Ever wrestled with tricky ascents, wishing for a little extra grip? Meet the single axle climbing cam—your new best friend for conquering challenging climbs. This ingenious piece of climbing gear, with its simple yet robust single axle design, provides superior holding power and smooth placements in cracks and fissures. Forget struggling with unreliable protection; experience the confidence of a secure camming device, boosting your climbing game and making those tricky routes a whole lot more fun. Upgrade your climbing rack with this essential piece of climbing safety equipment.
This curated list helps consumers navigate the diverse market and find the ideal item. Factors such as material quality, ease of use, and overall performance were considered to ensure only top-performing options are presented, saving shoppers valuable time and effort in their search for the perfect product.
1. Black Diamond C4 Camming Device Sets
Unbeatable grip, durability, and resale value make these cams legendary.
- Highly rated
- Cam quality
- Value for money
Conquer any crack with the Black Diamond Camalot C4 Cam Sets, the ultimate in protection for trad climbing. These lightweight cams boast a revolutionary double-axle design, providing the widest range of placement options for each size. The durable C-Loop continuous cable stem ensures reliable performance, while color-coded units allow for quick identification amidst the chaos of a challenging climb. At 10% lighter than their predecessors, these cams minimize pack weight, maximizing your climbing efficiency. Whether you're tackling big walls or smaller sport routes, the Camalot C4's superior design and trusted performance provide climbers with unmatched security and confidence.
These Black Diamond C4 cams are a climber's dream! Boasting unparalleled performance in parallel cracks within their size range, they consistently outperform other standard cams. Their exceptional durability and Black Diamond's commitment to quality ensures a reliable and long-lasting piece of gear; a testament to their consistent manufacturing process. The popularity of the C4s means easy identification for partners and excellent resale value should you ever decide to part with them. While some users noted wanting newer models or needing supplemental cams for specific crack types, the overall consensus points to the C4s' superior performance and value for money. The included climbing DVD is a welcome bonus! These cams are a staple in any trad climber's rack, offering peace of mind and reliable protection on even the most challenging routes – truly a life-saver, as many users attest.
- Brand: BLACK DIAMOND
- Manufacturer: Black Diamond
- Size: .5 to 3 (5 Cams)
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Rate: 4.7 / 77
- Widest camming range per unit
- Durable C-Loop stem design
- Color-coded for easy size identification
- Traditional rock climbing
- Sport climbing
- Ice climbing
2. Black Diamond Camalot C4: Updated Climbing Cam
Reliable, versatile cams perfect for climbing adventures.
The Black Diamond Camalot C4 (2019) redefines protection in the world of climbing. This updated design boasts a 10% weight reduction compared to its predecessor, making it ideal for alpine ascents and multi-pitch climbs. Innovative trigger keepers on sizes #4-#8 ensure compact racking, streamlining your climbing experience. The double-axle design maximizes cam range, providing superior versatility in varied placements. Built with a durable C-Loop continuous cable stem, the Camalot C4 offers reliable performance and exceptional strength, making it a crucial piece of gear for any serious climber. Whether you're tackling challenging cracks or seeking added security, this is a top-tier protection device.
Black Diamond Camalots are a top choice for trad climbers, offering a reliable and versatile solution for various climbing needs. These mechanical camming devices, praised for their precision and lightweight design, provide a perfect middle ground for most climbing situations, proving invaluable whether tackling challenging rock faces or simpler routes. Users consistently highlight their long-lasting quality and performance, with many reporting years of dependable use. While some comments mentioned older production dates (a factor easily mitigated by checking directly with Black Diamond or local retailers), the overwhelming consensus points to the Camalots' exceptional value and performance. Their consistent reliability makes them a trusted piece of equipment, justifying the investment for serious climbers. The positive feedback, including descriptions of superior quality and swift shipping, reinforces Black Diamond's reputation for excellence in climbing gear.
- Brand: BLACK DIAMOND
- Color: NO COLOR
- Manufacturer: Black Diamond
- Material: Plastic
- Size: 0.4
- Style: Modern
- Weight: 60 Grams
- Rate: 4.7 / 143
- 10% lighter design
- Innovative trigger keeper for compact racking
- Widest camming range
- Traditional sport climbing
- Traditional trad climbing
- Big wall climbing
3. Ultralight Master Cam (Metolius)
Metolius Master Cams: vibrant colors, lightweight, and reliable.
Conquer your next climb with the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam, a revolutionary piece of protection engineered for weight-conscious climbers. Its redesigned construction boasts a 40% weight reduction per set compared to traditional cams, achieved through CNC-machined cam lobes and stops offering superior precision. Bright, color-coded triggers, thumb pieces, and 11mm Monster Sling webbing ensure quick identification and confident placement. Hand-built and rigorously proof-tested in Bend, Oregon, each cam guarantees reliable performance and unwavering safety, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking lightweight, high-performance protection on any adventure.
The Metolius Master Cam is a standout performer in the world of camming devices. Its lightweight design and superior quality make it a favorite among climbers, often preferred over competitors like the Black Diamond C4. The innovative color-coded lobes are a game-changer, instantly identifying the correct cam size for efficient placement, eliminating any guesswork. Climbers consistently praise their ease of use and reliability, resulting in a consistently positive experience. While one user reported a missing cam in their shipment (an isolated incident likely due to shipping and not product quality), the overwhelming consensus points to the Metolius Master Cam as a top-tier choice for any climber looking for a dependable and efficient protection system. The overall experience is exceptional, earning it a well-deserved high rating.
- Brand: Metolius
- Color: Purple
- Manufacturer: Metolius
- Size: #0
- Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- Rate: 4.5 / 24
- 40% lighter than conventional cams
- Precision CNC machined cam lobes and stops
- Hand-built and individually proof-tested
- Lightweight backpacking and climbing
- Alpine climbing and mountaineering
- Sport climbing where weight savings are critical
4. Metolius Super Cam: Superior Rock Climbing Protection
The Metolius Supercam, a rock climbing camming device, offers reliable protection on a variety of crack sizes. Its robust 6061 T6 aluminum construction and 12kN strength ensure dependable performance, even under significant load. The four-lobe camming design, coupled with a single axle, provides smooth placement and a secure hold within the specified range (small: 1.62-2.75in, medium: 2.11-3.65in, large: 2.65-4.65in). Whether you're trad climbing or placing protection for sport climbing, the Supercam's efficient design and durable materials make it a go-to piece of climbing gear for both beginners and experienced climbers alike.
This cam's funky design is a real head-turner! The standout feature is its impressively large range, a significant advantage for climbers who prioritize versatility and carrying fewer pieces of gear. While the trigger might require a bit more effort to place than some competitors, this is a worthwhile trade-off for the expansive protection it offers. For the average climber, or those tackling a variety of crack systems, the convenience of covering a wider range with a single cam far outweighs any minor placement difficulty. It's the perfect choice for efficiently protecting a wide spectrum of climbs.
- Brand: Metolius
- Color: Gray
- Manufacturer: Metolius
- Material: Aluminum
- Size: Small
- Weight: 5.6 ounces
- Rate: 4.1 / 3
- Wide placement range
- High strength (12kN)
- Durable 6061 T6 aluminum construction
- Traditional crack climbing
- Sport climbing with cracks
- Aid climbing
5. TriCam Climbing Cam for Men & Women
Conquer challenging climbs with the Camp Unisex Tricam Climbing Cam, a versatile piece of climbing protection designed for unique placements. Its dual functionality—as both an active cam and passive chock—allows it to secure holds in tight, horizontal cracks and solution pockets where other cams fail. The Tricam excels in awkward placements, thanks to its innovative design. Sizes 0.125 to 2.0 feature stiffer sling sewing, enabling easier one-handed placement and removal, crucial in precarious situations. Whether you're tackling demanding cracks or seeking additional security, the Tricam's reliable performance and ease of use make it an essential addition to any climber's rack.
- Brand: CAMP
- Color: Brown
- Manufacturer: CAMP
- Material: Blend
- Size: 1.5
- Weight: 3.52 ounces
- Dual placement modes (active and passive)
- Fits in extremely tight cracks
- Easy one-handed placement and removal
- Traditional climbing
- Sport climbing with challenging crack systems
- Aid climbing