Gear Review: Black Diamond Camalot C4 Climbing Cam
Value Rating: 9
Durability Rating: 10
Overall Rating: 8.5
Location of Test: Oregon Rock
Duration of Test: 1 year
Product Name: Camalot C4
Product Brand: Black Diamond
Best Use: Traditional Rock Climbing
The Full Review:
The Black Diamond Camalot C4 Climbing Cams have been the industry standard cam for quite a long time. I picked these up based on their trustworthy reputation. To me, this makes a world of difference while climbing on trad gear. One of the things I like about the Camalots is the easy to use thumb slot while placing the cam. The function of this can't be overlooked in my opinion. The cam itself also feels pretty smooth when opening and closing the device.
One thing that I don't like about this cam is that there is not an extendable sling. This often means I have to use an alpine draw which sometimes gives me more slack than I'd like. The other cams I have with extendable slings are nice because I can extend it, add a quick draw, and it’s the perfect length. Another key point about these cams is that they are beefy and durable. I've got some used ones I picked up from a friend and they've been around a while now. With just a bit of cam lube now and then I feel plenty confident climbing on them.
The Good:
Durable
Reliable
Easy to use
The Bad:
Nonextendable sling
The Bottom Line:
All in all the Camalot is a great cam that expert climbers have been using for years. I like mine and I trust them with my life after all. I would say there are more updated cams out there that have some nice features as well but overall these are a dependable choice.
The Full Review:
The Black Diamond Camalot C4 Climbing Cams have been the industry standard cam for quite a long time. I picked these up based on their trustworthy reputation. To me, this makes a world of difference while climbing on trad gear. One of the things I like about the Camalots is the easy to use thumb slot while placing the cam. The function of this can't be overlooked in my opinion. The cam itself also feels pretty smooth when opening and closing the device.
One thing that I don't like about this cam is that there is not an extendable sling. This often means I have to use an alpine draw which sometimes gives me more slack than I'd like. The other cams I have with extendable slings are nice because I can extend it, add a quick draw, and it’s the perfect length. Another key point about these cams is that they are beefy and durable. I've got some used ones I picked up from a friend and they've been around a while now. With just a bit of cam lube now and then I feel plenty confident climbing on them.
The Good:
Durable
Reliable
Easy to use
The Bad:
Nonextendable sling
The Bottom Line:
All in all the Camalot is a great cam that expert climbers have been using for years. I like mine and I trust them with my life after all. I would say there are more updated cams out there that have some nice features as well but overall these are a dependable choice.