Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

Having used different trekking poles and brands in the past, I really enjoyed the Black Diamond Ergo Cork Trekking poles. I have used them on the AT, in Nepal to Everesst as well as on numerous other trails. I never had any difficulty with them and if I had to buy another pair; I would purchase the exact same ones. The quick releases made changing the lengths easy, quick and solid. Having used poles where you had to twist the poles to adjust the length, these were by far more easy, firm in adjusting and they kept their position where the twist type were much more difficult to adjust. The cork handles were comfortable and absorbed the shock on varied terrains. The cloth handle straps were extremely easy on the hands and after several weeks on the trail, they never caused any strain or discomfort to my hands as other brands I have used in the past have. Others have commented on the staps slipping but I never had that experience. I do not regret having purchased poles without the shock absorbing feature. Having had previous poles that did have this, after only a brief period of time the absorbtion would malfunction and even if it did not, I question the real value or benefit in having it. I found the poles to be firm and sturdy enough having used them in snow, mud, dust, stone and spree. Many times I would get them stuck between rocks, yet never did they bend. The carbide tips were solid and were indestructable. Mine came with the snow baskets and after miles of use, I think I would probably opt for those next time too. Although it is a matter of personal preference, I found the wider basket offered more support.

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

Can't compare the Ergo Corks to anything else because this is our first set of trekking poles.

To date we have used the Ergo Corks on two hikes around Devil's Lake State Park (WI). Both times we climbed both bluffs (500ft gain per bluff) with full backpacking packs (we're preparing for Yellowstone's backcountry). Using the Ergo Corks made a huge difference. Climbing was easier, descending was easier, and maintaining your balance was easier. Devils Lake quartz is hard and sometimes slick, the rubber tips would be a positive addition, we're going to get them before we leave for Yellowstone.

The learning curve wasn't too steep (remember on the flat to push off when the tip is near your heel and the pole is at a 45).
We've enjoyed being able to add our upper bodies into the workout via the Ergo Corks. You do feel it in your arms.

Service and delivery comments:

No complaints.

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

My previous hiking poles had foam handles and I always ended up with black hands at the end of the hike. The cork handles on these poles have eliminated that issue. Also, the forward lean on the handles feels very natural. I recently took these on a 12 mile hike in Canyonlands National Park. The performance was excellent. The locks on the poles kept the sections in place without any slippage. The carbide tips did a great job of not slipping on most surfaces, and their design prevents accidental opening. The only improvement I would make to these poles would be to make the top of each pole into a semi-spherical shape to provide more comfort on descents.

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

Very comfortable grip and very light!

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

Got a chance to try these poles out this past weekend. Several things I really like. One of the main reasons I selected these over the Leki poles was the comfort of the wrist straps and I was correct in my initial impressions in the store. The straps are really soft and very comfortable as you hike. The adjustment of the straps is also very easy and intuitive. I also love the padded portion below the handles. I used these a lot on very steep terrain instead of adjusting the poles to a shorter length. I took my hands out of the straps and used this padded portion of the pole as I hiked uphill. This padded portion is also a comfortable and good grip point when carrying both poles in one hand. Flick Locks work great and are easy to operate even with gloves on. I also love the cork handles and prefer them over rubber. Very pleased with my purchase!

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

These are very good poles. I have been using Leki for a decade or more and thought I would try something new. I developed a little soreness in my elbow after my first hike using these poles, but probably from adjusting the pole to a longer length than ideal rather than missing the shocks in my Leki poles.

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

I specifically purchased these trekking poles to help with the rehabilitation of new knee replacements. I am able to hike without any pain, and I know that getting out to hike with these poles allowed me to keep my balance when walking.

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

I was enticed to purchase these poles because of the stellar reviews they had received. All the good things said about them are true. Great grip. LIght weight. Easy to extend and retract. I'm perfectly satisfied.

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

I bought these poles as an upgrade from my Leki Sierra hiking staff which I had been using for 10 years.

I'll mention the good things before getting to the big "IF". The Black Diamond poles are made in Taiwan. They come with small baskets and powder baskets. They are not supplied with rubber pole tips. The cork grips are comfortable, and the straps are cushioned, comfortable, and effective when used correctly (check the REI web site video clips for how to use trekking poles). The straps are easily adjustable. The flicklock works without any slippage, and allows for convenient and rapid adjustment of pole lengths. The rubber grips below the cork grips are useful when quickly needing a shorter length for the uphill side of switchbacks.

Now for the big "IF": compared to the Leki Sierra hiking staff, the Black Diamond shafts are way too flexible for me. I used these poles on a 9.2 mile hike (4.6 miles each way, 3900 ft elevation gain), and found that the poles were bending too much when I made the return downhill journey. When stepping down from rocks to the next lower level, the poles bent by 1 to 2 cm. when I put weight on them. They do snap back straight (with lots of vibration), but this can cause the tip to jump off the ground causing the pole tip to skip. This is partly because pushing on the top of the handles directs the force to one side of the pole axis.

The tubing diameters for these Black Diamond poles are about 16mm (top section), 14 mm (middle section), and 12 mm (bottom section). My Leki staff (and the Leki superstrong series trekking poles) have tubing diameters of 18 mm (top section), 16 mm (middle section) and 14 mm (bottom section). That's why the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork poles are more flexible than these particular Leki poles.

For people who are not too tall (less than 5' 10") or too heavy (less than 180-190 lbs) these poles may be an excellent choice since they won't need to be extended beyond 130-135 cm going downhill. Taller and bigger back-packers entering the back-country through 10,000+ ft passes may want more robust poles. I want poles I can trust if I slip and need to put a lot of weight on them.

Comments about Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles - Pair:

It was a long time coming. Thousands of miles and wearing out a number of Twist Lock store brand sticks, putting up with them loosening at random times during a hike, or the new Powerlock that loosen at all times during a hike.

Black Diamond knows how to make hiking poles.
Why did I wait so long to pay a couple extra bucks?...hardly any extra dollars, since BD includes snow baskets and regular trail baskets, saving buying those as an accessory.

The flick lock is rock solid and easy to use. Adjustable to any length, and locks securely completely collapsed, unlike another brand.

I was surprised just how much of a difference the secure lockup and very comfortable pommel on the top of the handle makes for going down scrabbley steep stuff. I am 200 pounds with a 15 pound day pack and at 60, I rely heavily on poles going downhill.

These are lightweight, but I do not find them to feel flimsy at all. A bit of flex, which I think is a good thing.

Straps are very well padded, including a cute thumb pad, which I think is all that differentiates left from right, as they are designated. The thumb pad almost forces correct use of the strap, which most people rarely do.

The flick locks are plenty beefy and look like they should last a long time. They do suggest storing them unlatched,if for a long period. Any plastic part will creep under load eventually, so that is probably a good idea.

Even the carbide tip is well done, made well and attached well.

Fit and finish looks and feels good. Not a high priority, but it sure doesn't hurt.

I thought the slight handle angle was a gimmick. I have to admit, it feels good.

I really like the combo of cork and thermoplastic top for the handles. No funky buckle to irritate your hands like the cheaper version from BD.

for me. These are perfect.