, is engineered to be only 90 degrees versus the Screwpulls 180+ degrees. and falls into place at each end of the throw with a satisfying "clunk". The removal of the cork from the bottle and from the device is the same as with the Screwpull.
For some reason, I find it a little easier to remember to remove the cork from the Metrokane. It may be because when it is removed from the bottle, the handle is in the cocked position and it's obvious the process isn't yet complete.
Which is the better choice? I'm delighted with both for entirely different reasons and use them interchangably. I can't comment on longevity since neither has given a hint of trouble. I don't consider either easier to use, although it could be argued that the Metrokane with less than half the throw of the Screwpull might be easier, plus I really think I'm more likely to remember to remove the cork afterward with it. The Screwpull with its elegance, metal construction, heft, and presentation box would perhaps be the better choice for an impressive gift; whereas the Metrokane at 1/2 to 1/3 the price and with an extra screw is far and away the better value. Choose either one and you'll be happy.
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Metrokane Vertical Rabbit Lever Style Corkscrew with Foil Cutter, Candy Apple RedProduct Description: The newest design from Metrokane in the Rabbit™family of products.This new Vertical Rabbit™is as easy as placing the opener over the bottle and lowering and raising a lever.It pulls a cork in 3 seconds and ejects it immediately with the lowering and raising of the handle.Constructed using a chrome plated zinc dye cast handle, it has a 10 yr warrantly,Hi-Sheen racing-car finish in candy apple red.
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I was opening a bottle of wine with a stubborn cork and the wings broke off!The corkscrew has a very nice look and feel, but the large wings taper to a very narrow point at the hinges.And since it is made of a cheap cast metal and not stainless steel, it is very weak at the tapered area.Supposedly has a lifetime warranty, but I have not sent it back yet...
