Metolius Supercams

Any thoughts or reviews on metolius supercams? Why did you like them or why did you not?

I have a set. Very wide range and seem very well made, but honestly they're pretty funky. They're large and fairly bulky, and I don't like the kevlar(?) thread on the trigger (or rather, where it attaches to the middle of the trigger). I haven't had any issues with them but I also haven't had them very long. I'd prefer larger power cams, honestly, but they're not made.

I really like the super cams in a pinch. They seem to have a much wider range than the c4. They aren't a gimmick like the link cams and I have yet to get one stuck even after very large falls.

I use metolius and BD in my rack and I truely feel both brands have their place. Super cams are great for anchor building but also in size over lap where one size is over cammed and the other is tipped out.

Yeah the range is pretty substantial. If I remember rightly the smallest one covers the range of the #7 and of almost all of the range of the #8 power cam. The largest isn't quite as big as a BD #4 in what metolius considers the acceptable range.

I can't say I've noticed any walking when I've cleaned them. Which is to say that someone else placed them but the placement looked good when I cleaned them. And never had a comment about such from a follower when I've set them. They seem to be more prone to walk towards the upper limit of the range, but that seems true of all cams. I can say that I've never felt anything less than confidence with the placement after setting one.

Mathias wrote:Yeah the range is pretty substantial. If I remember rightly the smallest one covers the range of the #7 and of almost all of the range of the #8 power cam. The largest isn't quite as big as a BD #4 in what metolius considers the acceptable range. I can't say I've noticed any walking when I've cleaned them. Which is to say that someone else placed them but the placement looked good when I cleaned them. And never had a comment about such from a follower when I've set them. They seem to be more prone to walk towards the upper limit of the range, but that seems true of all cams. I can say that I've never felt anything less than confidence with the placement after setting one.

I just picked up the small supercam because I got a deal on it, but haven't had chance to place it. My first thoughts were it is a bit bulky aswell but when you see what range it has it's not so bad. Seems like a good cam for anchor building, nice wide lobes and great range incase that one cam you need has already been eaten up. For somebody on a budget a set could be a cheaper option for bigger cams other than buying a whole set of c4s. Although when I have the money it will probly be replaced with c4s just because I like the feel much better.

If anyone is dying to try some supercams at a fairly low price, PM me.
I have the smaller 2 that I never fell in love with and I never used much. I'd sell for 60% of retail if you wanted to pick them up or pay shipping.

Yes, the range is very good, but overall I wouldn't recommend them. I don't think the advantages some others have mentioned outweigh its significant bulk and weight increase over the equivalent C4s.

I have a small and a medium Supercam and consistently leave them on the ground in favor of C4s.

The asymmetry makes them actually quite fun to place, and they do feel bomber. Just not worth they weight and bulk to me.

fyi on the range as per the manufacurer's specs. Metolius lists the min/max as well as the usauble range - BD only lists the min/max range. They do indeed cover enough extra range to make them a perfect 2nd piece in the 3 larger sizes. As for weight...jesus h chirst you guys are sissies.

Bottom line: great 2nd yellow-grey (2-4) camalot when bringing doubles, great single rack in the alpine rock as they perform much better in wet iced cracks. Never had any issues with the kevlar on these or mastercams.

For new C4s & Supercams, according to manufacturer claims, Supercams have ~5% range advantage (based on manufacturer min/max range) & ~20% more weight. Supercams are cheaper and easier to buy new.

Michael Layton wrote: As for weight...jesus h chirst you guys are sissies.

You can carry 6 C4s for 5 supercams (4 Ultralight C4s for 3 supercams). More Options. More linked pitches.

Climbing gear has been evolving for decades constantly bringing lighter, better options, often by the hardest & the best climbers seeking to climb longer, harder, more interesting routes. Climbing is purposeless, so climb however makes you happy or brings you personal growth. Just don't take out your masculine insecurity on fellow climbers.

Kevin M wrote:

Climbing gear has been evolving for decades

Climbing gear has been evolving for almost an entire decade since this thread was last active!