Climbing cam sizes. Six sizes from sub-tips to fat fingers leaves no size gaps, and they're a mere two ounces heavier than the same size run of the very Sharing the data I had to dig for. Size Jul 15, 2021 · With all the climbing cams on the market its difficult to know which ones to buy. Shop now on eBay! Friends Rock Climbing Cams - Lightweight, Active Protection for Trad & Alpine Climbing 122 Price, product page$39995 List: $439. Our climbing protection is the trusted industry standard and we're always improving performance. Many people consider 10% and 60% expansion to be a reasonable usable range for cams, but these numbers may differ from cam to cam and also depend on your risk tolerance. Apr 15, 2020 · I had Black Diamond Z4 cams (also new this season) and Metolius Ultralight Master Cams on hand, and comparisons between corresponding sizes indeed proved the Zero Friends are narrower. Sep 8, 2020 · Micro cams are one of the most specialist - and among the most crucial - pieces of gear on a trad climber's rack. Usable is 10% to 60% of the max range, unless a manufacturer publishes The Totem Cam offers an extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. The Neat and Cool Cam Buying Guide Due to the ease and convenience of quickly selecting, placing, and removing cams, and with their superior performance in parallel cracks, cams are the staple of the modern day crack climbing rack. 7). We also have an extensive range of small and micro cams in kits or singles for Wild Country Zero Friends, Black Diamond Z4 Camalots, and FIXE Alien Revolution Cams. 8mm – 28. 2 to approximately BD#2) Totems are undoubtable the best. Size (mm) 140160 Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. See every brand, compare every detail, and find the best price. Cams use a spring system that presses the jaws into the sides of the rock crack to hold their position firm. Pretty much always in black diamond size numbers. Apr 11, 2019 · A flexible stem makes this workhorse of a cam bomber in horizontal placements, while the ergonomic thumb loop makes them easy to place when you're pumped silly. They’re the best starter camming device because they’re affordable, durable, and there’s a huge range between sizes. CharacteristicsSuperb holding power wi The core of any trad rack are your cams. Innovative spring technology gives precise, equally-tensioned trigger pull throughout the entire range, and the Kevlar trigger material is light, strong and field maintainable. Camalots use a dual-axle system, resulting in a slightly higher expansion range than similarly sized single axle units, however that results in significant weight penalty. The smallest sizes are limited to aid climbing, rated at only 5 and 6 kN and the third size, the 1/2 (green) is only rated to 7 kN. Placement is secure, but may move to an insecure position. Ive got a couple of sets of nuts. While there are bigger and smaller The Ultralight Master Cam is a flexible, single-stem unit with an optimized cam angle for increased holding power. 92 inches) to the #8 (covering 7. NB All Totem Cams are going up to £103. A rack of cams is a set of cams in a range of sizes to fit a range of crack placements. 6 – 12. Discover top-quality climbing cams like Black Diamond Camalot C4 and Metolius Master Cams. In these situations we I use Metolius Ultralight Master Cam in the smallest sizes and am quite happy with them. From beginner trad climbing to expert crack climbing adventures, a Metolius cam is your steadfast companion, ensuring . In general you can see that there is a lot of overlap in protection ranges between sizes. Hey Giga, Protection is based on where you are and what you are climbing. The Trango Flexcam feature class leading range and are among the lightest 4-cams available. Apr 26, 2025 · Totem Cam, the state-of-the-art cam for climbing. May 15, 2018 · Our experts extensively reviewed and rated the Omega Pacific Link Cams based on transparent, objective criteria against similar products in the Climbing Cams category. Cam Range Guide Minimum Range Placement is secure, but difficult to place and remove. An equivalent size run of Mastercams weighs just 1. Yes, get a set of nuts. Having a tiny cam you can rely on to protect otherwise unprotectable sections of rock can make the difference between arriving at the top of your route or at the bottom. 75, 1, 2, 3) has wide, rock-friendly cam lobes, high-friction machined faces Sep 30, 2015 · The Metolius Master Cams are small single stem cams with 8 different sizes ranging from 2 sizes below the smallest Camalot/Dragon up to a size in between the Green and the Red Dragon/Camalot. However, our testers unanimously Nov 9, 2020 · Free Climbing We love these cams for free climbing, and think they complement other small camming devices well. Because of the wide range of cams and their range of function, for simplicity, we will focus on general-purpose cams, picking our choices from the large/medium and small range. What are rock climbing friends? Like other climbing devices such as belays, carabiners and quickdraws, harnesses, a climbing friend or cam is also an essential safety piece used for secure holds when climbing. 3oz more than the BD Ultralights and covers the same range with six cams that BD covers with 5. This lets dual axle cams fit more placements and have greater overlap between sizes, allowing you to carry fewer units to protect the same range of cracks. The wide size range per unit means that it is easier to find the cam you need for the size placement you want it to fit into. This article explains the physics of how climbing cams work, and also how to place, remove and rack them. Jan 12, 2014 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. They are less stable than the other double axle Sep 6, 2013 · The smaller sizes are used mainly for aid climbing because of their diminutive slings and because they’re difficult to clean while free climbing. Size ranges are in mm; each row represents 1 mm so the visual representation is approximate, but it can give you a good view of size overlaps across manufacturers. Exclusive design which offers superior holding capabilities. Feb 25, 2015 · Of course, cam size is extremely important in places such as the crack-climbing destination of Indian Creek, where individual pitches often require up to 12 of the exact same-sized cam. Sep 5, 2016 · Black Diamond Camelot C4 Cam Sets The gold standard for camming units, Black Diamond Camalots' double-axle design allows retraction of larger cam lobes, giving them a much larger expansion range than traditional single-axle units. Extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. 50, is a reliable and versatile piece of climbing protection. This Cam Size Comparison Chart helps you compare models against one another in terms of sizing and range of use. Nov 26, 2018 · Black Diamond Camalot C4 Cams The world’s best-selling, most trusted climbing cam just got better. Speaking of which, each size is color-coded for ultimate convenience. Born from a heart-to-heart with our top trad-climbing BD Athletes Hazel Findlay, Carlo Traversi, Sam Elias, and Babsi Zangerl, the Camalot Z4 Offsets are the realization of a dream: to have a single-stem cam that stays rigid in-hand, but flexes once placed. Cams are quick to place, hold exceptionally well, and are easy to clean. Totem Cams are CE certified by Cete Apave Sudeurope (Notified body number 0082). The greatest overlap in ranges is biased towards the smaller protection sizes. Data sourced from Steph Abegg's website. Technology that is pushing the clean climbing limits. Shop rock climbing protection from Black Diamond. 54 – 0. Dec 15, 2023 · There are a variety of features that differentiate cams beyond size, such as the number of cam lobes (three or four), stem design (single-cable or u-stem), axles (single or double), and expansion range. BD's unique take on the “ alien ” style cam includes their trademark double-axle design in the larger sizes and a “ stacked ” double-axle design in the smaller sizes to ensure Dec 26, 2005 · All six sizes feature cam stops and extendable Dyneema slings, and the #3 through #6 sizes proved to be exceptional free-climbing pieces covering the finger sizes. 40 now! Unfortunately size 1 will be out of stock until the prize rise. Sep 29, 2023 · Each individual cam can protect a range of crack sizes, and typically a selection of different sizes is carried depending on the size of cracks found on the route or in the area. Not color-blind friendly. In every size you can get them (a hair over BD#0. The Totem Cam offers an extraordinary holding power and unique capabilities with the patented Direct Loading system. A “Standard Rack” is a reference to the rack Easily compare different types of climbing gear! Including cams, nuts, hexes, and more! Jul 24, 2025 · The size of the cams you need depend on the size of the crack you are climbing and need to protect. Also old Cam Comparison Chart "What's the equivalent?" Searching for new cams or piecing together a rack with a new climbing partner can feel like an overwhelming task at times, this comparison chart aims to make that easier. There is an excellent review of Totem Cams on Andy Kirkpatrick's website. I was wondering though which cams are used most, basicly what sizes should I buy? also is it worth getting stoppers in 1-3? Dec 9, 2015 · Hi, I'm just starting trad climbing and am rigging top ropes for my brother. The U-shaped body has enough stiffness to align the cams correctly in a vertical crack and enough flexibility to allow for horizontal crack placements. Their unique design works in pockets and holes where others simply can't fit. They will hold anywhere from 8-12kN if placed well which is plenty for most lead falls. Jan 30, 2018 · Black Diamond X4s are an excellent complement to the Black Diamond C4s, offering more flexibility and narrower heads than their C4 counterparts, and keeping with the same familiar BD size range and color scheme. 32" Ultralight Power Cams are for mid range crack sizes or for splitter cracks in desert sandstone, granite or columnar basalt. We don't particularly like using them when climbing near our limits, but on easier routes, especially long multi-pitch, we like to carry one due to its increased versatility, and feel like we can often get by with one Link Cam where we might have needed two normal cams. Available in six sizes, the new Alien X features the following improvements: Cams with X-grip texture: Improves the grip of the cams during the first times it is Shop for climbing cams at Rock+Run for all your climbing equipment needs. The six cams in the range cover placements from 7. The average useable range per cam is actually larger for the ULMCs (11. It's like having 4 or 5 different cam sizes, which is why we decided to call it “ANGEL”. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Additionally, be careful with the age of the description. Jan 30, 2018 · Totem Cams are our favorite cams for aid climbing because of their ability to engage only two lobes at a time, allowing for an endless array of strange, body-weight-only placements, multiple clip-in points, and super narrow heads, even in the larger hand sizes. Most of the weights are from a calibrated scale (some are from catalog specs). Mar 1, 2025 · Ever felt that sickening crunch of rock giving way? A Metolius Climbing Cam can prevent that. Climbing cams increase your safety, acting as anchor points in cracks and crevices where bolts are lacking. Smooth action, a great range, and a somewhat rigid stem make these cams easy to place on the go when you're gripped. When evaluating a set of cams, it can be helpful to look at what the total range of sizes the full set covers. Feb 2, 2024 · In this article, we discuss the best cam sets for trad climbing, backed by reviews from the climbing experts and the consensus of the climbing community. They are lightweight, the cable loop and trigger are easy to grab, and their patented slings are large enough to manipulate with gloves. 3mm. Also see some examples of gear-racking options. Apr 4, 2025 · If you plan on trad climbing, cams are essential. The cam’s lobes are lighter and more sculpted, optimized for strength to weight, while the Dec 19, 2019 · Free Climbing In the right situation, Link Cams can be advantageous weapons on a free climber's rack. Be careful to make sure it is talking about cam sizes and not inches. 4mm to 28. Finding the best climbing cam is a process, but below are a few of the highest rated cams available. Feb 25, 2015 · Individual cams come in a huge range of sizes, from micro-sized cams that fit the tinniest 1/4”-sized fissures of rock, to 6”, 7”, even 8”-sized off-width/chimney-sized cracks. May 15, 2018 · The red is the largest Alien Revolution available and is comparable in size to a . Aug 3, 2022 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Dec 4, 2024 · Sport climbing, with its pre-placed bolts, requires fewer cams, often focusing on a smaller range of sizes for specific placements. Eventually you will find out what size crack is most fun for you and you can go from there. Is it neccassary to buy a few cams or not, if so what sizes would people recommend as I don't want to buy a lot for a start! Cheers Alien X Red The Alien X is the sixth generation of the micro cam that obtained its first patent in 1986, in Colorado (US). This generally refers to a set of 6 cams ranging from a Black Diamond C4 size 0. Range 0. Here’s what you need to know about trad gear and tips to build your first trad climbing rack. The new, redesigned Camalot C4 has now upped the ante, considering it’s 10% lighter yet just as durable as before. 75, #1, and #2 is pretty much standard, as well as three or so consecutive micros that cover a bit of the range below the #5. Placement is not secure. They have an incredibly flexible stem, allowing them to hold better in pods and pin scars where their cams can't be vertically aligned. 6 Shop trad climbing cams online from Trango. 3mm wide. com For most areas, doubling up cams in BD sizes #. Enhance your rock climbing gear. This specific cam features a smooth, efficient camming action for quick and secure placements within cracks and fissures. Camalot is a brand of spring-loaded camming devices manufactured by Black Diamond Equipment used to secure ropes while rock climbing. Our expert team has a combined 40 years of climbing experience and has field-tested the best climbing gear since the inception of our site Ultralight Master Cams are for general all around free climbing with small to medium crack sizes. 34" to 1. Of course, you only have one, but at least you can use it for almost everything! May 27, 2013 · ive been climbing for a fair few years now, and ive always managed to come up with an excuse not to buy cams (other than the truth, i cant afford the buggers! so i just knick everyone elses at the bottom of the route) but im finally going to bite the bullet and buy some. In the most commonly used sizes, one can carry 7 ULMC cams and, even with the new C4s, save 4. Put another way, if you accidentally grab a cam that is the wrong size off your harness, it may still fit in the crack, and the cams allow a bit of Explore our diverse collection of rock climbing cam sizes, designed to meet the needs of every climber—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. [1] Dual-axle was patented and for decades was only From cams to carabiners, nuts to nut tools, there are so many options for traditional climbing gear that it’s hard to know where to begin. Jul 15, 2021 · With all the climbing cams on the market its difficult to know which ones to buy. 4 to 4, Friends offer protection in nearly any crack you’ll find out there! Our double-axle Friends have become a market benchmark for stability, versatility, and reliability. The core of the cam rack for any trad climb. Also, the larger the cam size, the greater the protection range. Anything larger than 2” is heavier and harder to place; plus, it’s more likely that an SLCD will fit into a placement where you can get a large Tricam. A larger cam is usually better. Beat the price rise and get them for £86. Originally picked them up because they were on sale and have worked well enough for me not to look elsewhere. Exclusive design which features everything you require of a cam for all-around use with extended capabilities. Miniscule cams for narrow cracks and small pockets. Tested and proven by decades of climbers, the Wild Country Friend 6-cam set (#0. Searching for new cams or piecing together a rack with a new climbing partner can feel like an overwhelming task at times, this comparison chart aims to make that easier. 50 (RRP £115) in September. Black diamond cam sizes are not 1:1 with inches, for instance for a 3 inch crack you’d probably place a number 4. Traditional climbing, however, necessitates a broader range to accommodate varied crack systems and less predictable protection opportunities. Created in the limestone capital of the universe (Spain I am currently building my trad rack and have several cams already and 4-13 in stoppers. These ingenious pieces of climbing protection—cams, friends, nuts—offer reliable placement in cracks of all shapes and sizes, turning precarious situations into confident ascents. 5 ounces (128g) over the same range. The Metolius Ultralight Master Cams are a lightweight cam with ten sizes to put on your rack, from cams smaller than your fingertips to fist size. CE and UIAA certified - Made in Bend, Oregon. Ultralight TCUs have an optimized cam angle for greater holding power and wider cam faces for more grip. It retains its original character, with a version that has been improved in terms of performance and finishes. 5, 0. Just as a note Where will you be climbing? The basic trad rack varies by area, but a lot of people like C4's from . Jul 16, 2025 · The Black Diamond C4 is the gold standard for climbing cams. Check out our full climbing cam review to see how these cams rank versus competitors. 75 an 1, the sizes that were a little too big for said nuts. All Black Diamond SLCDs have single stems and offset cam axes. 95 FREE delivery Wed, Jul 2 Or fastest delivery Tue, Jul 1 Add to cart More Buying Choices$398. Old route descriptions could mention gear in original wild country friend sizing. Characteristics: Superb holding power I found other cam size comparison charts unsatisfactory, so I made my own in google sheets to share. So the question is: What are the best sizes to get? i climb all around the uk, and was planning on getting a set of 3, so go The asymmetric cam lobes give almost twice the range of conventional cams, and they are more stable than symmetric cams of the same size. The Angel cam now comes in two sizes: Size 1 covers 26 to 100 mm, and Size 2 covers 46 to 145 mm. Thanks to the indepe This is how AC guarantees proper function and safety of such a complex cam. 3 (range of 0. 10% lighter yet just as durable as before, the updated Black Diamond Camalot C4 cam features a modern design that improves on tried-and-true Camalots with an optimized strength-to-weight ratio. 4, 0. I recommend top roping a few cracks until you find something inspiring you want to lead, then buy pro for Jan 30, 2018 · Free Climbing These are cams are excellent for free climbing, especially the hand and fists sizes. A #6 Camalot C4 placed in a crack. The merits of Apr 11, 2019 · A flexible stem makes this workhorse of a cam bomber in horizontal placements, while the ergonomic thumb loop makes them easy to place when you're pumped silly. Jul 15, 2021 · With all the climbing cams on the market its difficult to know which ones to buy. 34" to 2. Range Finder tells you at a glance if you've chosen the right size cam for the placement. Each Black Diamond cam covers a wider range, thanks to the double axle design, but cam for cam, the Metolius cams are lighter. The six cams cover placements from 7. I thought I'd address that. This review focuses on two new sizes at opposite ends of the range. At GearLab, our roots are in rock climbing, as the website started as an offshoot of SuperTopo. Plus, it features a modern design that improves on the old tried-and-true Camalots. 89 (3 new offers) With great overlap between ranges and a full size set from 0. The C3s are tri-cam units. 5-3, and Master Cams or Aliens for smaller sizes. When you select this, I'll also show you lines indicating where 10% and 60% expansion range is. 5 (purple) Camalot Ultralight or #3 Metolius Ultralight Cam, the middle of the range for many cam types. Other full-sized climbing cam sets include Black Diamond C4 Camalots, Black Diamond Ultralight Cams, Totem Cams, and Metolius Ultralight Master Cams. Behold the patent-pending RigidFlex stem. Here are the results. , Mike P. Its robust construction ensures dependable performance in challenging placements, making it ideal for trad climbing and other adventurous pursuits. The strength, durability, and grip of these little climbing tools will be the difference between having a safe experience and a dangerous one. Find the best climbing cams from Black Diamond, DMM, Fixe, Metolius, Omega Pacific, Totem, Trango, Wild Country. Power Cams: #00 - 8 Ultralight Power Cams are the lightest 4-cam units in the world! Direct Axle Technology allows for more placement options in shallow, narrow, or bottoming placements, and makes tricky placements easier due to better cam lobe visibility. Jan 30, 2018 · Their main contender for lightweight champion is the Best Buy Award winning Metolius Ultralight Mastercam. Durability is good with solid cam lobe and stem construction and tough Kevlar trigger wires. The smallest C4 comes in at 0. In order to give you the best experience when out climbing, we've got cams in May 24, 2020 · The Fixe Alien Revolutions are a compelling cam for finger size placements thanks to their weight, range, and flexibility. A common term used to describe a set of cams is ‘a standard rack’. Dual axle design for expanded range Dual axle cams have a greater expansion range than single axle designs, allowing them to fit a greater range of crack sizes. Jul 28, 2025 · Bi-color slings differentiate small and large cams of similar color Sizes 4, 5, and 6 cams have trigger keepers to reduce racking volume Single stem and double axle design doubles as cam stops Large thumb loop provides a clip-in point for aid climbing Sling tags tucked under shorter bar-tack for a cleaner look Item #BLD00Z8 Get tips on what cams, nuts and other gear to take rock climbing and how to organize it all. However their tiny size makes them extra sensitive to the vagaries of camming devices - holding power Jan 30, 2018 · DMM Dragon Cams are out to make a dent in the Black Diamond cam supremacy that seems pervasive at all American crags. There are also “offset” cams, which have lobes of different sizes to accommodate irregular cracks and pin scars. The Range Finder system provides color coding to help new climbers find the right fit for cam placements. Learn how to place climbing cams. 89" Ultralight TCUs are for narrow, tricky, hard to protect thin cracks. They feature the same size and color scheme as the Camalots, and the same double axle design and camming range. A larger cam should be used. Dragonfly Micro Cams provide versatile protection for narrow cracks and pockets. The just fit places other cams don't, hold where other cams don't, are silly flexible so they don't walk, and overall confidence inspiring. A crack is usually described based on how one’s hand fits into it. The size 1 Dragonfly is our smallest certified climbing cam. 81" Supercams are for medium to large sized Sep 29, 2023 · Author: Katy H. Check out our great prices and latest deals! The state-of-the-art cams. My first rack was all nuts and the first cams I bought were . The bright red color Oct 4, 2019 · In 2015 we gave Totem Cams a glowing write-up, praising in particular their high holding power and narrow head width. If you save it for yourself, you can move groups of columns around. So often people 'exaggerate' the camming ranges of BD cams and ignore the comparison of useable ranges. See full list on climbonequipment. Our selection features top-performing models, including the versatile Angel Cam with its unique size range, the innovative Camalot Z4 with rigid-flex technology for secure placements, and the Max is the manufacturer listed max and min expansion range. The Dragons are bomber and well suited to parallel placements, with the stems being flexible enough for horizontal placements. Mar 1, 2025 · The Totem Climbing Cam in Red, size 1. The size 1 Dragonfly is (as of 2019) the smallest certified climbing cam on the market. The best climbing cam is going to be your best friend out there on your rock climbing adventure. 4 to #3. These camalot C4's come in Jul 24, 2019 · For sizes 2 through 8, a Range Finder system is available for you to choose the correct cam size while you are climbing. These cams are the best option when you are just starting out trad climbing and building your first trad rack. Jun 15, 2020 · In general, narrow cam heads, flexible stems, very small sizes, and offset units are all great advantages when aid climbing, and the Z4s have all of these attributes, so we expect them to function pretty well, at least on mellower clean aid routes. 8 vs 11. zxh adw nlft xml aykhq kltya hgpbj yqtw ygzgd ufvcxi