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Old BD 3.5 and 4 compare to the new C4 4

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion · · Colorado · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 35
Locker wrote:But, but, but, ALL BD C4's are "BETTER" than the older version 3.5. No matter WHAT the situation. ;-)
Well, if you try to use the new ones to protect Carnivore in the Creek, yur gonna die.

For precisely this route, I hated the new one for many years. I went as far as to stockpile the old. Funny how things change when you realize you don't care about a particular route anymore.

To put this in a way that Locker would probably understand. Black Sabbath was really good, then Dio took over and they weren't as good. Or were they? Maybe they were better but should have changed their name, since they certainly were something far different from the original.

Somehow though, Ozzy managed to outlive Dio, who is likely cornholing Kurt Cobain right now, while making Anne Frank and Chris Farley watch.

Does that make more sense now?
Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349
"Somehow though, Ozzy managed to outlive Dio, who is likely cornholing Kurt Cobain right now, while making Anne Frank and Chris Farley watch.

Does that make more sense now?"


LMAO!

Yes, yes it does...
rogerbenton · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2011 · Points: 210

Ozzy, Keith Richards and Iggy are all chemically preserved, they'll outlive a lot more of the young'uns.

joshf · · missoula, mt · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 790

The old Bd blacks are a great size, very usable in Jtree, the creek etc. I find the new Bd 4s to be a touch fanciful...I don't think you will regret keeping this cam around If you want to sell it though, PM me, I'll take it for sure.

joshf · · missoula, mt · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 790
Ryan Nevius wrote:Let me rephrase for nicelegs: For the portion of the usable range for which the 3.5 and new #4 overlap, the #4 is superior due to its weight, thumb loop, and smooth action. The new #4 is slightly larger than the 3.5 and is smaller than the old #4...but you won't notice this much unless you're climbing desert splitters.
I guess I would agree that the new 4 is superior in these ways...I own one of these cams myself and, yes, it is as creamy as this description implies. Yet, having placed both of these cams, I would first say that the black BD Camalot has, by reputation, performed so sweetly that the sale of such a device might actually be sacrilegious. Were the old Bd's so difficult without the perfect syringe grip? I personally like the old BD 3.5...a great cam all around! I spent a couple weeks in Jtree and it seemed we were always searching for the 3.5 at the belay...Good cam, good range...I don't thing you'll regret keeping it.
Gunks . · · Gunks, NY · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 195

Thank you all for the replies. Looks like I will keep my 3.5 and get a new 4 when I have spare $.

Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349

^^^

Wise choice!

"Better" is what works when you need it.

Ryan Nevius · · Perchtoldsdorf, AT · Joined Dec 2010 · Points: 1,837
Locker wrote:"Better" is what works when you need it.
Isn't that the same thing you gave nicelegs shit for up thread? ;-)
Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349
"Isn't that the same thing you gave nicelegs shit for up thread?"

My stance has remained firm on the 3.5 vs 4 situation. That being "Better" = the one that works for the situation.

;-)
bearbreeder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 3,065

one nice thing about the older cams in general is that you could just resling it with cord easily, no need to send it off ... as many of them including the old friends, c4s, etc had the metal eye

ive never found the lack of a thumb loop an issue with my dragons/link cams, etc ...

as to "better" ... as long as the cam fits in the crack properly, i would suggest that if you have issues placing a fist->offwidth size old camalot because of the trigger action, thumb loop, etc .... you just need to step it up a bit

just woman up and go do it !!!

pamela pack placing old style purple camalot at crux

;)

Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349
"pamela pack placing old style purple camalot at crux"

How can she even do that without a thumb loop?

What she really needs is a "BETTER" cam!

;-)
Brandt Allen · · Joshua Tree, Cal · Joined Jan 2004 · Points: 210

From many years of personal experience, Locker and I have proven positively that older is ALWAYS better than newer.

Martin Harris · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2016 · Points: 200

Locker u should realy go climbing and get off of your Internet soap box.

Eric Fjellanger · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2008 · Points: 870

Man you idiots can make even the simplest thread a worthless sprayfest. I'm feeling left out...

Whoever said something about a #4 on the Grand Wall: you do not need a #4 on the Grand Wall. New or old.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Ryan Nevius wrote:Let me rephrase for nicelegs: For the portion of the usable range for which the 3.5 and new #4 overlap, the #4 is superior due to its weight, thumb loop, and smooth action. The new #4 is slightly larger than the 3.5 and is smaller than the old #4...but you won't notice this much unless you're climbing desert splitters.
I'm probably a bit neurotic and alot OCD, but that 3.5 feels a heck of a lot better hanging off my harness than the new #4. Feels alot more than "slightly" bigger, but that of course is just opinion.

I'd say keep that 3.5. It's a great niche piece for if you want a larger cam on the climb without need a "big" cam. I have two!
Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349
"Locker u should realy go climbing and get off of your Internet soap box."

Who's on the "Soapbox"?

You're TELLING me what I SHOULD do?

Think about it...

LOL!

EDITED:

"From many years of personal experience, Locker and I have proven positively that older is ALWAYS better than newer."

They just don't get it Brandt.

LOL!
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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