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Camalot C4 vs Camalot Ultralight

Original Post
Mike Krsnak · · Rapid City · Joined May 2016 · Points: 20

This survey is for school. I want to know people's opinions about which they prefer.

I prefer the look of the...

C4

or

Ultralight

I prefer my cams to...

have a higher strength rating?

or

have a lower weight?

I prefer my cam to...

look cool?

or

perform well?

Thanks for answering. The results will not include any names just numbers on what people prefer. You can either post or PM me.

Thanks,
Mike Krsnak

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480

This makes me chuckle :)

I like C4s stronger, lasts longer

I dream of needing a UL BD cam for my BC grade VII big mixed route... but then the alarm goes off and I awake.

Matt Kuehl · · Las Vegas · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 1,712

2/3 questions based on "looks"? I think there is a lot more important and relevant data out there to collect.

aclayden · · Glenwood Springs, CO · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 90

I prefer my cams to be

a) a disposable piece of gear designed to last 3 years but with a hardly noticeable weight savings

or

b) a legacy piece of equipment that will last decades with proper care and maintenance

Ultralights are a specialized use piece and hopefully the retail outlets are pointing that out to consumers.

Alexander Blum · · Livermore, CA · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 143

This doesn't seem like a survey so much as a list of questions loaded with implicit bias. What's the purpose of this survey?

1. What does the look of a cam have to do with its performance? Unless the fit and finish is just terrible, it's not really a consideration (for me). I'm curious if others feel differently, though.

2. This is an OK question. Still, the weakest UL Camalot breaks at 8 kN - this is plenty, and the rest are at 10 kN or above.

3. What does this have to do with the two cams you are asking questions about? I know that, broadly, there have been issues with the trigger wires on the UL cams. This is a legitimate issue, this thread highlights the problem and presents a few workable solutions.

The UL Camalot is a specialty tool that excels in the right environment. The weight savings over the entire size range is more than half a pound - this is huge on an alpine route (over 500 calories of GU, for example). This new-wave gear is less durable (other examples include Petzl's new aluminum ice screws and the ultralight-helmet craze), but is a major part of the modern speed records being set in the big mountains today.

Nick Drake · · Kent, WA · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 651

I prefer hexes. That way when I have punctured my trachea I can still signal a rescue crew by clanging my cowbells together. The weight savings by chopping a whistle off the sternum strap of my pack was at least 5 grams.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480
Alexander Blum wrote:?... This new-wave gear is less durable (other examples include Petzl's new aluminum ice screws and the ultralight-helmet craze), but is a [[major part of the modern speed records being set in the big mountains today...
I have witnessed discoloration of Petzl Laser Speed Light screw's teeth but that didn't affect performance or durability. Petzl was more than willing to replace the screws under warranty. What durability issues have you found with the Laser Speed lights?
Alexander Blum · · Livermore, CA · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 143

I haven't experienced any (don't even own them), I would just note that in general an aluminum screw isn't going to be as durable as a steel one. Weight savings almost always come with some sort of cost attached to them.

Actually, your discussion on here about them convinced me to put them near the top of my ice screw shopping list - I read it a few days ago.

coldfinger · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 55

I would say if you gotta go Camalot go C4.

But if you want light......

Try the new Wild Country Friend. They have great lobes, are light(ish)(er) and have extendable slings which I have found really cut down on the need for runners.

DMM Dragons are nice too.

Mike Krsnak · · Rapid City · Joined May 2016 · Points: 20

Thanks for the replies.

FYI not everyone out there is an objective or logical consumer. The purpose was to measure subjective views of what people think is important.

This is not suppose to be scientific.

Bill Kirby · · Keene New York · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 480
Alexander Blum wrote:I haven't experienced any (don't even own them), I would just note that in general an aluminum screw isn't going to be as durable as a steel one. Weight savings almost always come with some sort of cost attached to them. Actually, your discussion on here about them convinced me to put them near the top of my ice screw shopping list - I read it a few days ago.
  • Wiping forehand* Well that's a relief! After reading your post I thought "Now what?" Haha

That's good to hear that something I wrote on MP is useful to someone. Making enemies over dumb shit kinda makes me wanna take a break and head to the real world for awhile. Thanks for the post.
Matt Himmelstein · · Orange, CA · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 194
Mike Krsnak wrote:This survey is for school. I want to know people's opinions about which they prefer. I prefer the look of the C4 or Ultralight
I don't care. I care how easy they are to place single handed.

Mike Krsnak wrote:I prefer my cams to... have a higher strength rating? or have a lower weight?
I want my cams to be strong enough. Everyone cares about weight. I am not going to sacrifice needed strength for weight savings. I don't need a 40kn cam, but I am not willing to climb on a 4kn cam, even if it is really light.

Mike Krsnak wrote:I prefer my cam to... look cool? or perform well?
Perform well. The last thing I want people to say about me is "he's dead now, but he sure had some cool looking climbing gear."
Jeremy Polk · · Sandy, UT · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 5

You need to use surveymonkey.com or something similar and then post a link to your survey. These guys will tear you apart on here and you will not get good data.

Jim T · · Colorado · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 469
Jeremy Polk wrote:You need to use surveymonkey.com or something similar and then post a link to your survey. These guys will tear you apart on here and you will not get good data.
It's a spoof survey anyway, so doesn't matter.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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