Brand: Metolius
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Cage Vigil, Guide — Ogden, Utah or Mammoth Lakes, California
Highlights: lightweight, durable, small sizes
The Metolius Ultralight Master Cam Black 5 is a high-performance climbing protection device designed for serious climbers seeking optimal safety and lightweight convenience. Its innovative design and durable construction make it an essential tool for tackling challenging routes with confidence. 1. Ultralight Design: Weighs only 1.7 ounces, making it one of the lightest cams available, perfect for reducing overall gear weight. 2. Dual Axle System: Offers a wider range of expansion, allowing for secure placements in various crack sizes. 3. Strong and Durable: Constructed with high-quality aluminum and robust nylon, ensuring longevity and reliability in demanding conditions. 4. Color-Coded for Easy Identification: Bright color scheme simplifies quick selection and enhances visibility during climbs. 5. Range: Expands from 1.50 to 2.25 inches, providing versatility for different climbing scenarios. 6. Trigger Pull: Features a smooth, ergonomic trigger for easy handling and precise placements, even with gloves. 7. CE and UIAA Certified: Meets rigorous safety standards, ensuring peace of mind for climbers at all levels. The Metolius Ultralight Master Cam Black 5 is ideal for rock climbing, particularly in multi-pitch and traditional climbing scenarios where weight savings are critical. It performs best in rocky environments with various crack sizes, making it suitable for both sport and trad climbers. This cam is designed for intermediate to advanced users who require reliable protection on challenging ascents. It excels in spring and fall conditions when climbers seek to tackle rugged terrains with confidence and safety.
Price: $69.95
- Who it's for
- Climbers who want lighter cams for granite and alpine routes, and those who need sizes that fall between standard Black Diamond cam sizes. Most useful in the smaller sizes (00–4).
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the lighter weight and the way smaller sizes fill gaps between BD sizes, particularly for thin and finger cracks. The main recurring criticism is the absence of a thumb loop.
- Worth noting
- Hosts recommend prioritizing sizes 00–4; the larger sizes (black/#5 and up) get less consistent endorsement. Notes are otherwise thin on durability or fit caveats beyond the missing thumb loop.
Cage Vigil's review
My favorite light cams, especially for granite alpine zones. Lighter than the competition and a greater available size range.
Recommended by Cage Vigil, Guide
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam for?
Climbers who want lighter cams for granite and alpine routes, and those who need sizes that fall between standard Black Diamond cam sizes. Most useful in the smaller sizes (00–4).
What do experts say about the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam?
Hosts consistently praise the lighter weight and the way smaller sizes fill gaps between BD sizes, particularly for thin and finger cracks. The main recurring criticism is the absence of a thumb loop.
What should you know before buying the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam?
Hosts recommend prioritizing sizes 00–4; the larger sizes (black/#5 and up) get less consistent endorsement. Notes are otherwise thin on durability or fit caveats beyond the missing thumb loop.
What does Cage Vigil say about the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam?
My favorite light cams, especially for granite alpine zones. Lighter than the competition and a greater available size range.
Why does Cage Vigil recommend Metolius?
Cage Vigil recommends the Metolius Metolius Ultralight Master Cam for climbing protection. My favorite light cams, especially for granite alpine zones. Lighter than the competition and a greater available size range.
Is the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam a good climbing protection?
Yes — Cage Vigil recommends the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam by Metolius as their climbing protection pick. My favorite light cams, especially for granite alpine zones. Lighter than the competition and a greater available size range.
More from Cage Vigil's Multi-Day Alpine
View Cage Vigil's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
4 experts recommend the Metolius Ultralight Master Cam.
Spencer Huffman, Rock and Alpine Guide | Climbing Instructor and Coach
Great in the smaller cams for in between the BD sizes.
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
These are my favorite cams for smaller cracks. They also fit in between the Black Diamond sizes. I recommend purchasing these cams in sizes 00-4 (00, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4). The corresponding colors are: Grey, Purple, Blue, Yellow, Orange, and Red.
Recommended in Trad Gear
Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
Personally, I love the Master Cams. They get a lot of slack, mostly for not having a thumb loop. The only sizes I find I constantly use of the #0, 1, 2, 3, 4 (purple, blue, yellow, orange. I sometimes find myself using the black one, as it seems more on par with a BD 0.75 vs the red #5.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
