Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide — Colorado Springs, CO
Highlights: durable, flexible stem, small sizes
The Camalot™ Z4 is a revolutionary climbing cam designed for optimal performance and reliability, featuring a unique RigidFlex stem that enhances usability and placement stability. With its innovative design and superior holding power, this cam is perfect for climbers seeking precision and confidence in their gear. 1. Patented RigidFlex stem allows for rigidity in-hand while flexing upon placement for enhanced stability. 2. Independently floating trigger wires prevent bending under tension, ensuring reliable performance during use. 3. Dual twisted cable construction in larger sizes provides uniform flex, while smaller sizes utilize single cable construction to minimize trigger profile. 4. Four lobes with a sandblasted finish enhance grip and holding power on various rock types. 5. Available in sizes ranging from #0 to .75, catering to both beginner and advanced climbers for diverse climbing scenarios. 6. Similar head-width to the Camalot C3, allowing for seamless integration into existing gear setups. 7. Lightweight design ideal for fast and efficient climbing in challenging environments. The Camalot™ Z4 is designed for traditional climbing, making it an essential tool for climbers tackling cracks and placements in various terrains. It excels in rocky environments, from desert cliffs to alpine routes, providing confidence for both novice and experienced climbers. Ideal for multi-pitch climbs or quick ascents, this cam is perfect for those looking to minimize weight without sacrificing performance. Whether you're navigating technical routes or seeking reliable protection on your next adventure, the Z4 is your go-to choice for climbing safety.
Price: $99.95
- Who it's for
- Trad climbers who want small cams (sizes 0–0.75) that fit shallow, narrow, or horizontal placements where a standard C4 won't go. Hosts consistently recommend them as a second set on a double rack in finger-sized pieces, sizes 0.3–0.75.
- What people are saying
- Hosts overwhelmingly favor these as their top small cam, citing the narrow head width and flexible stem as the defining advantages. No notable criticism appears across the notes; praise is one-sided and consistent.
- Worth noting
- Only available in sizes 0–0.75, so C4s are still needed for larger sizes. One host flags trigger wire durability as something to be mindful of, advising against frequent falls on small gear.
Joe Kalis's review
My preferred small cam due to the flexible stem and consistent sizing. I haven't had any issues with trigger wire durability but do my best to not fall on small gear.
Recommended by Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Camalot™ Z4 for?
Trad climbers who want small cams (sizes 0–0.75) that fit shallow, narrow, or horizontal placements where a standard C4 won't go. Hosts consistently recommend them as a second set on a double rack in finger-sized pieces, sizes 0.3–0.75.
What do experts say about the Camalot™ Z4?
Hosts overwhelmingly favor these as their top small cam, citing the narrow head width and flexible stem as the defining advantages. No notable criticism appears across the notes; praise is one-sided and consistent.
What should you know before buying the Camalot™ Z4?
Only available in sizes 0–0.75, so C4s are still needed for larger sizes. One host flags trigger wire durability as something to be mindful of, advising against frequent falls on small gear.
What does Joe Kalis say about the Camalot™ Z4?
My preferred small cam due to the flexible stem and consistent sizing. I haven't had any issues with trigger wire durability but do my best to not fall on small gear.
Why does Joe Kalis recommend Black Diamond?
Joe Kalis recommends the Black Diamond Camalot™ Z4 for climbing protection. My preferred small cam due to the flexible stem and consistent sizing. I haven't had any issues with trigger wire durability but do my best to not fall on small gear.
Is the Camalot™ Z4 a good climbing protection?
Yes — Joe Kalis recommends the Camalot™ Z4 by Black Diamond as their climbing protection pick. My preferred small cam due to the flexible stem and consistent sizing. I haven't had any issues with trigger wire durability but do my best to not fall on small gear.
More from Joe Kalis's Rock Climbing
View Joe Kalis's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
19 experts recommend the Black Diamond Camalot™ Z4.
Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
With a super flexible stem that prevents walking and a narrow head width that fits in tight placements, these cams fit where many others won't. I normally carry singles in the Z4 including 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.75.
Recommended in Top Rope Anchors
Ben Lim, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide
A nice refinement over the the C4 cams, the Z4's have smaller heads which allow them to fit in more placements. Love them.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Essentials
Clara Maynard, AMGA Apprentice Rock/Alpine Guide & Wilderness Medicine Instructor
Favorite cams in sizes 0.3-0.75
Recommended in Mixed Climbing
Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor
In my opinion, nobody makes better spring-loaded camming devices than Black Diamond. So, if you want to get into building trad anchors, go for some Black Diamond Z4 cams. They’re strong, durable, and reliable.
Recommended in Top Rope Anchor Kit
Ryan Harris, Mountain Guide and Ski Patroller
my favorite cam in the smaller ranges
Recommended in Traditional rock climbing
Spencer Huffman, Rock and Alpine Guide | Climbing Instructor and Coach
Excellent cam head widths. Perfect for shallower cracks and horizontal placements. Hard to go to anything else in these sizes once you've converted!
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
Dan Morley, Rock Climbing Guide
The Z4's are my favorite cams on the market. Since they are only available for the small sizes (0 to 0.75), I would recommend buying Z4's in all the sizes available, then get C4's for the larger sized cams. For full-rack quantities, you'll want two of each for size 0.3 to size 3. Only one cam needed for sizes 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 4.
Recommended in Trad Climbing Gear
John Willard, Founder & Lead Guide @ Willard Mountain Guides
These are my cams of choice for small cams. I have a full double rack of these and I really love the sizing & color matches for my brain to know what cam I have. The smaller heads and flexible stem are a huge pro.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Joe Hampton, Rock Climbing Guide, Veterinary Candidate, Veteran
For sizes .5 and below
Recommended in My First List
Z4s are a great small cam. Their narrow head and flexible stem allow them to be placed in small pods, and tight spaces. In my "standard rack" I carry two each in 0.3-0.75, occasionally supplementing with the smaller sizes
Recommended in Trad Climbing
The Z4 cams are some of the most versatile cams around. Their narrow head width and large camming range lets them fit in places where a standard C4 or equivalent just won't. I carry a single rack of these from .1 - .75.
Recommended in What's in Cal's Gunks bag?
Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
The Z4 Cams are incredible BD Cams that follow the same sizing as the traditional C4's, but have a more narrow head. The smaller head of the cam allows you to place cams in certain cracks/pin scars that a C4 can't fit. Z4's serve as an incredible second half of your "double rack" in your finger sized pieces.
Recommended in Trad Climbing
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
If you have the $$ then pick these up in the smaller sizes instead of the Camalot C4s. These go into places that the C4s wont fit, and feel just as bomber.
Recommended in Guide Kit
Jay Black, AMGA SPI-Splitboarder
Can’t go wrong with a rack of these
Recommended in Climbing gear
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
The Z4's are my favorite small cams; they have a flexible stem to allow for horizontal placements, and a more rigid flex when placing and removing them in cracks. The narrow head width means they fit almost anywhere!
Recommended in Trad Climbing
I think these are the best small cams. I use these for sizes 0.75 and smaller.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
The narrow heads on these cams allow them to fit into tricky placements. They are flexible when you want them to be and rigid when you need them to stay in place.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program
These are great cams that come in smaller sizes. I think they are among the best small cams out there. They do have one downside though - The trigger wires aren't particularly durable. The trigger wires on mine usually only last a year, although that's with heavy use. Luckily, the trigger wires are not a load bearing piece of the cam, so there are plenty of easy DIY ways to replace the trigger wires for pennies and about 10 minutes of your time. Alternatively, you can send them to Black Diamond to be repaired,
Recommended in Rock Climbing
