Black Diamond Camalot C4 #1 Red Review (2026)

What this cam is for

The Camalot C4 #1 is a spring-loaded camming device sized for finger-to-hand-width cracks, one of the most commonly placed sizes on granite and sandstone trad routes. Black Diamond builds the C4 line around a double-axle head, which lets the cam lobes retract further than older single-axle designs and gives each unit a wider effective range than its physical size would suggest. That wider range means a red #1 covers cracks that would otherwise need two separate pieces, which is part of why this size shows up so often on route racks and gear lists posted by other climbers. It is sold as a single unit rather than a set, so it slots into an existing rack built size by size rather than replacing a full range of protection in one purchase.

Camming range and holding strength

According to Black Diamond and third-party gear-weighing sites, the #1 Camalot C4 has a camming range of about 30.2 to 52.1 millimeters, or roughly 1.19 to 2.05 inches, which covers a solid finger-to-hand crack width. It carries a strength rating of 14 kN, tested and certified to CE and UIAA standards, putting it in line with other modern cams of similar size. That range and rating make it suitable as a primary placement rather than a backup piece, which is why it is often the first or second cam trad climbers add when assembling a rack, alongside sizes just above and below it.

Build and materials

The C4 lobes and stem are built from a mix of materials Black Diamond lists as roughly 40 percent aluminum, 30 percent steel, and the remainder nylon and other synthetics used in the trigger wires, sling, and thumb loop. The redesigned C4 line was built to shave weight compared to older Camalot generations while keeping the same strength figures, and this size weighs about 124 grams. Black Diamond backs the cam with a two-year warranty against manufacturing defects, standard for its hardware line. The sculpted lobe shape is meant to keep contact with rock consistent across the camming range rather than concentrating force at one point.

On the wall

A single red #1 cannot protect a full pitch by itself, so most climbers buy this size as one purchase in an ongoing rack build rather than expecting it to stand alone. The trigger and stem length are sized for one-handed placement in vertical to slightly overhanging finger and hand cracks, and the color-coded red matches Black Diamond's sizing system so it is easy to grab the right cam quickly when racked next to other sizes. Because this size sees frequent use on many popular trad lines, climbers building a rack often end up wanting two of this size before they have doubles of less common sizes.

Who should buy it and value

This cam suits trad climbers who are building or filling out a rack and know they need a finger-to-hand piece, rather than someone shopping for a single do-it-all cam. At roughly 95 dollars for one unit, the price is typical for a mid-size cam from a major brand, and the strength and range justify that cost for a size used this often. It is not the lightest option on the market if ultralight cams are the priority, and buying a full rack in this size range means multiple separate purchases, but the reliability and familiarity of the C4 design make it a safe default choice for most trad racks.

Frequently asked questions