Offset cam

An offset cam is a specialized type of spring-loaded camming device (SLCD) where the cam lobes on one side are a different size than those on the other side. This asymmetric design allows the cam to fit securely in flared cracks, pin scars, and other irregularly shaped placements where a standard symmetric cam would not sit properly. The wider lobes contact the wider part of the crack while the narrower lobes fit the narrower side, creating a more stable and reliable placement in non-parallel crack features.

Examples

In trad and lead climbing, an offset cam is a camming device with differently sized lobes on each side, designed for irregular crack placements. For example, when a climber encounters a flared crack where a regular cam would shift or walk out, an offset cam can be placed with the larger lobes against the wider side of the flare, creating a secure fit. Offset cams are also useful in pin scars left by old pitons, horizontal breaks that narrow on one side, and pods with uneven walls. Brands like Black Diamond (Camalot Z4 Offset) and Metolius (Offset Master Cam) make dedicated offset cams that fill a critical gap in a trad climber's rack for protecting difficult placements.