Gear Review - Metolius Offset TCUs

Thanks, Robert. They sound good.

Still hoping someone can compare head to head. Just wondering if 4 heads with no outside cables sit better in tight flares than 3 cams with the U cables outside. Or the other way around...

i recommend the hybrid aliens.
mine are whip-tested, mother-approved.

i dont even own normal aliens anymore.

EDIT: besides, consider that you can aid off of two lobes of the alien in a pinch. dont think you would be able to for the Metolius offset TCUs, but possibly with the offset MasterCams....

I have both offset Aliens and Offset Master Cams. I've had the aliens for a few years now and they've held up on several walls. Picked up the Master cams this summer and a few are "bent" after just a few pitches of aid climbing. Aliens - they are far superior when you need the flexible stem as to avoid the "bent-stem-syndrome".

Thanks, Trevor. Don't own any offset TCUs for comment?

WiledHorse wrote:consider that you can aid off of two lobes of the alien in a pinch. dont think you would be able to for the Metolius offset TCUs, but possibly with the offset MasterCams....

Why not? If two not-directly opposed/aligned cam lobes will bite, balance, and hold, what differnce does it make whether one unengaged lobe or two are flapping uselessly in the void?

Shawn Mitchell wrote:Thanks, Trevor. Don't own any offset TCUs for comment? Why not? If two not-directly opposed/aligned cam lobes will bite, balance, and hold, what differnce does it make whether one unengaged lobe or two are flapping uselessly in the void?

i should have clarified. in a shallow enough placement that only excepts two lobes, the TCU cable end may get in the way, as you mentioned. especially for the tiny sizes of aliens (blue/black or blue/green)

i would guess the Mastercams would work in this trick... i dont have experience with these though.

I have the master and regular offsets from metolius. I love them both and want to get a second set. The new master cams are the shit. Alien who? Great price and once you feel the cam lock into it's placement you'll never want anything else on the sharp end! they work incredibly well in eldorado canyon and I bet you can take away an R and/or an X on a few climbs.

The offset TCUs are awesome. Stop thinking and buy them, seriously. Incredible value.

Used mine in Yosemite Valley and they are awesome for the pin scars there. I would assume that by that token, they would be very useful in Zion or other older climbing areas impacted with similar old school ethos