UKH

Hi,
I'm thinking of getting a bd c3 size 1 as my flexifix of approximately this size has bitten the dust. It's to go 1 size under a 0.3 camalot and 1 above a 00 tech friend, although these cams should overlap in practise they don't as it doesn't take much variability in the crack for a 00 tech friend not to fit properly on one cam.

Most other micro cams are manufacutred starting at either 13mmn or 10mm so would not bridge the gap as well.

Has anyone used the C3s much (especially in this size)? Are they any cop? I'd be using it on a variety of rock types.

My concerns are:
- Stiff lateral cables increase walking?
- Springs too strong?
- New design for cam spring, is it durable?
- Are the interlocking cams actually a bit too wide (per single cam head), would this mean the cams don't fit the rock irregularities as well making placement more fiddly?

Cheers,
Stevo

In reply to CurlyStevo:

Not got the red one but use the yellow all the time. It goes in everything. I really rate them. If I was in the market for more little cams I would totally go for these. Got a WC Zero that is smaller than the C3 but I prefer the C3, and if I had my choice again would probably go for the red C3.

N.B. Usual horses for courses disclaimer applies.

Chris

In reply to CurlyStevo: I've just got one in that size, been using the smaller ones (when I occasionally push my grade a bit) for over a year. Never had any problems, the fact the whole head bit is cam lobes makes them very easy to place (quite narrow) never had a problem with irregularities, but if the rock's particularly knobbly, then probably a problem for all cams.
Trigger actions always been smooth.

In reply to CurlyStevo: I have had one of these for a couple of years and have had no problems at all with it. I actually find it easy to place and it has never caused any concern - more than can be said for C4s. I should add though that I climb low in the grades (up to E1), have never fallen on it, and have used it mainly in horizontal cracks which were shallow where walking is almost impossible. Can't comment on wear as it has not been used as much as my other cams, but so far seems fine. Has certainly suited my route needs for which I bought it for and would consider other C3s if my needs change.

In reply to CurlyStevo:
>
I've three of them and like them a lot. If I had to buy again I would.


I don't think so, they are as stiff as C4/Dragons.


Don't think so, they hold quite well.


Seems to be, everyone likes playing with them so they get abused.


I find that in a perfect crack they go in fine, for the rest they are fiddly, though it is often hard to see the placement cos the cracks not that wide.

In reply to CurlyStevo:

I really rate my red C3. Certainly one of my more placed pieces of gear. Holds very well, never walks and very rugged for a specialist piece of kit.

That said, i've never fallen on it, but certainly been in situations when it was a very real possibility and didn't give me any concern.

In reply to jonnie3430:
ta,
do you think the increased width of the individual cam pieces/cogs makes them more fiddly to place than more standard 4 cam design like the master cams or zeros? Any small cam tends to be a bit fiddly to place anyway IMO.....

In reply to CurlyStevo:

A metolius mastercam size 1 covers nearly the same range as an alternative

In reply to CurlyStevo:

Thats what I meant, I think these are less fiddly.

In reply to kingborris:
yes nearly although not quite ideal as the c3 range for me.

one issue with the mastercams is I do climb a fair amount on sea cliffs and I don't like the idea of them siezing up / rusting. Also it's yet another manufacturer I have to send cams back to for reslinging which is just more hassle.