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Offset Cams

Original Post
Josh Jones · · Ranchos de Taos · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 130

I'm still new to trad climbing and am wondering if offsets are useful for free climbing. I have a set of offset mastercams from0/1 to the largest size which I think is a 4/5. Should I sell them or keep them for when I get more experience. I've heard they are only useful for places like Yosemite. Any input is appreciated.

Mattisamonkey · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 10

It depends if you need the money or not. There will be a time and place for them if you keep climbing different kinds of rock.

Rafe · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2009 · Points: 510

No you dont need offsets to be a decent and well equipped free climber.

Rob WardenSpaceLizard · · las Vegans, the cosmic void · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 130

Depends where i use offset aliens all the time in zion...but offset nuts are great everywhere.

rock-fencer · · Columbia, SC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 265

offsets are a great addition once you have put some mileage on gear and learn the ins and outs of placements....there are probably more obvious pieces of gear you may want to acquire like doubles if you do not already have some in the major sizes (fingers, hands etc...)

that beign said i always carry my two offsets when i free climb...offset nuts are also very awesome

Bob Dobalina · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2009 · Points: 140

I carry my offset nuts with me for most free climbing but the offset cams stay packed away with my aid climbing gear.

sanz · · Pisgah Forest, NC · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 210

Depends on the kind of rock / placement. The rock around here tends to be pretty featured and irregular. I have a buddy who swears that 90% of cam placements around here would be just as good or better with an offset... plus the placements that you can ONLY get with offsets. I have to say I think he's probably right. When climbing anything but splitters, it would probably be pretty sweet to have your doubles be offsets. Of course, that is pure conjecture. I haven't placed an offset cam in my life.

Edit for clarity: I mean carry one set of standard cams and one set of offsets

csproul · · Pittsboro...sort of, NC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 330

Offsets work pretty awesome in the eyebrows at Looking Glass.

sanz · · Pisgah Forest, NC · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 210
Jake Jones wrote: And in flaring pin scars in granite. I really have to go to LG.
Likewise. I was even noticing a bunch of good offset placements in the sandstone up at the New this weekend. Hmmmm JoshuaJones if you decide to sell 'em hit me up...
Josh Jones · · Ranchos de Taos · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 130

I posted them on MP for sale. I have someone interested in the set. If it falls thru I will let you know for sure. Thanks for all the insight;)

Josh Jones · · Ranchos de Taos · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 130

If you could only have 3 sizes of offset aliens for free climbing what sizes would they be(or even doubles). Christmas is nigh and I'm thinking of some alien hybrids;)

chosspector · · San Juans, CO · Joined Oct 2008 · Points: 1,296

yellow/grey is my favorite piece. green/yellow, blue/green also are useful

Shelton Hatfield · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2011 · Points: 650

Blue/green, green/yellow, yellow/red
My $0.02

mattm · · TX · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 1,885
Shelton Hatfield wrote:Blue/green, green/yellow, yellow/red My $0.02
This. These three sizes are must haves in my opinion.
Josh Jones · · Ranchos de Taos · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 130

Thanks. I'm probably going to go with basic cams for the sizes that I can get & fill the gaps with aliens.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Trad Climbing
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