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Time to Buy Cams?
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tequilaboom


Sep 8, 2011, 6:34 PM
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Time to Buy Cams?
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Hey people,

Is there a cheaper time to buy cams? Do they go on sale during the winter months?

Also what do you guys think about buying cams second hand? I understand the risks involved in purchasing second hand equipment (for example I wouldn't buy slings or webbing second hand, because I can't inspect it very well). If I do purchase cams second hand, what should I be looking for?

Finally, I saw a youtube video (by Mike Barter?) who says you can still get the first generation (solid stem) cams...is that true?


Marylandclimber


Sep 8, 2011, 7:39 PM
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Re: [tequilaboom] Time to Buy Cams? [In reply to]
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I don't know about sales but Black Diamoind C4 camolot cams are THE best cams and are around 60$.


tolman_paul


Sep 8, 2011, 9:50 PM
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Re: [tequilaboom] Time to Buy Cams? [In reply to]
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Technical climbing gear usually doesn't go on sale seasonally. That said with online retailers and places that buy up other places that go out of business, you can occasionally come across good deals.

When you say first gen solid stem cams, are you talking about the Wild Country rigid friends? I haven't seen one for sale for quite awile, but I do still have some on my rack. I highly recomend avoiding the #1 size as they are notorious for getting stuck into cracks and not being able to remove them. Other than that, my 1 1/2 is one of my favorite pieces of gear.

I'm also a fan of camelots, I still use an original set, back when they were only availbe in 1-4 with the U handle. I definately prefer the newer single cable stem, and am working on doubling up my old set with a new set from .5 to 5.

As far as second hand gear, I have a tough time convincing myself that's a good way to go on a piece of gear that may keep from getting injured or killed. Then again, if I got a ripping deal on a set of micro cams for aiding, I'd probably jump on it.


surfstar


Sep 8, 2011, 11:52 PM
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Registered: May 31, 2011
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Re: [tequilaboom] Time to Buy Cams? [In reply to]
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http://www.rockclimbing.com/...s;page=unread#unread


jeepnphreak


Sep 10, 2011, 10:56 PM
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Keep you eye out on spadout.com
mountainproject and there dirt bag deals.

I just found metelous mater cams for 40% off! too bad the sale ends today. Just got me a 5 and 4 master to add to the rack...


johnwesely


Sep 10, 2011, 11:05 PM
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Re: [tolman_paul] Time to Buy Cams? [In reply to]
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tolman_paul wrote:
Technical climbing gear usually doesn't go on sale seasonally. That said with online retailers and places that buy up other places that go out of business, you can occasionally come across good deals.

When you say first gen solid stem cams, are you talking about the Wild Country rigid friends? I haven't seen one for sale for quite awile, but I do still have some on my rack. I highly recomend avoiding the #1 size as they are notorious for getting stuck into cracks and not being able to remove them. Other than that, my 1 1/2 is one of my favorite pieces of gear.

I'm also a fan of camelots, I still use an original set, back when they were only availbe in 1-4 with the U handle. I definately prefer the newer single cable stem, and am working on doubling up my old set with a new set from .5 to 5.

As far as second hand gear, I have a tough time convincing myself that's a good way to go on a piece of gear that may keep from getting injured or killed. Then again, if I got a ripping deal on a set of micro cams for aiding, I'd probably jump on it.

You climb on the original, super sketchy U Stem Camalots but are way of used gear?


jjones16


Sep 13, 2011, 3:09 AM
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Re: [tequilaboom] Time to Buy Cams? [In reply to]
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No real "cheaper" time, or season to buy cams. I've never bought a cam new that wasn't at least 20% off retail price. The interweb is great for finding deals. I've bought a couple used cams, but all the parts (trigger, stem, wires, lobes, axle and thumb loop) were all in great condition. I don't regret buying them at all. As for the price of Camalots, it could be better. Paying the same price for a .3 as a 1 is ridiculous, but that's what BD charges. Metolius Master Cams are great cams too; although you won't find them in the larger size ranges. I actually prefer Master Cams for anything under a size 1 Camalot (which is a size 6 Master Cam).


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