First Person Rock Climbing: "The Barb" (Pitch 5), (5.10), Spearhead, Rocky Mountain National Park

Sorry about the blurry spot! I didn't realize until later that the screen protector on my Gopro was cracked right across the lens. Hopefully you can still enjoy the video of the crux pitch on this amazing route!

[@toddphillips9989]

Great looking pitch, Brad, and nicely done! The rock looks fantastic. btw, what rope are you climbing on? and what is the advantage of using totem cams? I see them being used all the time now.

[@bradfordLburns]

Thanks!
Yeah, the rock on Spearhead is really nice!
It looks like we are climbing on my buddies 70m Bluewater Lightning Double Dry rope. I really like Bluewater ropes!
Totems are great. There are a couple of differences between totems and other cams that make them better in my opinion.
A. They have a much more narrow head width. This means you can fit them in small pods and cracks better than a wider unit. They are even more narrow than the Z4's in most sizes.
B. Their each set of lobes (right and left) is on its own axel, which allows you to place them in flares and have them be dependable. Actually, you can weight them (technically only aiding) on only 2 lobes! This means that they sort of work like offset cams (not quite as well, but close!). This means when I place them in cracks that aren't perfectly parallel (think anything except for Indian Creek splitters), they inspire more confidence.
C. The smaller sizes of totem cams seem to inspire much more confidence in me for some reason. They seem to bite better and place more securely when compared to small cams of other brands. Specifically the blue (.3) and black (.2) totems are way more confidence inspiring than a .3 and .2 C4/X4 in my opinion.
D. Lastly, the camming angle on the lobes just seems better for pods and cracks that aren't perfectly symmetrical. The amount of surface area that the lobes receive with the rock is really bomber feeling.

[@toddphillips9989]

Wow, thanks Brad! I really appreciate the response. I can see where that narrower profile would be a really nice feature. Some of the small cams I have are just so incredibly wide for their size. They work fine in most areas but if you're trying to fit them in a pin scar or something along those lines, they don't fit so well.

[@bradfordLburns]

@@toddphillips9989 100%. Check out totems if you get the chance. They are incredible :)