Orange totem

I'd call totems more flexible than X4s. Can't speak for the Fixe Revos but I don't really consider them a valid option given their track record with QC and customer service.

Jaren Watson wrote:

I believe flexibility is integral to good horizontal placements. Adding a sling does not achieve the same level of security if the stem is unable to flex over an edge.

Solid stem cams went out pretty much a couple of decades ago.  

Jaren Watson wrote:From the review at Outdoor Gear Lab:
“While not as flexible as the Fixe Alien Revolutions, or the Black Diamond X4s, Totems are less stiff than Black Diamond C4s and Black Diamond Ultralight C4s, making them safer in horizontal placements.”

What facts back up that assertion?  Horizontal placements are safe and secure with non rigid stem cams.  The degree of 'flexibility' being discussed here has little influence on the reliability of a cam to hold with the loads during falls.  Handling and walking is what matters.

I don't get this hesitation about horizontal cam placements constantly being raised.  Horizontal placements work just fine with regular cams and the placement variables really aren't a whole lot different from vertically placed cams.

Briggs Lazalde wrote:

There's a bunch of youtube videos that can explain it quite simply. But it is true, horizontal are way more likely to pop. I'd look like a fool trying to explain it

I've seen a couple of contrived videos.  Most horizontal placements of merit have the vector forces acting pretty much perpendicular to the stem/lobes.  The edge of the horizontal take most of the vertical load.  Probably half the cams I place are in horizontals.  They are fine and hold whippers.

Placement and rock is what matters and you can achieve this in horizontal cracks and vertical cracks and many cracks in between.

Gunkiemike wrote:

Who places cams without retracting them??? Do they just "shove it in"?  Not with MY gear, bucko!

Unfortunately, a lot of people do this--which is why their gear gets stuck. This is a great way to get a cam stuck.

Had a day out with my new orange Totem, and yes, I'd rather place it than any of my other options (C4, Dragon 2). Not sure what all the fuss is about over its rigidity. It isn't floppy at all. Places great, and is bomber.

I do find that with the Orange (and sometimes Red) totem, the trigger will often slide up the stem while on my harness.  When I reach to pull the trigger and place, it is often further than anticipated, and requires a longer thumb to fingertip reach than the smaller sizes.  

Luckily it typically isn't desperate placing in these sizes so it's really only ever an inconvenience.

It's not THAT floppy.  Once you pull back on the trigger it is plenty stiff enough to place.

Briggs Lazalde wrote:throw a c4 #2 into the flared horizontal

People actually place pro on classic crack? 

Just choose the application for it. If your going to bump or walk - c4, if your going to place and leave it behind totem orange.

I dont see how this is a topic and now im questioning myself why i respond to this shit lol

Each size of the Totem cam is the best cam in the world. The Orange is absolutely not too floppy to me. Where and why this supposition comes from and why it's still there after so long? Each climber that saw my orange Totem at the crag explained to me their hesitation to buy because of the supposed floppiness. When they tried mines they ALL, ALL said it's not too floppy.

The orange Totem, compare to any others cams of the same range have still the best holding power, the most flexible body that really prone to walk less, the most narrow head that fit where others won't, the best offset cam, the only redundant cam, the only equalize lobes, the only to have the possibility of 2 lobes cam. For me, everyone should have the same conclusion: if you want cheap cam then stay away from Totem but if you want the best then go with the Totem.

Colonel Mustard wrote: Also wondering why the anticipated whips onto perfect hands?

Do you even know how to climb, bruh?

Ever heard of horizontal cracks?  You don't have them for handholds once you've climbed above the placement.

Ever heard of vertical cracks that either pinch down or open up?  Climbing above the placement can be way harder than perfect hands.

Do you even know how to climb, bruh?  

Orange Totem vs Yellow C4.

I carry a single rack of BD and single rack of totems. The flop factor at larger sizes is true, but they have different fits for different placements.

Cody Cox KC wrote: Orange Totem > #2 C4. There hasn't been a single time placing the orange totem that I had wished I had placed the #2 instead. The orange totem is perfectly rigid enough when you retract the lobes before placing. Would def whip on it in almost any placement. 

This cannot be repeated enough times. enough times. enough times.

also, as Rgold perfectly illustrated, the totem will nestle nicely in a scoop, whereas you will need a larger pod/scoop to correctly/safely nestle a #2 into.

I had the same question answered the moment I placed one in my hand, retracted it, and whipped it back and forth. Plenty stiff enough and far more confidence inspiring than any other cam, period. I honestly wonder why I have other cams in the 0.3-#2 size, other than cost and cool factor of having complete sets, as I just never reach for them, ever.

Colonel Mustard wrote: Also wondering why the anticipated whips onto perfect hands?

Do you even know how to climb, bruh?

You know that there is more to climbing than crack climbing right?

Hobo Greg wrote:

And so I’d want to eat up the one and only hand jam by placing a piece there? 

place at the waist.....