Dmm dragonfly review (problems/flaw)

Just wanted to post this quick review/observation of the dmm dragonfly cams.  Using a red here as an example but still applies to the set.  Dmm makes great stuff with attention to detail.  I've used many of their products with no issues.  

My one concern, which is major, pertains to the spring gap located in the middle of each set of lobes.  The gap goes around the whole axle.  I've had serious issues with dirt and grit build up even after only using the cam on the first go.  This is a major flaw for these.  I've posted a pic of an x4 for comparison, side by side with the red dragonfly.  The lobes are crammed together in the x4 at the top.  With very tight tolerances.  Thus reducing dirt and grit build up.  Just not the case for the dragonfly.  When cam'd , the gap is peaked at its largest opening, making any grit insanely easy to get in even as soon as the cam is entered into rock.  Because the springs are located 'between ' lobes friction is then created between the lobes from grit.  Now the x4s still show a spring opening when cam'd, but because each lobe has it's own spring you never get friction between lobes( meaning no issues when camming).I'd love to hear Dmm's explanation.  I mainly climb sandstone and the grit is definitely small enough to significantly effect the longevity of these.  For the money your paying, I'd role with the x4s or tcu's before expecting these to last.  

Grit build up heaven with a gap like this

Bryan Climb wrote: Just wanted to post this quick review/observation of the dmm dragonfly cams.  Using a red here as an example but still applies to the set.  Dmm makes great stuff with attention to detail.  I've used many of their products with no issues.  

My one concern, which is major, pertains to the spring gap located in the middle of each set of lobes.  The gap goes around the whole axle.  I've had serious issues with dirt and grit build up even after only using the cam on the first go.  This is a major flaw for these.  I've posted a pic of an x4 for comparison, side by side with the red dragonfly.  The lobes are crammed together in the x4 at the top.  With very tight tolerances.  Thus reducing dirt and grit build up.  Just not the case for the dragonfly.  When cam'd , the gap is peaked at its largest opening, making any grit insanely easy to get in even as soon as the cam is entered into rock.  Because the springs are located 'between ' lobes friction is then created between the lobes from grit.  Now the x4s still show a spring opening when cam'd, but because each lobe has it's own spring you never get friction between lobes( meaning no issues when camming).

Is it possible that the  tight tolerances of the x4 are actually  more of a problem as it's more likely that small amounts of grit/dirt will jam in the gap whereas on the Dragonfly there is a big gap so you'd  have to have a lot of crap to cause a problem with fouling between lobes.

It's quite possible that it's also easier to clean the dragonfly because of the larger opening?

p.s. Why don't you ask DMM?

It seems to me that this is not actually a problem for the whole set of Dragonflies, but only the 3 smallest sizes. The larger ones (blue and up) have internally recessed cam springs much like the x4s, and there are no big gaps.

Tim,  I personally have not had the grit issue with the X4s.  The real issue is when grit gets between and/or underneath the Springs. When this happens cleanings no go.  Residual build-up on the outside sure can be blown out. But in the Springs or underneath it's a no go.  Can u take apart and reswag, sure, but most people won't have these tools.  I don't really see a reason to contact dmm.   This is their design to get the Lobes this small, no changing it, and the issue is there. Hence the reason for this review on their current design.  

Danny  You are correct that this is only for the 3 smallest sizes ( Which is what most people would want to fit the nitty gritty tail end of their rack)

I’ve had a similar experience as the OP, however they are easy to clean. My main gripe is that they buckle so easily and can’t be placed precisely because of the wobble-y-ness 

If you’re using a cam that small, hopefully the crack is clean and not full of grit to increase the odds they hold. 

An anecdote. I recently purchased two of the smallest dragonfly cams. First day out I took a few decent-sized falls on the smallest piece (#1, green). The unit held the falls, but suffered some damage. Broken trigger wire and two smeared lobes. The action on the two 'unscathed' lobes is now limited by the tweaked head angle of the cam and what feels like grit in the springs. On one hand, I recognize that the mechanics of any micro are delicate and that falling on them can tweak them enough to cause issues with future performance. Having said that, I've never had issues with C3s or small aliens after falls. The inner lobes are so small and close to the stem that I can't replace the trigger wire at home. It's surprising to have a brand new piece of gear to be so easily and seriously damaged.  In the end: the gear caught the falls and broken gear is the cost of doing business, but I don't think I'll get more dragonflies.

I think I’ve only aided off my C3 0 and 00s but I have seen a few f-ed up from actual falls. I did break a 000 on a fall with it at my feet. Held but got mangled. 
Took one fall on the red dragonfly and it’s fine except a few little crystal dents on the lobes.
My belief is that I’d rather have the gear get mangled and hold than always look great but not actually hold a fall. You place pro for a reason