Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Jason Antin, IFMGA/AMGA Mountain Guide | Avalanche Educator | Mountain Performance Coach — Golden, CO
The C4 Camalot by Black Diamond is the pinnacle of climbing protection, renowned for its superior strength-to-weight ratio and innovative design. Trusted by climbers for over 35 years, it combines lightweight construction with user-friendly features, making it an essential addition to any trad climber's gear. 1. Lightweight Design: Sculpted lobes provide an optimized strength-to-weight ratio, ensuring durability without unnecessary bulk. 2. Visual Differentiation: Larger sizes feature distinct slings for easy identification when racking, streamlining gear management. 3. Innovative Trigger Keeper: Sizes #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 include a trigger keeper that keeps the cam contracted for compact racking and quick release. 4. Wide Trigger: Designed for easy handling, the wide trigger allows for seamless placement, even in challenging conditions. 5. Trusted Brand: Manufactured by Black Diamond, a leader in climbing equipment, ensuring reliability and performance. 6. Versatile Use: Suitable for a variety of climbing scenarios, from first ascents to established trade routes. 7. Comprehensive Range: Available in multiple sizes to accommodate diverse rock features and climbing styles. The C4 Camalot is ideal for trad climbers seeking reliable protection on multi-pitch ascents, sport routes, or adventurous new climbs. It excels in various environments, from granite faces to sandstone crags, making it suitable for all seasons. Whether you're a seasoned climber or an ambitious novice, this cam is designed to enhance your climbing experience by providing confidence and security in every placement.
Price: $89.95
More from Jason Antin's Trad Rack
View Jason Antin's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
14 experts recommend the Black Diamond C4 Camalot - 0.3.
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
