Metolius Cam Lube Review

Let’s Talk About Metolius Cam Lube

Camming devices, or “cams,” are the unsung heroes of rock climbing protection. Their proper function can be the difference between a safe climb and a dangerous fall. I first heard about Metolius Cam Lube years ago, but always dismissed it as an unnecessary expense, figuring my cams were fine with the occasional wipe down. Now, after years of hard use, exposure to the elements, and some alarming slippage, I decided it was time to give my trusty cams some much-needed TLC.

What led me to Metolius Cam Lube was the increasing “stickiness” of some of my older cams. They weren’t deploying smoothly and predictably, leading to some unnerving placements on a recent climb in the Red River Gorge. The thought of replacing several cams was daunting and expensive, so I searched for a solution to restore their original function.

The Metolius Cam Lube comes in a simple, unassuming 2 oz. squeeze bottle. Immediately, I appreciated the straightforward packaging, reflecting what I hoped would be a no-nonsense approach to cam maintenance. Holding the bottle, I noticed it felt much lighter than the advertised 2 lbs, which is likely a typo. My initial thought was, “Okay, let’s see if this little bottle can actually resurrect these aging cams.”

I considered other lubricants, including dry Teflon sprays and graphite powders, but many climber friends recommended the Metolius product. It seemed to strike a balance between lubrication and dirt resistance. The Metolius Cam Lube formulation promised a wax-based lubricant that goes on wet but dries, allegedly sealing out dirt while providing superior lubrication.

My initial impression was cautious optimism. I was excited by the prospect of restoring my cams’ performance, but I also wondered if it was just another climbing gimmick. The price point of $4.21 seemed reasonable if it delivered on its promises, but a waste of money if it didn’t.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Metolius Cam Lube to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Metolius Cam Lube in my garage, transforming my workbench into a makeshift cam maintenance station. My patient? A set of well-used Black Diamond Camalots and some older Wild Country Friends. I wanted to simulate real-world grit, so I didn’t overly clean the cams beforehand.

The application was straightforward: I squeezed a small amount of the black lube onto the axles and moving parts of each cam. The Metolius Cam Lube went on wet, as advertised. I worked it into the mechanisms, repeatedly opening and closing each cam to ensure even distribution.

Initially, the action felt smoother, but the real test came after allowing the lube to dry completely, as instructed. The instructions said that the lube will set up dry, which is exactly what I wanted. After about an hour, I checked the cams. They were noticeably smoother and less sticky than before.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the next few months, I used the treated cams on several climbing trips to various locations, including the sandstone cliffs of West Virginia and the granite walls of North Carolina. The improved smoothness was immediately noticeable on the rock. Placements felt more secure, and the cams deployed more reliably.

The Metolius Cam Lube seemed to hold up well to the rigors of climbing. I didn’t notice any excessive dirt accumulation on the treated cams. However, after prolonged use in sandy environments, I did observe a slight buildup around the axles, necessitating a quick cleaning and reapplication.

Maintaining the cams was surprisingly easy. A simple wipe down with a clean rag was usually sufficient to remove any accumulated grime. I’ve re-applied the Metolius Cam Lube every few weeks, or after particularly dirty climbs, to maintain optimal performance. This beats the alternative of replacing the cams and seems much safer.

My previous experience with cam maintenance was limited to occasional cleaning with water and a brush. The Metolius Cam Lube significantly outperformed that rudimentary approach, restoring the smooth action and confidence I needed in my protection. It’s a very cheap and effective alternative to just replacing the cams.

Breaking Down the Features of Metolius Cam Lube

Specifications

The Metolius Cam Lube is a patented wax formula designed to lubricate and protect climbing cams. It comes in a 2 oz squeeze bottle, which provides ample applications for a standard rack of cams. Although the website lists the weight as 2 lbs, this is incorrect; the bottle is significantly lighter, likely less than an ounce when full.

• Wax Formula: The key ingredient, designed to provide lubrication while sealing out dirt and moisture.
• Wet Application, Dry Set-Up: Applies as a liquid for deep penetration, then dries to a non-tacky finish.
• Self-Cleaning Action: The wax matrix sheds dirt and debris, reducing wear on moving parts.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the performance and longevity of your climbing cams. The wax formula aims to reduce friction and corrosion, ensuring smooth and reliable cam placements. The dry set-up prevents dirt accumulation and maintains consistent performance in various environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Metolius Cam Lube excels at its primary function: lubricating climbing cams. It significantly improves the smoothness and responsiveness of camming devices, especially older or heavily used ones. The cams expand and contract with ease, giving me more confidence in their placements.

The Metolius Cam Lube‘s strengths lie in its ease of use and noticeable performance improvement. However, in extremely dusty environments, the self-cleaning action is not a perfect solution and requires occasional manual cleaning. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations for a cam lubricant.

Design & Ergonomics

The Metolius Cam Lube comes in a simple, no-frills squeeze bottle. The bottle is easy to handle and dispenses the lubricant precisely. The Metolius Cam Lube‘s black color makes it easy to see where it has been applied, but can also leave a slight residue on your hands.

The Metolius Cam Lube requires no special tools or skills to apply. The lubricant has a mild odor that is not offensive. There is no learning curve to the application process.

Durability & Maintenance

A single application of Metolius Cam Lube typically lasts for several weeks of moderate climbing use. The Metolius Cam Lube seems durable and resistant to washing off in wet conditions. Periodic reapplication and cleaning is recommended to maintain optimal performance.

The Metolius Cam Lube is easy to remove with a solvent-based cleaner if necessary. Regular maintenance extends the life of your climbing cams, saving you money and improving safety. Proper maintenance keeps the cams running smoothly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Metolius Cam Lube itself doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, a small brush or rag can be helpful for cleaning cams before application. The Metolius Cam Lube is compatible with all brands and types of camming devices.

There are no customization options available for the Metolius Cam Lube. The Metolius Cam Lube is a standalone product designed to enhance the performance of existing climbing gear. You only need the squeeze bottle itself.

Pros and Cons of Metolius Cam Lube

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Who Should Buy Metolius Cam Lube?

The Metolius Cam Lube is perfect for rock climbers of all levels who use camming devices for protection. It benefits climbers looking to maintain and extend the life of their gear. This is an essential for climbers who invest a lot of time in the sport.

Those who should skip this product might include climbers who only climb indoors or those who exclusively use bolted routes. Also, those who are obsessive about keeping their gear pristine might find the black residue a bit annoying. However, it’s a small price to pay for proper cam maintenance.

A must-have accessory for use with Metolius Cam Lube is a small, stiff-bristled brush for cleaning dirt and grime from cams before application. A clean rag is also helpful for wiping off excess lubricant. It’s cheap insurance to maintain proper function of your cams.

Conclusion on Metolius Cam Lube

The Metolius Cam Lube is a simple yet effective product that delivers on its promises. It significantly improves the performance and longevity of climbing cams. The Metolius Cam Lube‘s easy application and noticeable results make it a valuable addition to any climber’s gear maintenance routine.

The price of $4.21 is easily justified by the potential savings of extending the life of expensive camming devices. I would personally recommend the Metolius Cam Lube to any climber looking to keep their gear in top condition. This ensures safer and more enjoyable climbing experiences.

Don’t let your cams become sticky and unreliable. Invest in a bottle of Metolius Cam Lube today and experience the difference a little lubrication can make. It’s cheap insurance for the proper function of your camming devices.