C4 history / product question.
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I know that they used to have half sizes for C4s like a 3.5 and I believe offsets as well. |
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If i hazard to guess... the reasoning behind not having offset C4s (atleast in larger sizes) is due to the range the larger cams can cover and being dual axle the lobes from one side to the next can work semi independent of each other...meaning it can be a tapered placement and still be ok due to the range the cam covers also based on the assumption the cam is placed within its working range. |
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You could call Black Diamond and ask them. |
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I think it was a production / financial decision. Before C4's they had a 3.4, 4, 4.5, and a 5. When C4's came out they stopped production of the 3.5 and 4.5. Made the 4 smaller. Made the 5 smaller. And introduced the 6. |
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There are many people far more knowledgable than me that frequent MP, but I can add with certainty that when moving from Camalots to C4s BD did not simply rename the cams. The ranges covered changed. Thus, people climbing specific desert splitters covet the 3.5 and 4.5 because they fit in between the size range of the current C4 3 and 4, and 4 and 5, respectively. There are several charts that can easily be found on the intrawebs showing the range differences between Camalots and C4s. |
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They make offset X4s in .4/.5 and .5/.75, which are both double axled |
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Yes but I cant stand that horrible metolious wannabe action of the X4s |
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There was a video a couple years ago, I think a screen shot was posted here on MP, where a BD athlete was using a 0.5/.075 C4 offset. |
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The old 4.5 is within a millimeter or two of the size as the new C4 #5. |
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I would guess they didn't pursue offset C4's because they wouldn't be very useful with such a broad cam width and stiff stem. Generally you want your offsets to fit narrow and irregular pods and have a flexible stem so that head doesn't shift when weighted. Probably why they waited to make them in the X4. |
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A bit tangential, but how does a WC #4 compare with the old BD #3.5? I thought those were pretty similar in size, might be a good option for those looking for that size. Or at least that's why I keep my WC #4 tech friend around still. |
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The 3.5 camalot and 4 friend cover a nearly identical range. |
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As have already been said, the old 3.5 can be substituted w/ a 4 friend, the old 4.5 w/ a new 5. IMHO, both replacements are lighter & arguably better. |