Black Diamond Camalot C4 for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides
Retail Price:
$124.95
$124.95
Used Value:
$74.97
$74.97
Sale Value:
$112.46
$112.46
Climbers might have Ultralight and Offset Camalots these days, but Black Diamond hasn't upgraded the original C4 in over a decade. Or at least, it hadn't. The new Black Diamond Camalot C4 is now lighter and more convenient than ever before. This generation is 10% lighter than the previous, and while the Ultralights weigh 17% lighter than last decade's C4, this new generation didn't forgo the strength that Ultralights did. The shape, camming angle, and placement ranges are all the same as the original Camalot—because if it isn't broken, don't fix it—Black Diamond simply removed as much weight as possible without inhibiting strength.
This Camalot generation isn't just lighter than the last generation; it's also more convenient than any cam Black Diamond has ever made. For starters, Black Diamond made the larger cams with stiffer stems and the smaller cams with more flexible stems so they all have the same flex; the 6 no longer feels wobblier than the .3. The larger cams have unique trigger keepers that lock the Camalots in a camming position to reduce racking volume, and the keepers detach with a simple pull of the trigger when you're climbing. Cams with the same color (5 and .5, for example) now come with bi-color slings for easier identification, and the sling's tags are tucked underneath the shorter bar-tacks for a cleaner look. Black Diamond also redesigned the tread pattern for a new look to commemorate a brand new generation of Camalots.
Specifications
Brand:
Axle:
double
Cam Lobes:
4
Includes:
new lobe pattern, new color tags on slings, [4, 5, 6] trigger keeper
Manufacturer Warranty:
1 year
Placement Range:
[0.3] 0.54 - 0.92 in, [0.4] 0.61 - 1.05 in, [0.5] 0.77 - 1.32 in, [0.75] 0.94 - 1.62 in, [1] 1.19 - 2.05 in, [2] 1.46 - 2.55 in, [3] 2 - 3.46 in, [4] 2.6 - 4.51 in, [5] 3.36 - 5.85 in, [6] 4.5 - 7.68 in
Recommended Use:
trad climbing
Stem:
single
Full Reviews
My first new c4’s. Lighter than the previous model and Work just as well so far
Rebecca May, backcountry.com
December 14, 2020
December 14, 2020
Black Diamond C4s are a staple in the trad climbing world. The newer C4s are even lighter and function excellently. I love the trigger wires for keeping the profile smaller while racked. Definitely recommend.
bry114903772, backcountry.com
July 24, 2020
July 24, 2020
I love these Cams! BD has done a great job on the design and quality of these. Apart from being stellar cams, they're super fun to place. I will be getting a double rack for all those Long Multi-Pitch routes on the checklist.
Spencer Allen, backcountry.com
November 22, 2019
November 22, 2019
I borrowed a number 1 to go the the creek. The more the merrier there! These cams are quality, and placing that crisp number one in the desert splitters will put a smile on your face.
Tanner Josey, backcountry.com
September 24, 2019
September 24, 2019
There isn't much to say that hasn't already been said about BD cams. You just have to use them to see what all the hype is about. They've really tweaked these new C4s well, so I'm confident they will withstand the same beatings the old ones could! I love the added feature to the larger sizes that keeps the lobes cammed while on your harness so it lowers the bulk and they don't get caught on as many things, but when it's time to deploy it's a cinch! Really clever feature.
Katy Seeberger, backcountry.com
September 17, 2019
September 17, 2019
Love these cams. They arent the best for horizontals, but they are for sure the workhorse cams on the market. They are a great base for your growing rack, but should be suplimented with other types of protection and other cam types so you cover the spectrum of placements. I supplement with tricams, wire "alien-like" cams, and some totems to assist in horizontals and aiding. Metolius mastercams are better for their mass for smaller sizes than this, but nothing beats having your hand and fist cams as c4s!
Ryan K, backcountry.com
September 3, 2019
September 3, 2019
If you climb in the good ol’ US of A, or have ever been stuck climbing with us pesky Americans, you’ve probably seen about a trillion camalot’s being thrown around. When I was just a little baby trad gumby, I was taught BD sizing like the alphabet so that when I grew up I could effortlessly throw the .75 into that weird placement on Three Doves without even looking. Ranting aside, they’re the standard here for a reason. Totally bomber(ish) and the go-to for accessibility stateside in past years BD had an awful good monopoly that held through into the era of online ordering. Not as classical as aliens but nowhere near as foreign as the previously mythical dragons, the camalot has cemented itself as a safe, reliable and relatively affordable option for climbers of all stripes. Easy placements from a great finger loop and color coded everything, with the sizing that you, or at least I, grew up with. Only reason they’re given four stars is they don’t have extendable slings. Com on BD! That’s all I’ve ever wanted! *disclaimer: BD camalot’s referred to as “bomber(ish)” in this review due to the fact that they are NOT totem cams.
Hunter Taylor, backcountry.com
August 19, 2019
August 19, 2019
If last generation's X4 was considering the gold standard of camming units, this generation is certainly platinum. They feel lighter and the placements feel more secure. I love the trigger keepers on the larger cams, and I like that every stem feels equally stiff. The new colors on the sling help me pick the new generation on my rack of old cams.
Derek Newman, backcountry.com
July 15, 2019
July 15, 2019
These cams are really easy to place. They trigger keepers are super convenient and save space on your harness. My favorite cams on the market.
Matt Hazelgren, backcountry.com
July 9, 2019
July 9, 2019
I decided to give these a try because of the new trigger keeper feature, and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed. The trigger keepers will save a ton of room on your gear loops. Also, you will no longer have to spend time looking for sticks to wedge in between the lobes to keep the 4, 5 and 6 condensed.
Zach Blessing, backcountry.com
June 25, 2019
June 25, 2019
Black diamond has made some nice improvements to the classic C4s. They are all a bit lighter, and it is definitely noticeable when racking a ton of cams for long pitches. The biggest improvement is in the larger sizes. They have the greatest weight savings and the trigger keepers are extremely handy when getting shoulder plus deep into some cracks. I no longer mind racking a bunch of #4 and bigger cams.
Daniel Murphy, backcountry.com
May 9, 2019
May 9, 2019
The new C4's are so amazing. I replaced my old 4's, 5's, and 6's for the weight saving and the trigger keepers and it is so worth it. If you are in a chimney or climbing off-width, the condensed size makes squeezing so much easier. They have also shaved out some of the lobes to make the weight of the big cams lighter. Don't hesitate. Get the big Cams now!
Tommy Sutter, backcountry.com
May 8, 2019
May 8, 2019
I have a bunch of the old C4s and I love them, they are the go to for any trad climber and have been around for ever. They finally made some small upgrades making the best cam on the market even better. 10% lighter, more grippy lobes, more trigger grip and all of the same safety features as before. The new trigger locks for sizes #4 and up are a game changer for weight and size reduction on your harness! They also moved the small tag on the sling where it says the kN from the outside to the inside now to prevent carabiners from having clipping issues with the gates. For the price, might as well get the new C4s!
cole addison, backcountry.com
May 3, 2019
May 3, 2019
I was pretty stoked when they updated these but kept the same price point. I like the uniform stiffness of each cam. When you shake them they are supposed to sway the same for each size.
Caleb Rio-Anderson, backcountry.com
April 11, 2019
April 11, 2019
These next gen C4's will have you feeling real comfy when you take that next whipper! -Lighter to make you feel stronger -New pattern on the lobes seems to walk a bit less -Badass trigger keeper on the #4-6...keeps these bad boys streamlined while climbing So next time you botch a move, catch an Elvis leg, get pumped...or just wanna be back on the ground with a beer in your hand... Just whip! These babies got your back!
Dave Cummiskey, backcountry.com
April 1, 2019
April 1, 2019
These new BD camalots are taking something that wasn't broken and making them much better. A cross of the ultralights and the originals with a little extra flair is what you get upgrading to these puppies. The trigger keepers are a nice touch and the weight savings on the larger sizes are huge! Plus they look badass! The new tread bites into the rock real nice. The smaller sizes I find are a little stiffer than most other cams, so not so confident on them walking with certain placements without proper extensions.
LB Edwards, backcountry.com
January 22, 2019
January 22, 2019
The #5 and 6 are a HUGE improvement compared to old C4's. The trigger keeper is invaluable. Carrying larger cams is less of a hassle and they don't get caught on other gear when on my harness. Weights savings is also good. Have not used the #4 but I want to sell my Ultralight and get the C4 #4 because of the trigger keeper.
Daniel M., backcountry.com
January 10, 2019
January 10, 2019
How do you make one of the greatest lines of cams on the market even better? Shave weight, make the big cams less floppl and, make a few smart design tweaks. I was fortunate enough to climb on theses down in the Creek this fall. The new #4-#6 were especially noticeable so my review focuses on these sizes. The weight savings on these sizes are noticeable and incredible! The new #6 is an especially nice addition as the head width is a almost an inch wider. This makes this big cam significantly more stable than the old #6. The trigger keepers are nice and work well when racked with a normal rack, but do occasionally come undo when only racking big cams. If you're looking to buy some big cams definitely go for the new C #4-6. You won't be disappointed.
Ryan Collins, backcountry.com
December 27, 2018
December 27, 2018
