In reply to UKC Gear:
Just read the report. Apparently there was a similar failure with a WC Friend. However I can't find the report (TCM02/06 WC Friend) to compare.
As a owner of 4 Rock Empire Flexi cams (out of 6 cams on my rack - the other 2 are BD Camalots) I read the report quite carefully. There are a fews points I found interesting:
1. The failure was due to concentrated bending stress at where the flexi cable attaches to the stiff stem - most single stem flexi cams (of all brands) share this design. I suppose that's why double stem cams are better for horizontal cracks as them don't always need connections to stiff stems and the load can be distributed to both cables.
2. The report suggested the plastic sleeve to cover the joint - but then it's impossible to inspect unless the sleeve is transparent, a point which it also suggested. However similar cams on the market (BD Camalot/ WC Tech Friends) have the same design as the Rock Empire ones (black sleeve butt up against the stem). Perhaps we will see some changes in the future.
3. The report suggested a bigger cable diameter and more wires per strand to be used. I compare my Camalot 0.3 to my RE Flexi 1 - the Camalot do have slightly thicker cable even at a smaller size.
My personal response to this will be:
1. Check the cables more regularly.
2. Try to use a double stem cam for critical horizontal crack placement.
3. Check all my cams immediately. As I've never fallen on any of them and they are all in good condition I can't see the reason to retire them. The fatigue failure was reported to be from repeated bending which none of my cams have experienced.
4. Use a nut if the placement will take either nut or cam - which I always do.
5. Look for bigger cable diameters when I buy new cams.
I remember when the old style stiff stem cams were the norm many climbers would thread a 6mm cord parallel to the stem as a back up in case the stem snap. I suppose camming devices are still evolving there's no such thing as a failure proof device. However until an incidence like this happens it's easy to forget the importance of regular gear inspection.