A new generation of the Wild Country Friends (released in 2026) comes with innovative updates, while maintaining the core features that have always made the Friend so popular since its inception half a century ago.
Core features that continue from the previous design include the 13.75° camming angle, hollow double axle design for weight reduction, and milled non-anodised aluminium lobes for better grip and minimal walking.
New features are designed to improve efficiency and durability when climbing, including the Flow Cord and thumb loop, enhanced trigger smoothness, better cam retrieval design, and a spring-loaded locking system on the size 4.
Continuing Core Features:
Original 13.75° Camming Angle: The 13.75° camming angle and friction machined lobes deliver unbeatable holding power. This angle has been used in all previous model of Friends and continues to be the optimum.
Hollow Double Axle Design: The hollow double axle design was part of their patented technology of the previous model and significantly reduced weight while maximising the cam range for better overlap between sizes. It also helped protect the lobes from "inverting" and breaking during large falls. The 0.3 size now also has double axles, improving its durability and range.
Milled and Polished Cam Lobes: This new generation maintains its balance between anodised coloured surfaces on the lobes for easy recognition, durability and protection from elements, and milled, untreated aluminium surfaces that provide 8-10% more grip where it matters.
New Features:
Extendable Flow Cord: The Flow Cord is a seamless core-mantle construction that eliminates stiff bartacking, improves smooth handling and snag-free extension. A Nylon and UHMWPE outer sheath resists cuts, abrasion and provides UV resistance while a UHMWPE core provides mechanical strength. It can be extended to 20cm and its extendable cord design reduces the need for extra quickdraws, minimises rope drag, and reduces cam walking. A Flow Cord Red Wear Indicator signals when it's time for a cord replacement.
Enhanced Trigger Smoothness & Compatibility: A new pin-hole design reduces lobe buckling and prevents dirt buildup, ensuring smoother, more consistent action over time. The new Pro Key Light with leash is compatible with the new cam designs to enable easy extraction of stuck cams.
Weight Reduction: All of these Friends are lighter and sizes 3 and 4 have achieved a 7% weight reduced compared to the previous generation.
Spring-loaded Lobes Locking System: Size 4 only. A central spring closure ensures symmetrical cam closure, less bulky racking, and easy one-handed operation for large cams.