When you first build your trad rack you’ll probably have cams that go as small as .75 inches. That will cover you on most easier climbs but as you move up the grades you will find the need for smaller more flexible cams. While there are a lot of options on the market, for this review I’m going to check out the Black Diamond Camalot X4 cams.
Black Diamond came out with the X4 to complement their classic C4 line up. The X4’s start smaller and overlap with the smallest 4 C4 cams. They are available in .1, .2, .3 .4, .5 and .75. The 3 smallest sizes use a stacked axle which is elliptically shaped giving a wider camming range for a single axle design. The 3 biggest X4’s use a double axle like the C4 family giving an even wider expansion range. With C4 they go down to size .3 which covers from around .5-.9 inches (13.8-23.4mm). This is pretty small but the head width is still pretty wide for the size in addition to having a relatively stiff stem. The X4 addresses these issues with a narrower head width and a super flexible stem. [Read more…] about Black Diamond Camalot X4 Review
Climbing ropes are some of the most important pieces of equipment used by climbers for both practical and safety purposes. However, there are many different types, lengths, and widths of climbing ropes and each is used for different types of climbing activities. It is important to buy the correct climbing rope to meet your needs. If you are buying climbing rope for the first time, the vast array of different ropes for climbing may seem confusing. Even experienced climbers can find choosing the best climbing ropes a tricky process simply because of the sheer volume of options. The reviews of the best climbing ropes available along with a buying guide will help you to maneuver your way through the decision-making process as it highlights all the factors you need to consider when making your decision. 
