C4 3

So I'm relatively new at lead climbing. I don't plan on climbing off-width cracks. Do I really need a #3 camalot? I'm asking because I got my REI dividend.

Thanks again ladies and gents,
Bryan

#3 Camalots is not offwidth, it's wide hands :) ;) :) :)

It's a useful size to have on your rack, I think you'll probably want one sooner than later.

Now, THESE are offwidth cams:

home.pacbell.net/takasper/s…

BryanY wrote:So I'm relatively new at lead climbing. I don't plan on climbing off-width cracks. Do I really need a #3 camalot?

Yeah, you probably do. #3 covers cups to fist, not OW.

Sorry for the ignorance. I'm 2 beers deep on an empty stomach.

i got talked into buying a #4 camalot, and i find that i place it every climb, and nearly every pitch. it always seems to find a crack to fit into. i dont have a #3 yet, as ive covered that range mostly with metolius, but i can only imagine how useful a #3 could be

Definitely necessary. Used them in the Gunks, Bugaboos, as well as in the North Cascades. A standard alpine rack usually goes to #3 Camalot.

I originally only bought up to a #2 C4 but within a month I found the utilty in the #3 and purchased one. Now I've got doubles of the #3 and use them both all the time.

Yes, a #3 or equivalent(but you'll want the BD) is part of a standard rack in most places. #3 cracks also tend to be a rickety off hands size, too, so the protection is usually appreciated.

I'd say doubles of #3 is not unnecesary for most climbers. A #4 is also very useful on a standard rack, although it is more optional than the #3 IMHO.

Also, keep in mind that larger cams have more range than smaller cams, which opens up more placements. I think you'll find yourself plugging the #3.

Cheers,
Evan

like everyone else here has said, I plug my #3 quite often and I always love it's placement. Always feels so solid. And how can you not love that beautiful anodized blue? seriously? Buy one

OK, I'll get it.

Thanks

I don't think this:

James Beissel wrote:#3 Camalots is not offwidth, it's wide hands n00b

keeps with the "don't be a jerk" policy.

The #3 camalot would be a great purchase. Esp on a dividend with a 20% off coupon.

I have 3 #3s (3 squared?) and sometimes use them all to hide the fact that I am scared up there. Also, doubling these babies before a cruxy runnout gives unmeasurable confidence. The new number 3 will look worn- in very soon.
Steve

Chris Sheridan wrote:I don't think this: keeps with the "don't be a jerk" policy.

Sorry if that came across the wrong way to anyone, especially Bryan. It wasn't meant to be derogatory. We were all n00bs at one time or another.

Maybe I should have put some smiley winkey faces at the end :) ;) ?

mcarizona wrote:I have 3 #3s (3 squared?) Steve

I think that would definitely be 3 cubed(3^3)

James Beissel wrote:#3 Camalots is not offwidth, it's wide hands :) ;) :) :)

Ironically, #3's are good hands for me, fists for my girlfriend and for anyone with hands smaller than her's... offwidth. Its all relative in the crack world.

James Beissel wrote: Sorry if that came across the wrong way to anyone, especially Bryan. It wasn't meant to be derogatory. We were all n00bs at one time or another. Maybe I should have put some smiley winkey faces at the end :) ;) ?

If I were you I would never trust me as your belay. Just kidding I'm an adult I can handle it. :)

Greg D wrote: Ironically, #3's are good hands for me, fists for my girlfriend and for anyone with hands smaller than her's... offwidth. Its all relative in the crack world.

Same for me. Size is most definately relative, but you would be surprised how often you will use a #3 if you have one. Cracks like Supercrack take #3s like no ones business!

Definitely get a #3, you'll use it all the time. It can be useful to have a size larger as well, I'm a little torn between the BD #4 and the Wild Country equivalent. Bigger than #4 go for the Wild Country.

BryanY wrote:So I'm relatively new at lead climbing. I don't plan on climbing off-width cracks. Do I really need a #3 camalot? I'm asking because I got my REI dividend. Thanks again ladies and gents, Bryan

4 inches and up for offwidths.