UKC

I'm currently looking to invest in a new set of cams however I'm torn between Camelots or Mastercams. Any opinions out there appreciated on pro's or con's....

In reply to jugforathug:

I use C4's for the normal sizes and mastercams for the micros, which works really well as a combo.

The one thing to be aware of is that Mastercams can rust and so you need to be very careful about drying/treating them in wet and, in particular, salty (ie. seacliff) conditions. I wouldn't really want an entire rack of them, anything else aside.

In reply to Skyfall:

Ok, that's helpful thanks..what size do you start with the BD's..? I've thought about mixing but if the mastercams have a tendency to rust., maybe I should wait till the new BD's come out....

In reply to jugforathug: Wait for the new BD x4 but if you cannt wait get the new aliens.

In reply to jugforathug:

C4s are excellent as are DMM Dragon Cams.

Don't buy Master Cams they last about five minutes if you take them near the sea.

I would buy C4 or Dragons from purple upwards.

I would buy Totem basic cams (aliens) in the sizes below that. They are much more flexible than any other cam and are made of a softer alloy so stick better.

They are only available from Needle Sports: http://needlesports.com/Catalogue/Rock-Climbing-Equipment/Camming-Devices/M...

HTH

In reply to jugforathug: Personally, I don't like the staggered feel of the metolius triggers, which don't feel like they contract the lobes an equal amount across the range. Definitly prefer c4s.

In reply to jugforathug: love C4

In reply to jugforathug:

Can't stand metolius cams. Once you get used to the range on a C4, pulling the trigger on a mastercam is an unsatisying experience.

In reply to jugforathug:

The C4 are safe bet for the bigger sizes (up from 0.5 or 0.75). Would also take a look on DMM Dragons for slightly different aspect on similar devices. I have some of both and they have their own strengths.

For smaller sizes I'd take a look on something else than master cams. I have a few of them and don't really like them. The biggest problem is their small expansion range. It's hard to make them fit good. Also the build doesn't feel so robust. I'd take a look on Totem Basic cams (aka Aliens) or C3's instead. Also the BD X4 might be worth the wait. However my favourite is Totem cam (the original, not the basic). They have a unique build and feel bomber while having a impressive expansion range.

In reply to Tom Ripley Mountain Guide:

But only if you never bother to check and clean your gear after sea cliff climbing.

I've got a couple of the small ones and they're great. Never had a problem with them after using on sea clifs. But I don't dunk then in the sea, and I do try to remember to give them a quick squirt of WD40 or something when I get home and unpack. Don't always remember though.

Si

In reply to SCC:


I agree - in the small sizes they are great. Prefer them to the BD micros (C3's?) etc. I've not had them seize up - I was just throwing that out as a note of caution. As for build quality and action, I really like them. Also good value for money.

In reply to Skyfall:

Another thought, I don't like the bigger sizes as it's quite easy to pull the trigger hard enough to get the stem to bend, making placing/removing it a bit of a pain.

Si

In reply to jugforathug: I'm very surprised that no-one has mentioned Wild Country Zero Cams. In terms of value for money they are easily the best and are available for as little as £33 each.

Their performance is excellent, they are lightweight and have a great extendable sling. Their durability is sometimes questioned, but I have had no real issues in the ten years I have used them.

I'd happily climb on Aliens (and have done so extensively) or Mastercams, but when it comes to my own money, I've gone for Zeros in sizes 3,4,5,5,6,6.

In reply to chriisu:

Glad to hear that, as I just bought a set to replace my 80s-vintage forged Friends but haven't had a chance to use them yet.

Added #4 and #5 Dragons for the larger end; am holding fire on smaller to stuff until I get more feel for what I might want/need.

In reply to chriisu:

Yeah, i do like the DMM Dragons a lot but I have narrowed it down to the Masters and C4's as I read in a review they weren't the best for AID When I get out of this country and need to use that technique, I'd like to be able to have the best gear for that. I started climbing i made a mistake buying cams the DMM 4CU's being the cheapest. tbh, I am regretting that decision as they just aren't as good as others out there hence now I want to refresh my rack..

In reply to jugforathug:

Mastercams I found pretty ace for aiding, but Metolius are very unaware of Seacliffs as taking them anywhere near the sea and they instantly start to rust. I think BD fair better, but a point for your consideration.