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Metolius power cam vs. fat cam identification.

Original Post
BigRockJim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 30

How can one determine the difference between a set of ultra light power cams and a set of fat cams. I honestly thought looking at metolius's websire I could be like oh yea, duh. But it don't seem to be that simple.

I purchased a set of cams listed as fat cams but I honestly can not tell the difference and they are in no way marked which is not cool.

Jim

Sunny-D · · SLC, Utah · Joined Aug 2006 · Points: 700

There is a pretty substantial difference in the lobes of the cams. The Fat cams have much wider lobes and the whole body is wider because of that. Fat Cams are probably 1 1/2 times wider then regular power cams.

BigRockJim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 30

Look at these 2 photos off their website. Do you see where my issue is?

Cam 1

Cam 2

BigRockJim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 30

Here's what I got. For a rice I couldn't pass on I must say lol.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

Pic 4

BigRockJim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 30

You mean the smaller dark blue one? I do see it's not in the fat cam pic I posted.

rocknice2 · · Montreal, QC · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 3,847

Yup power cams.

Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492

None of those are Fat Cams

BigRockJim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 30

So I'm guessing $100 for the set was a pretty god deal then huh? Lol.

eli poss · · Durango, CO · Joined May 2014 · Points: 525
BigRockJim wrote:So I'm guessing $100 for the set was a pretty god deal then huh? Lol.
That's an amazing deal. that's cheaper than $15 a cam which is the cheapest I ever seen, and certainly not in that good of condition.

You might want to get them reslung, though, which you can either do yourself with webbing/cord or send them somewhere. Here's a great place to get them reslung
BigRockJim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 30

I actually offered $14.50 for each one and got free shipping. He had them listed as Fat Cams. Expecting a cam set that I most likely couldn't use very often. I know "a" limestone wall but other than that would just be around till I went out to Indian creek if I ever did. Just couldn't pass on the price. Then when I got it I compared it to my TCU's and was like........ I don't see how these are much different. I didn't think I got fat cams.

Looking at them I really don't know f they have been placed lol. I may get them reslung. They look like they've been carried but still don't know about chancing it. They may have some hidden issues lurking.

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346
BigRockJim wrote:I actually offered $14.50 for each one and got free shipping. He had them listed as Fat Cams. Expecting a cam set that I most likely couldn't use very often. I know "a" limestone wall but other than that would just be around till I went out to Indian creek if I ever did. Just couldn't pass on the price. Then when I got it I compared it to my TCU's and was like........ I don't see how these are much different. I didn't think I got fat cams. Looking at them I really don't know f they have been placed lol. I may get them reslung. They look like they've been carried but still don't know about chancing it. They may have some hidden issues lurking.
You can use Fat Cams on standard rock. They are not limited only to use in soft rock.
bearbreeder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 3,065

Those are the last generation powercams in absolutely mint condition

They are likely after 2000 as the sling has the black strip on it, there may be a date stamp on the trigger bar

If they have been stored properly and not exposed to chemicals i would personally have no issues using them as is

But u shouldnt listen to me .... Send em to metolius and get em all reslung and inspected for ~3 yankee dollahs a piece

On a side note, IMO old metolius cams are the best older used cams u can buy

- they are often cheaper than camalots .... Ive picked up tcus for 8$

- they are easy to inspect, no plastic hiding the wires

- the old (non UL) are bomber durable and actually had a bit of a bigger range than the new ones

- metolius reslings and inspects it for 3$ each ... Cheaper than anyone else ... They also clean the cam for ya as a bonus

- theres a shietload siting in boxes in folks basements out there ....

- many new climber ignore metolius dual stems these days .... So theres little premium

;)

Sunny-D · · SLC, Utah · Joined Aug 2006 · Points: 700

+1

BigRockJim · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2016 · Points: 30

I emailed Metolius and they asked me to send them pictures. They are the Power cams like ya'll said. I have a few more Metolius cams I've purchased used. I think I'm gonna gather them all up and send them off to be reslung and cleaned up. For $3 + shipping you can't beat a clear piece of mind!

Now to continue building my gear stash........

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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