Alien Fixe vs. Totame basic Offset

Hi there,

I am looking to get a set of off set cams. Which offset do you prefer: Alien Fixe or Totame basic ? What are the pros and cons of each. Thanks!

I have owned and used a few regular Totems, and have messed with both the Basics and the Fixe Aliens in the store. From a initial build quality standpoint, either Totem model is superior to the Fixe.

I love using the standard Totem whenever I can. Hopefully someone with more field time will chime in.

I believe the Basic is better than the Alien overall. However, I the differences are so small that I would just go with whatever is less expensive, which is normally the Basic anyway.

If you are getting the blue/green hybrid, then the Totem basic is far superior.

You may find some useful information in this thread:

mountainproject.com/v/totem…

Thanks guys. One more question: I am looking at the size and strength chart and it seems the Aliens are much stronger. This seems odd given the Totem Basics seem more sturdy. Can anyone explain this?

Here are the charts I'm reading from:

wildernessexchangeunlimited…

totemcams.com/content/index…

Burk S. wrote:Thanks guys. One more question: I am looking at the size and strength chart and it seems the Aliens are much stronger. This seems odd given the Totem Basics seem more sturdy. Can anyone explain this?

Totem engineer chimed in on this once. totem ratings are CE based so cams are 75% open IIRC. CCH info is based on 25% open....

Totem for the sizes they make. If you want a black/blue you have to go fixe.

Can't wait for the web store to get back online so I can order some basics. I head to Squamish in three weeks so I'm praying that it's soon.

JLP wrote: Ultimate Tensile Strength, 3-sigma, marketing BS, CCH engineering incompetence - Google. There's no hidden magic, they're basically the same design, same materials.

I agree. Cams nearly never fail from excessive load when used in the field. Strength ratings on most cams are among the least important parameters one should consider. They are really only an issue in aid climbing where you might be standing on something rated for 450 lbf MBS.