Merlin cams use a patent-pending control horn retraction mechanism. The control horn mechanism eliminates the geometrical constraints placed on other large cams and allows for a larger camming range, resistance to buckling, and lower weight. The Merlin cams also have a patent pending trigger lock mechanism that allows the cams to be locked in the retracted position and easily deployed with one hand while climbing.

MERLIN #8

WEIGHT	570g / 20.10oz
CAM HEAD	4 lobes, double axle
OFFSET	No offset
STEM	Rigid single stem
SLING	Red 9 cm x 18 mm Nylon / Polyamide (single loop)
CAMMING ANGLE	15° (angle is consistent throughout)
ACTIVE STRENGTH	9kN
CAM RANGE	139.7 - 251.5 mm (5.50 - 9.90 in)
MATERIALS	Main Material: Lobes are 6061 T6 aluminum. Stem assembly and axles are stainless steel of various types. Wire Material: 17-4 H1025 stainless

MERLIN #10

WEIGHT	820g / 28.92oz
CAM HEAD	4 lobes, double axle
OFFSET	No offset
STEM	Rigid single stem
SLING	Yellow 9 cm x 18 mm Nylon / Polyamide (single loop)
CAMMING ANGLE	15° (angle is consistent throughout)
ACTIVE STRENGTH	9kN
CAM RANGE	185.4 - 327.7 mm (7.30 - 12.90 in)
MATERIALS	Main Material: Lobes are 6061 T6 aluminum. Stem assembly and axles are stainless steel of various types. Wire Material: 17-4 H1025 stainless

Features

Trigger Lock: A unique trigger lock mechanism enables the cam to be locked in the closed position and easily unlocked and expanded with one hand while climbing.

Control Horns: The patent-pending control horn architecture places the trigger mechanism internal to the cam lobes and enables the maximum camming range of the two axle architecture.

Clevises: Clevises attached to the control horns are threaded onto brass couplers and allow adjustment of the locked position of each cam lobe. The clevises also allow easy replacement of trigger wires.

Solid Stem: The solid stem made from 17-4 H925 stainless steel is incredibly strong and allows precise control for retraction of cam lobes and cam placement. The solid stem also makes it easy to move the cam above you.

Testing: All cam stem assemblies are tested to 7 kN to ensure good silver solder joints.

Cam Use

Disclaimer: Climbing is dangerous! Never trust your life to just one piece of gear. Large cams are more prone to failure due to off-axis loading than small cams and as such these cams are for experienced trad climbers only.

Storage: Store in the open position for long periods of time. Cam can be stored in the closed and locked position for transportation.

Trigger Lock: Leave cam open while sorting out rack on the ground to help keep dirt out of the control horn mechanism. Retract cam and engage trigger lock while racking just before climbing. Cam is easy to unlock and place while climbing with one hand.

Proper Cam Placement: Place cam in direction of pull and make sure cam is able to rotate to direction of pull (usually down). Restricting rotation of cam can result in off-axis loading and substantial reduction in strength.

Maintenance

There are no user serviceable parts. Contact merlinrockgear@gmail.com if you think there is a problem.

Bent Stem: The central stem can be bent at the base if loaded off-axis while resting on the cam or in a fall. The stem has exceptional fatigue strength and can simply be bent back to straight by grasping the cam base with one hand and bending the stem back with the other hand.

Sticky Lobes: Cam should be kept open while on the ground to prevent dirt from entering the springs and control horn mechanism. Blasting compressed air at the control hornaxle interface while retracting and extending the cam lobes can help restore smooth motion. If necessary, spraying bike chain lube or liquid graphite before air blasting can also help. Other lubricants such as WD-40 can attract dirt.

Thumb Loop: The black coating on the thumb loop is PlastiDip and is not very durable. It is there for aesthetics and comfort and is not otherwise important. If it abrades away, it can either be left as is or re-coated with PlastiDip.