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go with the tcu's dude, you wont regret it.

Just an FYI aaron......

I too am looking to buy a rack, and a link I found via eBay to www.gearexpress.com shows they have the TCU six pack for only $200. I've never dealt with them before so I can't vouch for their service, but that is the best price I've seen. I think retail is maybe like $260 so not a bad deal.

I'm not affiliated with them or anything blah blah blah

gearexpress is a top notch outfit from my experience, I would recommend you grab the sale packages, the blems can sometimes be a little short of quality,

I have to say I like both BD and the tcu's. You can't go wrong with either. Much depends on the type of rock you are climbing, I like the purchase of the 4 camlobes in softer sandstone. The 4 lobes of the camelots don't walk quit as much in deep smooth cracks like Indian Creek (Utah, bring a lot). I don't care for the #.2 BD, and the #.3 BD is on the border (both have a single axle) The #.4 BD's and up are stellar. I like the TCU's in harder sandstone and granite, they fit into a lot of spots a 4 cam BD unit will not. Much is what you get used to, I have buddy's that swear by WC Friends because of the $ and they are a fair bit lighter.

I would go with either TCU or Aliens....BD seems to lose its sparkle when they lose there double axle.

Seems people stick with what they started with. I started with Aliens...The single flex stem make for a wider range of placements with less walking. Also they are rated 1 or 2 KN stronger in the smaller sizes.

I like the fact you can place the TCU with a thumb and just one finger.

I dont think you will really regret either one

yeah gear express is really good. sounds like i'll probably go with the tcu's.

I personally hate TCUs for no particular reason. Unless I am in North Carolina and then they are the shit.
If I were climbing in Yosemite I would like Aliens. The offsets really kick ass but you don't really need them for most routes.
Offset NUTS on the other hand had better be on your rack before you go there.
Anywhere outside of Yosemite give me the microcamalots.

taking offset nuts for walls for sure.

My rack includes BD .5 (2) and up and several Metolius... I use both but it seems I always place the Metolius before the BD when I need a "courage" piece. I like the BD single stem better but put the met. when I think I might bail on it. Both kinds have taken good falls and the even the small met has held a good one...

I've always put down the extra money for BD and Met.,too...never had the guts to go for a "clearance cam"

I have used the small TCUs for years and love them. Last year I bought a couple ot the BDs, and like them just as much. But I totally agree that the TCUs rule in N.C. The smaller heads work great in those little horizontal pockets.