Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Jason Antin, IFMGA/AMGA Mountain Guide | Avalanche Educator | Mountain Performance Coach — Golden, CO
Highlights: durable
The C4 Camalot by Black Diamond is the world’s best-selling cam, designed for trad climbers seeking unmatched reliability and performance. With its lightweight construction and innovative features, it ensures easy handling and efficient racking for both seasoned climbers and adventurous newcomers. 1. Lightweight Design: Sculpted lobes provide an optimized strength-to-weight ratio, making it easy to carry on long climbs. 2. Visual Differentiation: Larger sizes feature distinct slings for quick identification while racking, enhancing efficiency during climbs. 3. Innovative Trigger Keeper: Sizes #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 include a trigger keeper that keeps the cam compact for racking and allows for immediate release when needed. 4. Wide Trigger: The cam is equipped with a wide trigger for easy handling, ensuring smooth operation even in challenging conditions. 5. Trusted Brand: Backed by over 35 years of excellence, the C4 Camalot is synonymous with reliability and performance in the climbing community. 6. Versatile Use: Suitable for a variety of climbing scenarios, from first ascents to scenic trade routes and complex projects. 7. Durable Construction: Built to withstand the rigors of climbing, ensuring longevity and consistent performance in various environments. The C4 Camalot is ideal for traditional climbing, providing essential protection on multi-pitch routes and cragging adventures. It excels in diverse environments, from rugged mountain terrains to sport climbing areas. Targeted towards climbers of all skill levels, it is perfect for both beginners learning the ropes and experienced climbers tackling challenging ascents. The cam performs best in spring and summer conditions but is versatile enough to be used year-round, making it a reliable choice for any climbing expedition.
Price: $89.95
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What other hosts are saying
14 experts recommend the Black Diamond C4 Camalot - #1.
Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
A staple on any trad climber's rack, I carry singles in the Black Diamond C4s including #1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. They have a slightly smaller camming range than the Wild Country Friends, which offers great variety on your rack so you can always find that perfect placement.
Recommended in Top Rope Anchors
Ben Lim, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide
These are the standard against which every other piece of traditional climbing protection is measured against. I often even think about stopper sizes in relation to the sizes of C4 cams.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Essentials
Ryan Harris, Mountain Guide and Ski Patroller
part of my standard rack
Recommended in Traditional rock climbing
Spencer Huffman, Rock and Alpine Guide | Climbing Instructor and Coach
A favorite cam in the bigger sizes (1 and up). Can't beat 'em!
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
Dan Morley, Rock Climbing Guide
C4's are the standard by which all other cams are measured and, in my opinion, the best value for your money. While I do prefer the Z4's for the sizes they're available, I also own C4's in all the sizes and they perform great. My recommendation for building a full rack of cams to tackle nearly any climb: get one of each of sizes 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 4; get two of each in sizes 0.3 to 3.
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
The long time standard in cams! BD C4s are hard to beat, long lasting, easy to use, and at a reasonable price point. I use C4s in sizes #1 and up, and generally carry two each sizes 1-3, supplementing with larger sizes as needed. For smaller cams I prefer the Z4, and will often use Ultralights when concerned about weight.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
The C4 Cams are the classic BD cams that have remained true to their capabilities. This link will allow you to purchase individual cam sizes to fill the void in your rack.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
BD cams are the workhorse of my rack. If you're looking to buy cams for the first time, buy a rack of Camalots.
Recommended in Guide Kit
Chris Johnson, Apprentice Climbing Guide, Professional Ski Patroller
The gold standard in cams. For a beginner rack, a single set of #0.3-#3 is a great range for Colorado.
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
The tried and true and refined trad classic. Ubiquitous, durable, dependable without being flashy.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
These are the bread and butter cams that should be on every trad climbers rack. Sizes 1 (red) through 4 (grey) are the perfect balance of weight and functionality.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
Industry-standard cams. I use the classic C4 cams for size #1 and bigger
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Tried and true cams. I prefer Z4s for the smaller sizes and have C4s from 1 through 6.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program
