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Old BD 4.5 (red)

Original Post
Paul L · · Portland, OR · Joined Dec 2016 · Points: 336

I have a new #5 and older #4 (no thumb-loop), and have come across an old red 4.5 for sale.  
How does the range of the 4.5 fall in with the two cams I have?  Any value in adding it to the rack, or does the overlap between the #5 and #4 make the 4.5 unnecessary?
I've read a bit, and know that there was a change in the size of the 5 and 4 a few years back, but have never used a 4.5 or had one to compare against what I have.

Alex Fletcher · · Las Vegas · Joined May 2016 · Points: 252

The general advice that I’ve seen is that unless you absolutely love Indian Creek then you’ll never find a “need” for it. Don’t bother. 

Jaime Bohle · · Bend, OR · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 50

IF you like climbing at Beacon, you can walk the old 4.5 on the second pitch of Dod's, and there is a place for it on Dastardly as well.

rocknice2 · · Montreal, QC · Joined Nov 2006 · Points: 3,847
Shelton Hatfield · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 650

In my experience the size of the old #4.5 (red) feels too similar to new #5 to seem particularly useful as an in-between size. But the old #4 (purple) does actually feel useful as a half size between new #4 and new #5. I wouldn't buy the #4.5 and instead would just rather have another new #5

I'm sure someone disagrees with me :)

Shane Rosanbalm · · Chapel Hill, NC · Joined Feb 2017 · Points: 321
https://camparator.com/compare/cam/

The red 4.5 is listed as Generation=Old and Entity=SS Camalot.
Looks like the current purple completely overlaps the old red range.
https://camparator.com/compare/cam/selection/?i34=1&i764=1

nat vorel · · ok · Joined Jul 2017 · Points: 509

it’s basically a #5

Connor Dobson · · Louisville, CO · Joined Dec 2017 · Points: 269

I own both and its basically a 5

Stein Pull · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 0

There are some places where the 4.5 is exactly the right size, where neither a #4 or #5 (new or old) is quite right. The Lost Arrow Spire is known for this.

AaronEcht Echternacht · · New Jersey · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 85

I should start a company just make .15 .25 .35 .45 .66 .825 1.5 2.5 3.5 and 4.5

Call it,  I'll go in where others won't   

Paul L · · Portland, OR · Joined Dec 2016 · Points: 336

Sounds like it's too close to the current 5 to be worth bothering about.
Thanks, all.  

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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