When it comes to climbing, having reliable and secure equipment is paramount.
Cam cleats ensure your safety and stability while ascending or descending. With numerous options available on the market, finding the right cam cleats can be a daunting task.
We’ve compiled this article to help you make a well-informed decision. We’ve thoroughly researched and tested various cam cleats, considering their durability, ease of use, and overall performance.
So, whether you’re a beginner climber or a seasoned adventurer, discover the best cam cleats for climbing sticks to enhance your climbing experience.
4 Best Cam Cleats for Climbing Sticks
With so many cam cleats for climbing sticks on the market, finding the right one can be daunting and time-consuming.
That’s where our top 4 picks step in and save you time and money. Here’s a review of some of the best cam cleats for climbing sticks.
As someone who climbs regularly, I have found the HARKEN Cam Cleat an excellent choice for securing my climbing sticks.
These cam cleats offer a combination of secure holding power and quick-release functionality, making trimming and adjustments precise and effortless.
One standout feature of these cam cleats is their lightweight design. Constructed with fiber-reinforced Carbo-Cams, they’re ideal for racing situations where weight is critical or for climbers who prefer less frequent adjustments.
Despite their lightness, these cam cleats maintain high durability, ensuring they can withstand climbing demands.
They have a maximum working load of 200 pounds and a maximum line diameter of 1/2”.
Their reliability and performance have earned them a trusted reputation among climbers. I particularly appreciate how these cam cleats excel in single-stick climbing.
Using 1/8” steel with a full burry for my rope, I found no give once the stick is set in the tree.
The HARKEN Cam Cleat securely locks the rope, providing stability and confidence I need during my climbs. While they may be a bit pricey for outfitting multiple sticks, they’re a must-have for single-stick climbing.
Although they may come with a slightly higher price tag, their convenience and peace of mind make them well worth the investment.
In conclusion, the HARKEN Cam Cleat is a top-notch choice for climbers searching for reliable and efficient cam cleats for climbing sticks.
Their excellent holding power, instant release, and lightweight design provide the stability and ease of use required for successful climbs.
As a frequent climber, I recently had the opportunity to try out the Schaefer Fast Entry Cam Cleat for my climbing sticks, and I must say, it’s a great piece of equipment.
It’s designed with durability and user-friendly functionality, offering a reliable solution for securing climbing lines.
One standout feature of this cam cleat is its construction. The die-cast aluminum jaws provide robust, long-lasting performance, ensuring years of trouble-free line holding.
This is a significant advantage over plastic cam cleats, as the aluminum jaws offer superior strength and resistance to wear and tear.
The Delrin ball-bearing races make the cam cleat operate smoothly and effortlessly.
The double race design, coupled with the upper flare on the jaws, makes engaging the line much easier compared to other styles of cam cleats.
This feature enhances the overall user experience by allowing for quick and efficient adjustments while climbing.
Moreover, it’s versatile! With a 1-1/2 inch (38mm) center-to-center hole spacing and compatibility with #10 FH fasteners, it seamlessly matches the hole pattern of competitive brands, making replacement or upgrading a breeze.
This convenience ensures climbers can easily integrate this cam cleat into their existing setup without hassle.
In terms of load capacity, this cam cleat has a safe working load of 300 lbs (91kg), which provides ample strength for most climbing scenarios.
This high load rating offers peace of mind, ensures the cam cleat can handle climbing demands, and provides secure line holding.
The compact size of the Schaefer Fast Entry Cam Cleat is another positive attribute. With dimensions of 2-1/2 inches (63mm) in length, 1-3/16 inches (30mm) in width, and 7/8 inches (22mm) in height, it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the climbing setup.
This compact design contributes to improved maneuverability and ease of use during climbs.
Overall, the Schaefer Fast Entry Cam Cleat is a reliable and well-designed option for climbers seeking a sturdy and user-friendly cam cleat for climbing sticks.
If you’re looking for lightweight and durable cam cleats for climbing, look no further than the VTurboWay Cam Matic Cleats.
These aluminum cam cleats offer a range of features that make them a reliable option for climbers seeking strong and versatile line management.
Standout features of these cam cleats include strength and durability.
Made from high-quality aluminum, they provide excellent wear resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding climbing environments. This lightweight construction allows for easy handling during climbs while maintaining durability.
The VTurboWay Cam Matic Cleats feature a flared entry, facilitating easy line engagement and quick release.
This design feature adds to the overall efficiency of line adjustments, enabling climbers to make swift and precise changes as needed during climbs.
Additionally, you can easily disassemble these cam cleats for maintenance.
With a base size of approximately 86 x 38mm and a center-to-center hole spacing of about 2.01” (51mm), these cam cleats offer versatility in mounting options.
This ensures compatibility with various climbing setups and allows climbers to integrate them seamlessly into their existing gear.
Moreover, they’re designed to handle lines with a maximum diameter of 15mm.
With a maximum working load of 300 lbs and a breaking load of 750 lbs, they provide ample strength for most climbing scenarios, instilling confidence in their ability to hold the line during climbs.
Lastly, they’re lightweight, further enhancing their suitability for climbing applications.
In conclusion, the VTurboWay Cam Matic Cleats make a great choice for climbers seeking lightweight, durable, and reliable cam cleats for line management.
With their strong aluminum construction, flared entry for easy engagement and release, and compatibility with various line diameters, these cam cleats offer efficient and secure line control during climbs.
Pros:
Reasonably priced
It provides a quick and sturdy grip
User-friendly
Cons:
It would be best if you were careful when unscrewing the bolts to place it; the product can come apart easily
The Ronstan C-Cleat Cam Cleat is designed to provide unbeatable holding power while ensuring easy cleating and releasing control lines in various applications and load conditions.
One notable feature of this cam cleat is its advanced composite construction. Using composite materials, the Ronstan C-Cleat achieves superior performance, surpassing the limitations of traditional metal alloys.
The cleat is strong and lightweight, ensuring a durable and efficient solution for line management. Furthermore, it’s made of corrosion-free materials, allowing for extended use in diverse environments.
Moreover, the unique tooth profile and cam geometry of the Ronstan C-Cleat grip the rope securely without causing damage. This ensures reliable line holding while minimizing abrasion or wear on the rope.
The cam features a multi-coil spring recessed in the upper part, providing near-constant torque. This constant torque allows for secure cleating, even with small-diameter lines, while reducing the effort required for line entry and release.
With materials such as carbon fiber composite cams, long-strand glass fiber reinforced polymer base, PTFE-impregnated Acetal slotted bearings, and stainless steel multi-coil springs, this cam cleat is built to withstand the rigors of climbing.
In summary, the Ronstan C-Cleat Cam Cleat offers exceptional performance and reliability for climbers.
Pros:
Excellent quality
Strong and easy to install
Versatile product
Cons:
Plastic parts
How to Choose the Best Cam Cleats for Climbing Sticks?
Choosing the best cam cleats for climbing sticks requires careful consideration of several factors, such as the following:
Load Capacity
Consider the weight and load capacity of the cam cleat. It should be able to handle your body weight and any additional gear you may carry while climbing.
Ensure the cam cleat has a sufficient load rating for strength and stability.
Material Quality
Look for cam cleats made from durable and reliable materials such as high-quality aluminum or stainless steel. They’re robust, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting.
Avoid cleats made from flimsy or low-quality materials that may compromise your safety.
Adjustability
Check the adjustability features of the cam cleats. They should allow you to easily tighten or loosen the tension of the rope or strap to achieve the desired level of security and comfort.
Look for cam cleats with intuitive and user-friendly adjustment mechanisms.
Compatibility
Ensure that the cam cleats you choose are compatible with your climbing sticks or any other equipment you intend to use them with.
Consider the diameter and thickness of the ropes or straps you typically use, and make sure the cam cleats can accommodate them.
Ease of Use
Look for cam cleats that are easy to install and operate. They should have clear instructions or guidelines for proper usage.
Consider the ergonomic design, smooth operation, and intuitive locking mechanisms that facilitate quick and hassle-free adjustments.
Weight and Size
Consider the weight and size of the cam cleats, especially if you prioritize lightweight and compact gear. Bulky or heavy cleats can add unnecessary weight to your climbing setup and may hinder your mobility.
Reviews and Recommendations
Read customer reviews and seek recommendations from fellow climbers or outdoor enthusiasts.
Their experiences can provide valuable insights into different models.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cam cleats for climbing sticks is essential for maintaining stability, safety, and control during climbing.
We’ve presented diverse options, each with unique strengths and features. Ultimately, your ideal cam cleat will depend on your needs and preferences.
Whether you prioritize lightweight design, high load capacity, or easy adjustability, we’re confident our selection has something for everyone.
Consider factors such as material quality, ease of installation, and compatibility with your climbing stick before deciding.
Investing in a reliable cam cleat will enhance your climbing experience and provide peace of mind as you conquer new heights.
I was working as a mountain guide, probably all around the planet. One day, I met my wife in the mountains, literally on top of the world. Now, I have a beautiful family and three kids, so I don’t have much time for climbing, but sometimes I go camping with my friends. I am also into gym workouts, and I can’t imagine my life without sports.
Since I ended my professional career as a climbing guide, I’ve been giving personal classes and helping amateurs to get ready for conquering their first peaks. Also, that’s how the whole blog idea appeared.
