Cams - BD vs Wild Country Tech Friends

Post by **ReluctantHoosier** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 5:02 pm

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Also, in terms of BD sizes, do most agree that #.5 through #3 – with doubles of #1, #2, & #3 – constitutes a decent cam selection for trad (5.7 – 5.9) in the Red?

Post by KD » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:29 pm

got 'em both and like the camalots the best - wider range and double axle. they're a little heavier but not that much.

Post by **Wes** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:32 pm

BD cams have some gaps between .75 and 1; 1 and 2, that friends fit into nicely. So, a rack of both is a nice thing to have. And, seems like a lot of the easy to moderate trad in the red would take some bigger gear, so maybe try for a 3.5 and a 4.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:35 pm

I agree with what Wes says. Also, I don't like the BD .5. Skip that and get either a TCU or an Alien for that size.

Post by **dhoyne** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:55 pm

There's a few really fun moderate trad routes that need a 4.5 and/or 5.0 (of the old sizing, not sure what that is in the new sizes). It's helpful to know someone who has these!

Post by **hearn** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:55 pm

I like the action that the BD's have a much more than the WC's, it seems a little smoother and more consistant through the sizes. I will disagree with Sandy on the BD .5 though. I love mine, but if you double up on that size don't get two BD .5's. Also I thing that the Yellow Alien/ TCU is as used almost as much as my #2 BD. I swear that little yellow goes everywhere.

Post by **ynot** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 11:31 pm

I think the quality of BD is just bettwer than any other cam I have used. They will last longer and work better. I have a rack of Metoliuos and they have taken a beating in just 5 years.The BD's still are fine.

Post by **ReluctantHoosier** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 5:26 pm

Thanks everyone for your posts. All sounds like good advice. I'll keep my eyes on the "Alien Failure" post to see what develops regarding the alleged failure. Thanks again.

Post by **Ballss** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:13 pm

I have both WC and BD cams. For the money, WC is by FAR the better bargain. The expanded range others rave about is negligible, and the extra 20 bucks a piece in your pocket will make you feel better about the extra 6 ounces you pull up with you. They are really durable. WC hands down.

Post by **kek-san** » Fri Jan 27, 2006 1:17 pm

The new BD's are really nice. New action, can resling to a double sling. The sizes are reasonable espically #'s 1,2 and 3. But I agree with Wes and a few WC's better round things out. In short if you've got the option a few of each would be great.

As for the cost. well, all I can say is sometimes you just need to put that aside and look at safety (which should encompass: strength, usablility, longevity, etc)

just my $0.02