black diamond c3 size chart

Whilst the sizing of the Master Cam is regular, one thing that is not is the end of the stem which sticks out above the lobes of the 00 and 0 sizes. With sculpted lobes that account for a portion of the weight savings, the Camalot Ultralight features a dyneema cord in place of a cable with all of Find Your Feet Australia Pty Ltd , 107 Elizabeth St All this being said, a cam's propensity to walk is always a function of placement and extension. 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. Compression-spring driven with interlocking cam heads for bite in uneven cracks

Taxes and shipping fee will be calculated at checkout. In addition, the superfluous bit of metal sticking out of the top of some of the cams reduces their placement potential. The lobes sat nicely in the crack and the strong springs held it securely in place. Summary: Camalots are strong, versatile, and always reliable. C3s, made by Black Diamond, are a well polished three lobe camming unit. Camalots are designed to provide protection across the full spectrum of crack sizes, from small incipient seams, to perfect hands, to full-on offwidths. Well continue to check all the major retailers and will update this page as soon as we find one. The stem comprises a wire cable construction (single to avoid buckling and reduce trigger profile for sizes 0-0.2 and double twisted for uniform flex on the 0.3 and above) with a plastic sheath spiralling around. This is a big let down for a micro cam as it means that there is nothing to compensate for the pull on the rope on the cam, and so it's more likely to walk out of its placement than a cam with a flexible stem. They have a plastic body that protects the springs and allows for each lobe to move independently. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. The cams lobes are lighter and more sculpted, optimized for strength to weight, while the slings have a visual update for easier differentiation when racking. After user feedback we decided to create a table comparing cam stats side-by-side, with the most notable values being minimum and maximum ranges and headwidths. Subjectively, the C3s feel good in the hand. The shaped trigger wires mean the wires always clear the head, even when fully retracted.

And speaking of racking, were introducing a new innovative trigger keeper on sizes #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 that keeps the big guys contracted for compact racking and immediately release when youre ready to place. They look a bit complicated. Innovative trigger keeper for compact racking with sizes #4, #5, #6, #7, #8. This stiffness is extremely good in the micro range, and across all sizes allows for even trigger deployment something that is slightly harder with the flippier, flexier stemmed cams in this group test. It's still holding together well after what must now be a few years of use (although it's worth nothing that it's not a cam I use all that often). For those on old money, it is also smaller than the smallest (Grey #000) C3.

The function of man is to live, not to exist. Whilst it's important for a micro cam to be flexible, you don't want it to bend out of shape and become difficult to place, and you don't want the tiny lobes and trigger wires to be easily damaged or dented. In addition, they have the classic Dragon extendable slings which mean you have to carry fewer quickdraws on your rack, though they are a little bit faffy on such a small cam. Below is a table comparing the strength rating of the Z4 units: From the table above, you can see that the Black Diamond Z4 cams strength rating compare like for like for most of its sizes. The 2 bigger units are slightly stronger, than the X4 equivalent. The units of size 0.3 to 0.75 are double-axle cams, hence these can be used as passive placements. The other three units (0 0.2) are only able to be placed when actively cammed.

The smallest two sizes do have smooth lobes, which is understandable - a similar level of serration would cut the small lobes too deeply.

DMM did manage to increase the friction of the lobes their smallest cams with TripleGrip, however. The Cam Research Site. They are a bit of a love/hate affair as they certainly add more functionality to the cams but do so at the expense of making them a bit more fiddly to use. I've been gradually been learning on sight what cams fit what sizes, but I'm slow to connect the actual model # to the size since I'm not really a numbers & details sort of person.

The Zeros are extremely flexible along the stem, although the spring which protects the unit forces the stem back into a straight position, compromising some of this flexibility - the Zero actively tries to straighten itself when bent. These haven't got the same rock-grabbing teeth as the Dragons, but DMM say that their raw aluminium surface increases friction, meaning that the cam is more likely to hold on smooth rock types.

You should be able to download the Excel file from this link: setting up a re-slinging service in Europe, 4 Blue (12.1-17.9mm, 8kN, 67g) overlaps with the regular blue 00 Dragon (14-21mm), 5 Silver (15.1-22.5mm, 9kN, 70g) overlapping with silver 0 Dragon (16-25mm), 6 Purple (19-28.3mm, 9kN, 73g) overlaps with purple 1 Dragon (20-33mm). If branding was removed from Totem basics, Dragonflys and Revolutions (the three brands I'd look to buy) is there much in it? In fact, the size 0 Z4 is the smallest cam in the group test, going down to 7.5mm* (though the average person won't notice the 0.3mm difference between this and the 7.8mm Dragonfly 1). From size 1 upwards they have grooved lobes which add some friction to smooth rock types. One good thing to mention as well is the jargon often attached to crack-size when looking over a topo- eg. We'll also look at these and their qualities. What's the verdict? At 5kN the smallest size isn't too strong but that's what you might expect from a micro cam. Cons: Heavy; expensive; smallest sizes tricky to place in irregular cracks. and So, we have compared the Z4s with the X4s. How do they fare against the C3 camming units? Please find below a table of the camming ranges, comparing the C3 units with the Z4 camming devices. Weve also widened the trigger as well for better handling. She was super happy that the cam held that real life test made her believe in the cams. Give us a moment to collect those options for you. Mark, if you really don't have any idea what someone is talking about when they say you need a #3, for God's sake spend a week at Index or the Creek. Here's an interesting site I found about cam angles and forces: Instruction of Replace Trigger Wires on Camalots and Camalot C3's, Safety and Technical Information for Black Diamond Camalot C3. Martin McKenna was a fan of the previous version of the Camalot, so how does he rate the recent updates? single annual Check out the chart to see how the members of the Camalot family overlap. The sling is made from a material called Dynex, which helps with the longevity of the camming unit, from its higher abrasion and cut resistance properties.

Unfortunately flexibility is really where the Master Cams fall down. Please support the following outdoor retailers who support.

Perhaps it is of comfort that BD's Kolin "KP" Powick has administered the Neanderthal test, "We freeze it and beat the crap out of it with a hammer" alongside more conventional technical testing. You will find that the cam head width on the smallest Z4 camming unit (size 0) is same size as the C3 equivalent (size 000). But as you go slightly bigger, you will find that the Z4 units are slightly bigger than the C3s. My bag is packed for a five-day adventure in my favorite part of my backyard: the Bugaboos.

This is true of the Master Cams generally, although it transpires that the plastic casing around the stem can wear out. Plus, it features a modern design that improves on the old tried-and-true Camalots. It does not flex as much as the Dragonflys, Zeros or Totem Basics but it does a good job of solving the flexibility vs stiffness conundrum. Secondly, and this is something we have been really impressed by, is just how narrow the blue, silver, purple and green cams are. And even though placements matter more than rated strength in almost all cases, it's interesting to look at weight vs rated strength: my passive pro maxes out at 10.5 kN, but gets there at a much lower weight than cams. The downside of the Totems in this test is that they don't go as small as the rest of the micro cams, although that's where the Totem Basics come in. NO RETURNS ON SAFETY GEARDue to the nature of the safety gear, we cannot accept returns for change of mind or incorrect size choice on the following safety gear and equipment:All personal protective equipment, harnesses, rope, all load bearing equipment and accessories, helmets, slings, carabiners, belay devices and hardware for life support such as ascenders, fall arrestors and descenders.However, if a product fails to meet a Consumer Guarantee, then this exclusion will not apply.

Is it smooth and slick or is it grindy and an effort? The Master Cams hold well and have good strength ratings. The full range of seven gives excellent coverage from tiny placements to slim hand jams, and if that's not enough, there are also five offset Z4s ranging from a 0.1/0.2 to a 0.5/0.75, providing extra for those exploring the dark arts of protecting pin scars and irregular cracks. Hobart So, Black Diamond have narrowed the head units, made them super flexible, and put the Z4s on a serious diet, to make them almost as light as the Black Diamond Ultralight camming units. Although, the Z4s dont quite match the weight of the Ultralights (on only two units), I would always go for the Z4s, as these have a longer lifespan, hence a better investment. Because the loop of the Black Diamond Ultralight cams are made from dyneema, these have a limited lifespan of 10 years. Whereas the Z4s can last you a lifetime, with occasionally the tape being replaced, as the loop is made of metal wire. However their tiny size makes them extra sensitive to the vagaries of camming devices - holding power, walking and deformation. This makes the units easier to slide into narrow cracks - the wire never restricts the lobes. They are in effect an update to the classic Alien, and in use the alloy from which their cam lobes are made just seems to hold magically well (although in reality it's no softer than some others in the review). Jokes aside, giving a cam a good rattling around once you've placed it is often illuminating in showing how well the cam's lobes grip that particular rock type and how much the lobes move when the the cam's stem is dragged side to side (as it could be in case of rope drag). This video is really long but very informative for the Camalots and Camalot C3's users. The main thing they have over the micro cams in this group test is that they have the benefits of being full bodied cams: their holding power is exceptional, particularly in slick rock such as limestone, and they are much more durable than a micro cam. So, Black Diamond have taken the X4s and the C3s thrown them together. They made the head narrower, the units lighter, very flexible once placed, rigid when placing them, made them very strong, and easy to identify. Its a no brainer. If you are after a cam that performs to a very high level, look no further. Easy to use, flexible when needed, light, an incredible design by Black Diamond. You will not regret your decision, a worthwhile investment. You can see from the above table that the Black Diamond Z4 cam size 0.3 covers the range for the old C3 size 1 and 2. And you can see that the new Black Diamond Z4 size 0, is the smallest cam Black Diamond have ever produced. This review focuses on two new sizes at opposite ends of the range. It's worth defining what we've considered to be 'micro' cams in this review. The sling colour scheme seamlessly links you in with the normal range continuum, and they have a chequered pattern which makes it easy to identify the Z4s quickly on a mixed rack. A double-axle design allows for the widest placement range possible for each cam device, and colour coding makes for easy identification when quick pro is paramount.

}. Great article, thanks for posting. Any info on the alloy used for all the different cam lobes? Micro cams are one of the most specialist - and among the most crucial - pieces of gear on a trad climber's rack. Double-axle design offers widest range for each cam unit, Dyneema core stem design is strong, durable and low-profile, Ergonomically optimized stem and thumb loop for surgically precise placements, Oz, HoodWire, HotWire and Neutrino Rackpacks available for easy racking (see Carabiner section).

tips, fingers, ringlocks, thin hands, hands, cupped hands, fists, OW+ - and their associated cam pro. The stem is durable; you can bounce test these and contort them and they generally hold up well. When light is right, the Camalot Ultralight is essential. There is a pleasing balance to head narrowness vs range, giving you plenty of placement options, and this makes you feel you are able to get maximum contact value for most cracks (even shallow ones), slots, pockets and shotholes. This is one of the easiest small cams to clean. In grams and ounces, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand. Since the "usable" range is so debatable, all manufacturers now list the full dimensions to avoid selling themselves short. Backcountry Advocate ProgramBreaking Trail, Built-in cam stops increase safety in tipped-out placements, Thumb loops make placing easier and provide an additional clip-in for aid climbing, Ultra-narrow heads allow placements in pin scars, Shrouded double-stem design protects trigger wires, Click sizing chart link for range, strength, and weight info. Are they that much better than than Dragonflies/Dragons/C4s? Of all the sets of micro cams they have the largest range and smallest head widths which is exactly what we have been looking for in this review and what makes a set of micro cams, on paper at least, the most desirable. We provide TRAD CLIMBING COURSES and CLIMBING COACHING, we even run CLIMBING PSYCHOLOGY WORKSHOPS, and TRAD FALLING WORKSHOPS and have published a book on CLIMBING PSYCHOLOGY. This observation is on the basis of Width/Range min and max, but if the Operational Range is the correct comparison, the point stands that the average person won't notice the 0.1mm difference between the 7.9mm 'Operational Range' minimum on the size 0 Z4 and the 7.8mm 'Range' minimum on the DMM Dragonfly 1. Nice choice! The Zeros seem to deform and bend quite quickly. Sadly we weren't able to get a set to review, as it'd have been good to include them. If you're an experienced climber you probably have this hard-wired in to your monkey brain by now, but it could be very useful for newer climbers. I'm making a 'rack' part of my data-driven website for storing all of this (and more) and I was planning on regenerating my images dynamically with that data later, among many other uses for having such data accessible from a database with coding skills. The rated active strength for the Z4s ranges from 5kN in the smallest two sizes to 10kN in the largest two (see the bullet points above). As we already know, the X4s head width is already fairly narrow. Surprisingly, the Black Diamond Z4 have narrower head units. You will find the biggest difference in the bigger sizes. I love my aliens. Right now I have eight of these units on my rack. The Zeros also have a thumb loop which really helps you to keep a hold of and place them given that the Zeros are so small. Over the last yearSimon Verspeak has thrashed them on a wide range of rock types. TAS 7000 With sculpted lobes that account for a portion of the weight savings, the Camalot Ultralight features a dyneema cord in place of a cable with all of the same strength you rely on. The cam lobe material is just the right hardness to allow the rock to bite into them.

Whilst you would expect a micro cam to have a narrow head, the Dragonfly sizes which overlap the regular Dragon also benefit from a narrow head width and this is a welcome addition: it means that they are not only beneficial because their sizes overlap the regular Dragons and therefore offer additional placement options, but also because they are much narrower, again differentiating the placements which the two cams fit. Not only is a cam with a smooth action more pleasant to use, it also often correlates with the individual lobes moving in unison, making the cam easier to place. To continue waxing lyrically about the other benefits of the Totem cams, their head widths are incredibly narrow (rivalling the Zeros), they are very flexible thanks to their stemless construction, their soft alloy grips very well, and you can even clip them on two lobes. The Camalot C3 uses a shrouded double-stem design to protect the tiny internals while still providing plenty of flexibility for funky horizontal placements.

If you know where to find this online in the US, let us know, and well add the link. I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot.

Blue: Cupped (read: burly) Hands In terms of the Dragonfly's rated active strength, they range from 6kN in the smallest two sizes to 9kN in the largest two (see the bullet points above). The Totem cams, in their Black, Blue and Yellow sizes, overlap with many of the micro cams in this group test: You can read our review of the Black Totem and the full range of Totems, including the Blue and Yellow. Purple: Fingers On the plus side, the stiff stem of the Master Cam makes it feel extremely solid; it's easy to place and retrieve, confidence-inspiring and durable. With the five cams in the Black Diamond Camalot C3 Package, you're covered from fingers all the way down to, 'Well, time for the aiders.'

I'm not qualified to give any proper advice on safety ratings of climbing equipment, but 6kN is at the acceptable end of the spectrum and seems very good for the very small Green cam, whilst 9kN feels comfortable and is the same as a 00 Dragon. The new, redesigned Camalot C4 has now upped the ante, considering its 10% lighter yet just as durable as before. The Green Dragonfly is incredibly small, beaten slightly only by the smallest Black Diamond Z4. Anecdotally, the lobes of the Totems do seem to have a more malleable surface which bites into the rock, and going on feel alone this might lead us to choose them over the Dragonflys for crucial placements which lack friction. In addition, the cam's springs help to keep the lobes locked in to a placement, so if the springs on a cam aren't working smoothly this may result in the cam walking more than usual. The Z4 lobes are made of a softer aluminium alloy (no anodising) than the C4s which gives a finish with 'more bite', and from the 0.3 upwards the Z4s have a serrated pattern on the lobes which adds to friction on smoother rock types. As well as the purely practical nature of this consideration, there is also a psychological one: if you know that the piece of gear is technically strong enough to hold your fall, you will feel much more confident in it than if not, and given that the vast majority of trad gear placements are not fallen on, the confidence-inspiring ability of a micro cam is often very important. These are the sizes which overlap with your regular cams but they feel like significantly different pieces of kit as, due to their narrow headwidths, they can fit many more placements. The ultimate weapon for thin cracks, pockets or pin scars on cutting-edge climbs and extreme adventures. Any chance to download your Excel file? if (!$('script[src="https://www.youtube.com/iframe_api"]').length) { 0.4 Silver (15.3-27.7mm, 9kN) overlaps with silver 0.4 Camalot C4 (15.5-26.7mm) but wider range, slightly smaller and much narrower headwidth. Points: 490, Latest With the Red and Gold too you've got three options smaller than your regular set of Dragons. Up To 30% Off Backcountry MTB Apparel .css-1081t4c{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Shop Now, Basecamp Under The Stars Shop Coolers, Camp Furniture & More. The large sizes have wide heads for exceptional stability in offwidths.

Not a lot of people know this but, internally, a Camalot is a twin-stemmed device. They stand up well to the extremely scientific 'place them and give them a good tug' test. Flexible stem is laterally stiff for tight placements Simple is good. On first look the patent-pending RigidFlex stem is a curious thing. The flexible stem and extendable sling are both brilliant because they prevent your cams from walking, an issue to which micro cams are particularly prone, but it can make them more difficult for your second to remove as it's sometimes hard to move the lobes using the stem. Overall we like extendable slings.

As such, when they're tugged by the rope on a wandering route, they're susceptible to walking - more so than a regular cam. Collecting every piece of gear takes a little time. It's mentioned as important in the Dragonfly section, then not mentioned again? A cam with a smaller head width can fit in to narrower and more awkward placements than a wider cam, thereby opening more protection possibilities. The extendable slings, when deployed, also really help to prevent walking and add to the flexibility in use of the Zeros. The two smallest Micro Camalots, .1 and .2, lack double axles because of their small sizes, but have cam stops. We have found them pretty confidence-inspiring in fiddly marginal placements (standard culm slabs), though thankfully, didn't fall test them. Sorry to see it go but Im still here. The largest four Camalot Z4 units overlap in size with the standard Camalot C4: Like the DMM Dragonflys, the Black Diamond Z4 range offers three true micro cams (Green, Red, Gold) before sizes overlap with the Camalot C4 range. If you appreciate UKClimbing then please help us by becoming a UKC Supporter. But even Honnold has to thrust his body into deep fissures from time to time:"Many of the most classic routes in the world, As climbers we strive to make UKClimbing the kind of website we would love to visit, with the most up-to-date news, diverse Color-coded for easy identification and wide range of sizes. Having used the Dragonflys for over a year now they are doing pretty well. The latter is affected by the surface of the lobes (and the friction of the rock, but we're not reviewing that!)

Seeming good build quality, options of extendable and non extendable slings, I've use them alongside my Totem Basics for a few years now and rate them both.

Initially we weren't going to include the Totems in this group test, since their micro cams - Totem Basics - are no longer in production. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. It's a really odd feature which restricts the utility of the Master Cams and we can only assume that the extra length of the metal is necessary for the cam's construction, otherwise it would be much better filed off. A final thing worth considering is how easily the lobes retract and spring back.

As such, we've taken the decision to compare all the units in this group test to the DMM Dragon sizes, where relevant. The wire cable gives flexibility to wiggle into an awkward placement, bend around the edges of cracks, and helps minimise walk when pulled directionally. You can still check out all the specs and claim your ownership. This increases your chance of a placement distributing load across all four lobes and minimises walking. Weve also widened the trigger as well for better handling. Matte Black + ChromaPop Polarized Blue Mirror Lens, Matte Black + ChromaPop Polarized Gray Green Lens. Great article, awesome graphics as usual. The lobes are still in good condition with no notches or worn patches but there is some deformation and twisting going on with the smallest cams. The placement sizes also overlap nicely with the DMM Dragons, which is great if you're double-racking cams. I know the Evolutions were a bit of a dud but all of the quality issues seem to have been corrected with the Revolution cams.

I'm looking into building my rack and some of your insights are most welcome. 0.75 Green (23.1-42.1mm, 10kN) overlaps with green 0.75 Camalot C4 (23.9-41.2) but wider range, slightly smaller and much narrower headwidth.

The strength ratings of the Zeros are similar to those of the other micro cams in this review. 0.5 Purple (18.8-33.9, 10kN) overlaps with purple 0.5 Camalot C4 (19.6-33.5mm) but wider range, slightly smaller and much narrower headwidth. Apparently this doesn't affect performance but it's not ideal. In terms of the available sizes this is everything we could want from a range of micro cams. As they're such solid units, including the stems, and they aren't subject to the same bending or deformation as the more flexible cams on test. Though this has not been tested as part of this group, the qualities of the Z4 stack up to make it a credible option on paper.

For finger cracks, if I think I am going to fall on a small cam, I want it to be a C4. As such, my confidence was knocked in the brand somewhat. Rockfax The Totem Basics are Totem's micro cams and we will provide just a brief overview as it's unfair to include a cam which is no longer in production. Seeking the holy grail of a cam that has the stiffness to place easily, but with the flexibility to stay in place, the Z4s are the smallest cams on test and offer both the narrowest headwidth and the largest operational range for each individual cam. They are, without doubt, my micro-cam of choice. incredible community has formed around the site - weve provided the framework but its you who make the website what it is today. Pros: Great balance between stiffness and flexibility; easy to place; interlocking lobes offer a slim profile; stellar performance in winter conditions I recently placed this piece on the crux pitch of cloud tower and it was bomber. Free economy shipping for orders over $50+ exclusions apply. I think the Green is also my favorite C3 and it got a lot of use on the SW face of Conness, fitting in one spot that was surely too narrow for any of our other small gear. 6082 alloy does have a slight advantage over 6061 in that it has increased corrosion resistance. The spring which covers the stem is really solid and protects the stem itself very well. How to use Black Diamond Camalot C3, care, maintenance, lifespan, inspection and retirement with instructional pictures.

If you'd like to go straight to a comparison of the sizes of all the cams in this review just click here. Comparing the strength rating with the cams from the C3 range, we can extract from the below table that the C3s are stronger. But to generate anything more than 5kN in climbing, you are talking about a fairly serious fall. Camalots are as lovely to use as they are beautifully built. Master Cams are a really solid set of cams - which is both a plus point and their downfall. The Dragonfly comes in six sizes, and overlaps in the upper end of the range with the standard Dragon cam: ReviewDMM Dragonfly Micro Cams Unfortunately the different brands use different names to denote similar size ranges of cams. BD has changed their cam sizes over the years, so there are no longer any half-sizes and the actual size ranges varies between the current Camalots and the older ones. Again, being tiny, durability can often be an issue for micro cams. However, on paper there's no difference. Stickers.

camalots The Master Cams comes in ten sizes in total, although for this micro cam group test we had only up to size 2: The ranges and sizes of the Master Cams are as you would expect and, like the Zeros, they have only really have two sizes below regular cam sizes (00 and 0), although as the size 1 blue is 12.5-18mm it does technically sneak in just below the smallest size regular cams of most brands. Black Diamond have taken their smallest cam unit and their most flexible unit, thrown them together. We can distinguish between the strength of the micro cam (the x kN rating it's given) and the ability of the lobes to hold on to the rock when under tension. On fast-and-light missions and smash-and-grab ascents when weight really matters, the Black Diamond Camalot Ultralight presents a 25% weight savings over the Camalot.

Gold: Perfect Hands The 0 is about the same size as a blue Alien / 0 TCU. With the smallest Dragonfly weighing 55g and the largest 73g, and a total combined weight of 386g for the full set, the Dragonflys aren't going to be weighing you down!

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black diamond c3 size chart