How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

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Engineered for those who like to travel fast, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles help you cover ground more efficiently with their ultralight, collapsible, rapid-locking design.
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View the Black Diamond Distance Product LineView all Black Diamond Trekking Poles| Best Use | Hiking Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Shaft Construction | Carbon |
| Grip Material | Foam |
| Adjustable | No |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Minimum Length (in.) | Unavailable |
| Minimum Length (cm) | Unavailable |
| Locking Mechanism | Push-button Lock |
| Basket Type | Trekking |
| Gender | Unisex |
| 100 CM | 110 CM | 120 CM | 130 CM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height Range | < 5 ft. 1 in. | 5 ft. 1 in. - 5 ft. 7 in. | 5 ft. 8 in. - 5 ft. 11 in. | 6 ft. + |
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Ok after being disappointed by other budget carbon poles failing and slipping down while running (telescoping poles) I knew it was time to upgrade. Wish I did it earlier, these featherweight fixed poles are perfect! The cable inside is plastic coated so it doesn’t rattle inside like other brands do. They make my adventures much more enjoyable. I’m a 5’9” 170lb male and bought the 120cm with a three year warranty. Pros: -.66lbs/300grams!!! (120 cm) -super quick and easy set up/fold up -no slippage due to fixed length -comfortable foam grip -grip is ventilated -grip extends for holding lower on climbs -basket attaches to pole when folded -adjustable straps -plastic coated cable -come with Velcro wrap -look awesome -work well with BD trekker and Mont Blanc gloves -two different tips included -confidence inspiring fixed size Cons: -None found
Get a grip...on these comfortable and just really awesome all around use poles. I've been abusing them all summer on peaks, packs, car trunks and no breaks so the carbon fiber isn't something to worry about being fragile. My downhill running game is definitely stronger with these in my hands Thanks BD for designing these!
I purchased these specifically to use on a 4d/3n Inca trail hike. I was extremely hesitant regarding whether they would hold up or not. They exceeded my expectations. They are lightweight, durable and so much easier to pack and unpack. I hiked all over Peru with them!
After struggling with adjustable poles that kept slipping/needing re-tightening on a Mt. Whitney hike I invested in these fixed length beauties and I’ve been happily hiking with them for years since. Light, durable, wonderfully simple. They show no signs of needing to be replaced. FWIW I’m 5’8” and use the 110 cm size. Borrow some adjustable poles and see what feels comfortable before picking your size. FYI Made simple extenders so they would work as tent poles with Zpacks Duplex tent. Zpacks also sells adjustable extenders.
Used them for the crested butte 105k this year. They were a lifesaver on the 12,000ft of gain during the race. I carried them for about 50 miles of the race and they were light enough that I never really felt the need to break them down and put them on my pack. Toward the end of the race I was alternating them both in one hand then the other to give my arms a break but even that wasn't bad. My main concern is durability as some others online have had issues with them breaking on the folding rubber connections and then black diamond telling them it's just wear. We will see how that goes since I haven't had them long.
I had never used a pair of hiking poles before and I love these! After reading numerous reviews, I splurged on this type for three reasons: 1) Interchangeable and replaceable tips. 2) Secure and easy to use locking mechanism. 3) Very lightweight. In hiking the hilly wooded local trail system they give my knees (less nimble than they used to be) more lateral stability on uneven and sometimes slippery ground, a little boost going up hill and some bracing going downhill. I have picked up my pace with them and am getting a more aerobic walk. I'm so glad I bought them and will spread the word!
I have both aluminum and carbon poles for five years with them holding up with zero failures and definitely no breakage. I have the 130cm and I weigh 264lbs so if I can't break with my mass and that length I don't know what could except silly usage. I love these because the design folds smaller than any which is great for packing and using smaller bags. The carbon's weight under 10 ounces is only beat by two much more expensive maybe one solid piece designs. Also the fact that they are not adjustible can be a boon in the sense. Using flick lock & twist lock, I've had them collapse at bad times or break in that mechanism. Other used products were rei carbon twist lock and cheap walmart ones.
Great product! Lightweight and easy to collapse and pack in a bag for flights. Note, the size chart here on the website is incorrect. Sizes on the product are as follows: 105cm for 5’1” to 5’2” 110cm for 5’3” to 5’4” 115cm for 5’5” to 5’7” 120cm for 5’8” to 5’10” 125cm for 5’11” to 6’1” 130cm for > 6’2”
After only two years of use, one of the poles underneath the handles where it locks the poles into place, broke completely in half. I’ve never had an issue with any pair of carbon poles that I’ve used in the past so this was a huge disappointment..
I use my Distance Carbon Z poles for everything from short, steep mountain runs to super long, rugged multi day adventures. The carbon shaft keeps the pole light and stiff for swift uphill movement and helps dampen some of the impact on the downhills. Being able to collapse the pole is a huge advantage when needing to stow them on technical terrain or when traveling. You can adjust the tightness of the locking mechanism with the small toggle on the inside of the lower shaft and easily replace or remove the hand straps depending on personal preference. For the weight and stiffness you’ll be hard pressed to find a more durable pole on the market. The Distance Carbon Zs are the best poles for my needs!