Brand: Black Diamond

Category: Climbing Protection

Recommended by Doug Dobkowski, Outdoor Educator, Guide — North Conway, NH

Highlights: beginner friendly

The Stopper Set #4-13 by Black Diamond is an essential collection of climbing stoppers designed for reliable protection and versatility on your trad climbing adventures. Engineered for durability and ease of use, this set provides climbers with the confidence they need to tackle challenging routes. 1. Comprehensive Range: Includes stoppers #4 through #13, offering a variety of sizes to fit different crack widths and placements. 2. Durable Construction: Made from high-quality aluminum, ensuring lightweight performance without sacrificing strength. 3. Color-Coded System: Each stopper features a distinct color for quick identification and ease of use during climbs. 4. Smooth Edges: Designed with rounded edges to minimize rock damage and enhance placement security. 5. Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of climbing scenarios, from multi-pitch routes to single-pitch crags. 6. Lightweight Design: Each stopper is crafted to be lightweight, reducing overall gear load while maintaining strength. 7. Reliable Performance: Designed to hold firm under tension, providing climbers with dependable protection on varied rock types. The Stopper Set #4-13 is ideal for trad climbers seeking reliable gear for protection on natural rock routes. It performs best in a variety of environments, from granite cliffs to sandstone crags, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers alike. This set excels in scenarios where quick and secure placements are crucial, such as during multi-pitch climbs or challenging lead ascents. Perfect for year-round climbing, it is an essential addition to any climber's gear collection.

Price: $144.95

Who it's for: A solid first nut set for trad climbers, or a supplement to an existing rack—particularly useful for filling gaps at the largest and smallest sizes. Those who already own offset stoppers may find this set pairs well with them.
What people are saying: Hosts praise the range covered and find them easier to size and place than other brands, with one host switching after a single session on a friend's set. One host notes the large stoppers see little real-world use, so the upper end of the set may go underutilized.
Worth noting: Stoppers #1–3 are not rated for lead falls—body weight only, suited to aid climbing—so this set does not fully replace a lead-rated small-nut solution. Priced lower than the offset stopper set while covering a broader range.

Doug Dobkowski's review

I find these stoppers the easiest to place. I used several different brands before climing on my buddies Black Diamond Stoppers. I went home that day and ordered my own set. I can't explain what it is about their design, but I find these the easiest to pick the right size and slot it into constrictions just right. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that they use the same color scheme as the popular Camelot C4s. The really small stoppers (#1-3) are not rated for lead falls, body weight only. People use those for aid climbing. If you need a recommendation for really small stoppers, check out my link for DMM brass offsets.

Recommended by Doug Dobkowski, Outdoor Educator, Guide

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Stopper Set #4-13 for?

A solid first nut set for trad climbers, or a supplement to an existing rack—particularly useful for filling gaps at the largest and smallest sizes. Those who already own offset stoppers may find this set pairs well with them.

What do experts say about the Stopper Set #4-13?

Hosts praise the range covered and find them easier to size and place than other brands, with one host switching after a single session on a friend's set. One host notes the large stoppers see little real-world use, so the upper end of the set may go underutilized.

What should you know before buying the Stopper Set #4-13?

Stoppers #1–3 are not rated for lead falls—body weight only, suited to aid climbing—so this set does not fully replace a lead-rated small-nut solution. Priced lower than the offset stopper set while covering a broader range.

What does Doug Dobkowski say about the Stopper Set #4-13?

Why does Doug Dobkowski recommend Black Diamond?

Doug Dobkowski recommends the Black Diamond Stopper Set #4-13 for climbing protection. I find these stoppers the easiest to place. I used several different brands before climing on my buddies Black Diamond Stoppers. I went home that day and ordered my own set. I can't explain what it is about their design, but I find these the easiest to pick the right size and slot it into constrictions just right. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that they use the same color scheme as the popular Camelot C4s. The really small stoppers (#1-3) are not rated for lead falls, body weight only. People use those for aid climbing. If you need a recommendation for really small stoppers, check out my link for DMM brass offsets.

Is the Stopper Set #4-13 a good climbing protection?

Yes — Doug Dobkowski recommends the Stopper Set #4-13 by Black Diamond as their climbing protection pick. I find these stoppers the easiest to place. I used several different brands before climing on my buddies Black Diamond Stoppers. I went home that day and ordered my own set. I can't explain what it is about their design, but I find these the easiest to pick the right size and slot it into constrictions just right. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that they use the same color scheme as the popular Camelot C4s. The really small stoppers (#1-3) are not rated for lead falls, body weight only. People use those for aid climbing. If you need a recommendation for really small stoppers, check out my link for DMM brass offsets.

More from Doug Dobkowski's Trad Gear

View Doug Dobkowski's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu

Stopper Set #4-13

Purchasing through this link directly supports Doug

Who it's for: A solid first nut set for trad climbers, or a supplement to an existing rack—particularly useful for filling gaps at the largest and smallest sizes. Those who already own offset stoppers may find this set pairs well with them.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts praise the range covered and find them easier to size and place than other brands, with one host switching after a single session on a friend's set. One host notes the large stoppers see little real-world use, so the upper end of the set may go underutilized.
Worth noting: Stoppers #1–3 are not rated for lead falls—body weight only, suited to aid climbing—so this set does not fully replace a lead-rated small-nut solution. Priced lower than the offset stopper set while covering a broader range.

Stopper Set #4-13

Who it's for: A solid first nut set for trad climbers, or a supplement to an existing rack—particularly useful for filling gaps at the largest and smallest sizes. Those who already own offset stoppers may find this set pairs well with them.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts praise the range covered and find them easier to size and place than other brands, with one host switching after a single session on a friend's set. One host notes the large stoppers see little real-world use, so the upper end of the set may go underutilized.
Worth noting: Stoppers #1–3 are not rated for lead falls—body weight only, suited to aid climbing—so this set does not fully replace a lead-rated small-nut solution. Priced lower than the offset stopper set while covering a broader range.

Purchasing through this link directly supports Doug

What other hosts are saying

5 experts recommend the Black Diamond Stopper Set #4-13.

Peter Thomas, Guide

These offer greater range than the offset stopper set at a lower price point. I often use these to supplement the offsets, especially in the largest and smallest sizes.

Recommended in Trad Climbing

Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer

This nut rack gives you a little extra. Personally, I find myself using the large stoppers the least. I own many, most of which have never found their way off of my harness. BUT, if you love nuts, this is a good choice to fill the void between the other 2 options.

Recommended in Trad Climbing

Chris Johnson, Apprentice Climbing Guide, Professional Ski Patroller

A great first set of nuts.

Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear

Woody Jacobson, AMGA Certified Rock Guide

This set includes a good range of stoppers for your trad rack.

Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program

Stopper Set #4-13

Purchasing through this link directly supports Doug

Who it's for: A solid first nut set for trad climbers, or a supplement to an existing rack—particularly useful for filling gaps at the largest and smallest sizes. Those who already own offset stoppers may find this set pairs well with them.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts praise the range covered and find them easier to size and place than other brands, with one host switching after a single session on a friend's set. One host notes the large stoppers see little real-world use, so the upper end of the set may go underutilized.
Worth noting: Stoppers #1–3 are not rated for lead falls—body weight only, suited to aid climbing—so this set does not fully replace a lead-rated small-nut solution. Priced lower than the offset stopper set while covering a broader range.

Stopper Set #4-13

Who it's for: A solid first nut set for trad climbers, or a supplement to an existing rack—particularly useful for filling gaps at the largest and smallest sizes. Those who already own offset stoppers may find this set pairs well with them.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts praise the range covered and find them easier to size and place than other brands, with one host switching after a single session on a friend's set. One host notes the large stoppers see little real-world use, so the upper end of the set may go underutilized.
Worth noting: Stoppers #1–3 are not rated for lead falls—body weight only, suited to aid climbing—so this set does not fully replace a lead-rated small-nut solution. Priced lower than the offset stopper set while covering a broader range.

Purchasing through this link directly supports Doug