Merlin Rock Gear Closing Down

Merlin Rock Gear is closing down at the end of this year.  It's been a good run but with BD now making these sizes of cams, it no longer makes sense for me to.  I made hundreds of the Merlin cams over the past six years and want to thank everyone who was helpful and/or supportive in the process.  I met many great people through this adventure.  I will continue to support these cams if anyone needs trigger replacements, stem upgrades, or any other repairs.  Just email me at merlinrockgear@gmail.com..  The physical address will no longer be active as of Jan. 1.  

Please climb safely out there!  It is especially important with these large cams (all large cams) that they be placed in the direction of fall.  The lobes are relatively thin compared to their length (versus smaller cams) and are not intended to support significant off-axis loads.  Proper storage of cams in a dry environment is also important.  There was one Merlin stem failure described in great detail on this forum a couple years ago that I issued a voluntary recall for.  Improper storage of the cam in moist conditions contributed to the failure, and I don't want to see a repeat.  If you have any questions about the condition of a Merlin cam, please email me.  

Thank you!

Erick

Merlin cams, #8, #10, and #13

Thank you Erick!!!

Thank you for your great service to the climbing community! 

Thank you for all the hard work you put in! The #8 I picked up has gotten quite a bit of work in all over the lower 48 and Alaska. Do you have anything left in stock you want to get rid of? 

Thanks, Erick.  They were beautiful pieces of art (and high-speed machining) with a lot of heart and soul in them.

Thanks for giving us wide weirdos protection before no one else would Erick!

Thank you Erick for fulfilling that niche in our racks for the wide boys and girls. Proud to have some of your fine engineering. Best of luck in your future endeavors! 

You did a great job. Best of luck in future endeavors. Signed, Merlin fan

You carried on as the giants of climbing hardware design and mfg before you; Chouinard, the Lowe clan, etc. Well done!

Thanks for everything you’ve done man! You’re cams filled voids in the rocks and the market alike. I’ve taken a few hefty falls on your gear and walked away unscathed. And like myself, you’ve probably helped countless others stay out of the hospital. Will I end up grabbing a few of the bd’s eventually. sure. But they’ll never really compare to the functional art you dreamed up, refined, and brought to fruition. Take care, you’ve done more for our community and sport than 99 percent of us ever will, and that’s something to hang your hat on proudly.