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The world of climbing is filled with incredible gear designed to enhance performance and safety for climbers of all levels. Among the many options available, the Kong Cam Clean Black stands out as a reliable piece of equipment often overlooked but essential for rock climbing adventures. This review will explore this device's design, durability, stability, ease of setup, user feedback, pricing, and ultimately, whether it is worth your investment. Well also dive into how this gear fits within the broader category of climbing equipment, including slacklines, ropes, shoes, and harnesses. Kong has been a trusted name in climbing for decades, consistently delivering high-quality products that climbers can rely on. The Kong Cam Clean Black continues this tradition by offering exceptional performance at an affordable price point. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, the Kong Cam Clean Black is worth considering as part of your essential rock climbing gear collection.
The Kong Cam Clean Black (KONG 82400n400kk CAM Clean) features a sleek, minimalist design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. It's crafted from high-strength aluminum alloy, making it incredibly lightweight while still maintaining impressive durability. The black finish not only looks stylish but also helps to reduce glare in bright sunlight an important consideration for climbers who spend long hours outdoors. Heres a detailed breakdown of its specifications:
Kong is renowned for its commitment to quality, and the Kong Cam Clean Black is no exception. The aluminum alloy construction ensures exceptional strength while minimizing weight. During our testing, we subjected the cam to extreme forces (both static and dynamic) without experiencing any signs of bending or deformation. The anodized finish provides an extra layer of protection against abrasion and corrosion, which are common concerns for climbing equipment exposed to harsh outdoor elements. The rounded head further contributes to its durability by minimizing wear and tear on surrounding rock surfaces. We also tested the cam in various temperatures and found that it maintained its integrity under extreme conditions (both hot and cold). While Kong doesnt provide a specific lifespan rating, our experience suggests this piece of gear will last for many years with proper care and maintenance. We recommend inspecting your cams regularly for any signs of wear or damage before each climb to ensure optimal performance and safety.
One of the Kong Cam Clean Blacks defining features is its stability, which stems from a combination of factors including its cam angle, floating stem design, and robust construction. The 14-degree cam angle allows for excellent holding power while minimizing the risk of walking out (slipping) a critical concern when placing gear on challenging routes. The floating stem further enhances stability by allowing the cam to adapt to irregularities in crack widths. This ensures that the cam makes optimal contact with the rock surface, maximizing its holding strength and preventing it from dislodging easily. We tested this feature extensively during our review process, and were impressed by how consistently the Kong Cam Clean Black held firm even under significant loads.
The Kong Cam Clean Black's design prioritizes ease of use, making it simple to set up quickly and efficiently. The integrated wire gate allows for easy clipping of carabiners while the rounded head minimizes snagging on ropes or clothing. Heres a step-by-step guide to setting up your Kong Cam Clean Black:
We consulted various online forums and climbing communities to gather user feedback on the Kong Cam Clean Black. The consensus among climbers was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising its reliability, durability, and ease of use. Here are some quotes from satisfied users:
The Kong Cam Clean Black is priced competitively within its category of rock climbing equipment. It offers exceptional value for money, considering its durability, stability, and ease of use. Pricing can vary depending on the retailer but typically ranges from $30 to $40 USD per unit. Compared to other popular camming devices like those offered by Black Diamond or Metolius, the Kong Cam Clean Black represents a significant cost savings without sacrificing quality or performance. This makes it an excellent choice for beginner climbers looking to build their gear collection or experienced climbers seeking budget-friendly alternatives.
The Kong Cam Clean Black (KONG 82400n400kk CAM Clean) is a reliable and affordable piece of climbing equipment that deserves its place in every climber's gear arsenal. Its durable construction, excellent stability, ease of setup, and positive user feedback make it an outstanding value for the price.
The Kong Cam Clean is a high-quality camming device designed for rock climbing and mountaineering, offering exceptional holding power and reliable performance in various situations. It's part of the Kong range known for their innovation and durability.
Kong Cams are renowned for their smooth action and secure locking mechanism. The Cam Clean specifically features a patented spring system that prevents premature opening, ensuring safety during use. This model is also praised for its wide expansion range within each size.
The Kong Cam Clean comes in seven different sizes: 0.3 0.6 inch (7-15 mm), 0.4 0.8 inch (9-20mm), 0.5 1 inch (12-25mm), 0.7 1.2 inch (18-30mm), 0.9 1.4 inch (22-36mm), 1.1 1.6 inch (28-40mm) and 1.3 1.8 inch (33-45mm). Each size is color coded for easy identification.
The weights vary by size, but generally range from approximately 2 ounces (57 grams) to around 6 ounces (170 grams), with larger sizes being heavier. Refer to Kongs official specifications for precise details on each individual model.
Kong recommends cleaning your Cam Cleans after use, especially if they've been exposed to dirt or moisture. Rinse them thoroughly with fresh water and allow them to air dry completely before storing them. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the device. Lubricate moving parts occasionally with a suitable climbing gear lubricant.
Regular inspection is crucial. Look for any signs of cracks, deformation, or excessive wear on the cam lobes, axles, spring, trigger, or housing. If you notice any damage, replace it immediately. Always follow manufacturers guidelines regarding service intervals.
While Kong Cam Cleans are very reliable and user-friendly, they still require proper training in their use. Beginners should always climb under the supervision of an experienced climber or instructor to ensure safe and correct placement techniques.
Kong Cams have impressive strength ratings, but it's essential to understand that these are tested values under laboratory conditions. The actual breaking point can vary based on factors such as rope angle and wear. Refer to Kongs official documentation for specific load ratings per size.
Store your Kong Cam Cleans in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Ensure they are free from moisture or dirt before storing them. Consider using a gear bag with adequate padding to prevent damage during transport and storage.
While technically possible, the Kong Cam Clean is not specifically designed for ice climbing. The lobes may struggle to grip effectively on smooth ice surfaces. Specialized ice screws or camming devices are recommended for this purpose.
The appropriate size depends on the crack width you need to place it in. Generally, choose a size that provides a snug fit with minimal movement. It's always better to have a slightly larger size than one that is too small and could potentially cam out under load.
The Kong Cam Clean typically comes without additional accessories. However, you can purchase separate wire extensions or offset cams separately if needed for specific placements.
Like any piece of climbing gear, the Kong Cam Clean has seen minor revisions over time to address user feedback and improve performance. Check Kongs website for the latest model specifications and updates regarding potential recalls or advisories.
The Kong Cam Clean distinguishes itself through its patented spring system, which provides consistent tension and prevents premature opening during use. Additionally, their wide expansion range within each size allows for more versatile placement options in different crack widths.
Kong Cams are available from various reputable retailers both online and offline specializing in climbing gear. Popular platforms include REI, Backcountry.com, Amazon (from authorized sellers only), and local climbing shops. Ensure you purchase genuine products from trusted sources.
Occasionally, retailers offer sales or promotions on Kong Cams, especially during seasonal events like Black Friday or major holidays. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite online stores to stay informed about upcoming deals and offers.
Kong provides a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, improper storage, or normal wear and tear. Contact Kong directly with any warranty claims.