Brand: Black Diamond
Category: Climbing Protection
Recommended by Ryan Harris, Mountain Guide and Ski Patroller — Salt Lake City, UT
Highlights: durable, flexible stem, small sizes
The Camalot™ Z4 is a revolutionary single-stem cam designed for trad climbers seeking unparalleled reliability and performance. With its innovative RigidFlex stem technology, this cam provides exceptional rigidity in-hand while allowing for flexible placements, ensuring secure holds in a variety of climbing scenarios. 1. Patented RigidFlex stem technology allows for a rigid feel when retracted and flexible placement once deployed. 2. Independently floating trigger wires prevent bending under tension, ensuring consistent performance. 3. Dual twisted cable construction in larger sizes provides uniform flex, while single cable construction in smaller sizes minimizes trigger profile and avoids buckling. 4. Four lobes with a sandblasted finish enhance holding power compared to previous models. 5. Available in sizes ranging from #0 to .75, catering to a wide range of climbing needs, including the smallest cam ever made. 6. Similar head-width to the Camalot C3 design for compatibility with existing gear. 7. Ideal for both crack climbing in the desert and fast-and-light ascents in the Bugs. The Camalot™ Z4 is ideal for trad climbing enthusiasts looking for reliable protection in varied environments. It excels in rocky terrains, particularly in crack systems, where secure placements are crucial. This cam is suited for climbers of all skill levels, from intermediate to advanced, and is perfect for scenarios that demand quick, dependable gear, such as multi-pitch ascents or alpine climbs. Its versatility makes it a must-have for both seasonal and year-round climbing adventures.
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.
Ryan Harris's review
my favorite cam in smaller ranges. has a flexible stem to inspire more confidence when direction of pull of the placements is a concern. (I use the z4 cam from .1-.75)
Recommended by Ryan Harris, Mountain Guide and Ski Patroller
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 Ryan Harris say about the Camalot™ Z4?
my favorite cam in smaller ranges. has a flexible stem to inspire more confidence when direction of pull of the placements is a concern. (I use the z4 cam from .1-.75)
Why does Ryan Harris recommend Black Diamond?
Ryan Harris recommends the Black Diamond Camalot™ Z4 for climbing protection. my favorite cam in smaller ranges. has a flexible stem to inspire more confidence when direction of pull of the placements is a concern. (I use the z4 cam from .1-.75)
Is the Camalot™ Z4 a good climbing protection?
Yes — Ryan Harris recommends the Camalot™ Z4 by Black Diamond as their climbing protection pick. my favorite cam in smaller ranges. has a flexible stem to inspire more confidence when direction of pull of the placements is a concern. (I use the z4 cam from .1-.75)
More from Ryan Harris's Traditional rock climbing
View Ryan Harris's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
17 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
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
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
Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
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 in Rock Climbing
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
