Yale YRD156-ZW2 Smart Deadbolt Review
If you’re a dedicated Z-Wave enthusiast or you’re looking for reliable Z-Wave lock to integrate with your security system, this lock deserves a serious look. While it doesn’t have all of the cool features contained in the YRD256, this lock (YRD156) contains the functions required to ensure your smart home is safe and secure.
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Overall Rating 
Overall I was very impressed with this lock. It is very straight forward and offers great capabilities. The commanded lock/unlock was very reliable, and always sent back status to the hub. My only complaint is that it is sold exclusively through distributors and you’ll see wild markups on the price if you’re not careful.
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Description
The Yale Pro SL (YRD156) is a key-free touchscreen deadbolt with Z-Wave Plus built-in. It replaces a standard deadbolt in minutes. This lock requires a Z-Wave hub (Hubitat, SmartThings, Vera, etc.). It is also compatible with Z-Wave capable alarm systems.
The lock is 100% key free. To prevent lockouts due to dead batteries, there is a 9V battery terminal located below the keypad. The lock has a backlit, touchscreen keypad that wakes with a touch and has numbers that won’t wear off. It’s backed by a lifetime limited warranty on finish and mechanics, and a one year warranty for electronics. Get the premium Yale design and features seen in retail, with a product offered specifically to the pro channel.
Ease of Installation
In most cases the lock can be installed in under 15 minutes. The only tool required is a Phillips screwdriver. My only complaint is that the wire bundle is thick and makes it difficult to orient under the lock housing. This makes putting in the small screws challenging.
The guide pins that extend from the base plate to the keypad greatly improve your ability to install the large mounting screws, however it is still somewhat challenging. Better than most locks.
Ease of Programming 
Programming is simple and straight forward as long as you have the user guide. The consumer version of this lock (YRD256) has voice prompts, which is a plus.
General Aesthetics
This is a great looking lock, inside and out. The keypad is short and slim. The interior lock housing is also a very nice size, much smaller than some of the competitive locks.
Smart Home Reliability 
Cycle Commands from the Hub – success measures both the command was executed by the lock and the status was successfully sent back to the hub.
| Test ID | Hub | Target Cycles | Locked Success | Unlocked Success | Notes | Reliability |
| 1 | HE | 2000 | 1000 | 1000 | 6’ from Hub | 100% |
| 2 | HE | 200 | 100 | 100 | Through range extender @ 6’ | 100% |
Cycle Commands from the Keypad – success measures if the lock sent the status back to the hub and sent the correct user-id that performed the unlock action.
| Test ID | Hub | Target Cycles | Locked Success | Unlocked Success | Notes | Reliability |
| 1 | HE | 200 | 100 | 100 | Through range extender @ 6’ | 100% |
Thumbscrew Cycles – success measure if the lock sent the correct status back to the hub when manually turning the thumbscrew.
| Test ID | Hub | Target Cycles | Locked Success | Unlocked Success | Notes | Reliability |
| 1 | HE | 100 | 50 | 50 | Through range extender @ 6’ | 100% |
Jamming and Alerts
When the lock detects a jam it goes into a high power mode to try to move past the problem. If Audio Feedback is turned on, an audible tune plays indicating that there is a problem. There is no Jam signal that gets sent back to the hub (I believe the generic Z-Wave standard does not support it). If Audio Feedback is turned off, you will also be turning off the audible jam alert.
Keypad 
The keypad is very sexy and has a rubber gasket to help prevent water ingress. It is also one of the sturdiest keypads I’ve seen to date.
My only complaint is that fingerprints collect on the lock very easily. If you are using 4-digit pins or repeating numbers, this could present a huge security issue. Keep in mind, you should do neither! The lock supports up to 8 digits, I would suggest using at least 6.
Pin Codes
The lock supports up to 250 pin codes. Pin codes can vary from 4 to 8 digits.
Smart Home Integration
Being a Z-Wave lock, this has no app other than what is provided by your Z-Wave hub or alarm system. If you wish to have Amazon Echo or Google Home Assistant integration, it must be performed through your hub or alarm.
Connecting to the Z-Wave hub was very easy. No issues there.
Auto Unlock on Arrival 
No capability native the lock. This must be accomplished through a Z-Wave hub rules engine. For Z-Wave hubs, figuring out how to securely accomplish this can be a challenge for the average user.
Door Open Alerts
Being a standard Z-Wave lock that meant to be used with an alarm system, this really isn’t an issue and I didn’t let it influence my overall opinion. Most Z-Wave hub owners and alarm systems will use dedicated door open sensors that are frankly more reliable than door open sensors that are built into a lock.
Positive Comments
This is a straight forward Z-Wave lock. I found it to be a workhorse. The quietness of the lock is impressive. It doesn’t provide a lot of bells and whistles, but it really doesn’t need to.
Negative Comments
I wish this lock was available direct to consumer. It’s quite simply a GREAT lock. Since it can only be sold through distributors and lock installers, it is subject to crazy markups. A lock like this should run for just under $200. Good luck finding it for that price.