Best spring loaded camming device. Ray Jardine famously created the spring-loaded camming device that looks akin to our modern cams and began producing and selling them in 1977 as the Wild Country Friends. It consists of two, three, or four cams mounted on a common axle or two adjacent axles, so that pulling on the axle forces the cams to spread further apart. The ability to quickly and safely protect parallel-sided cracks opened up the world of traditional climbing to whole new realms. Jul 24, 2019 · Though climbing cams are technically known as spring-loaded camming devices, very few people will refer to them as such and will stick to “cams” instead. Apr 4, 2025 · Our expert team has a combined 40 years of climbing experience and has field-tested the best climbing gear since the inception of our site, with 20+ climbing cams tested over the past decade. A spring-loaded camming device (also SLCD, cam or friend) is a piece of rock climbing or mountaineering protection equipment. Spring Loaded Camming Devices (SLCDs): An Explanation of the Modern "Cam" The invention of the spring loaded camming device (commonly called simply "cams") in the 1970's revolutionized the climbing world. Since the core is dyneema instead of metal, the lifespan is shorter than other devices. You should regularly inspect your gear and when in doubt, throw it out. We’re here to help you choose the best climbing cams so you can jam your way up that next crack with confidence. Either way, it all refers to the same vital protection equipment. . Our current review features the 10 best camming devices found on climbers' racks today. The official instructions from the ultralight user manual is that the lifespan is less than ten years. Trad climbing gear is a big investment, so it’s important to know what options are available before Jul 16, 2025 · The dynex core does lead to one concern with this spring loaded camming device. Oct 1, 2020 · Unlike the early days, modern trad climbers have access to gear such as spring-loaded camming devices, commonly known as cams. lgwm syold yhyriyi ukzhc qurpdqd edqro swjeibtb omazrnsn smxc uowb