Let me start by saying this lock is *not* for casual smart home users. If you're expecting Alexa voice control or a standalone app, look elsewhere. This is a Z-Wave soldier that only takes orders from your hub (mine's paired with SmartThings). The matte black finish looks sleek against my front door, though!

The installation was surprisingly smooth - about 15 minutes with a level to get everything perfectly aligned. The SmartKey rekeying feature saved me $100+ when I matched it to my existing house keys. Pro tip: spray some graphite lube in the keyway annually to keep things buttery smooth.

Daily use is where things get interesting. That motorized deadbolt sounds like a swarm of angry bees for 3 full seconds every time it engages. My dog still barks at it after 6 months! And while the touchscreen works reliably, the visual feedback is terrible - you basically have to memorize your code entry because your finger blocks the dim LED confirmation.

Battery life has been stellar (going on 10 months with original AAs), but be warned: below freezing temperatures turn this into a very expensive manual lock. I learned this the hard way during a -10°F cold snap when I stood shivering while frantically digging for my backup key.

The auto-lock feature gives me peace of mind when I'm rushing out with groceries, though I wish it had geofencing capabilities instead of just timed options. And while the ANSI Grade 2 rating won't stop a determined burglar, the pick-resistant cylinder means they'll probably go after my windows instead.

Would I buy it again? Maybe - but only if you're already invested in Z-Wave and understand its limitations. It's not perfect, but when it works (which is most of the time), it beats fumbling with keys in the rain.