Ok, its decided, i AM going to purchase SOME cams. But what i need to know now is, if I were to buy 3 cams, and a set of nuts + a set of hexes, which three cams should i buy to best (and most flexibly) diversify my rack?

PS: I live in Central California and most routes will probably be straightforward granite cracks (e.g. Dome Rock; "The Tree Route").

.5 purple .75 green 2 yellow My three favorite sizes

If I was only going to buy 3 cams I'd have to start with Omega Link Cams for their range and ease of use. They weigh and cost more but if 3 is the limit these are hard to beat.

If you really really want a large range in a cam get super cams http://www.metoliusclimbing.com/supercam.html

Buy the cams that will fit best in the types of climbs you want to do. .4-.5 is fingers, 1-2 is hands, 3-4 is fists etc. If you don't know what you want to climb, .75-2 are a safe bet - and the ones I find myself using the most. I really like cams, and actually don't use hexcentrics at all - although they're light, cheap and strong i find them very slow to place, and a little funky. They do give you old school street cred though. Cams are indispensable, and make sure you get these BD C4's, they're the best value because you get the most expansion range for your dollar. I personally would recommend waiting until you have enough money for this set of 5 instead of buying just three, as you're DEFINITELY going to want more cams on your rack, and you'll save money in the long run. Have you considered buying the cams yourself and having your partner pick up the passive pro, slings, and carabiners? I'd also second the recommendation of finding a more experienced partner with a full rack who you can 2nd, lots of people are looking for partners on mountain project. Climbing on someone else's rack gives you the chance to learn what fits most often and what you like to use, without spending any money. As long as you supply the beer, that mentor will be stoked.