Black Diamond  Expedition 3 Ski Poles

I was gifted these less than a year ago as a replacement for my aging Alpine Carbons which I have beat the heck out of all over the world. I am not sure what BD was thinking with the Expedition 3s but the whole build quality is very poor and have broken multiple times in less than a year. I trained pretty heavily (1x a week) with the E3s and took them to Denali in May this year (2024). They held up fine to Denali conditions, but with normal use after that have completely fallen apart. I know Denali takes a lot out of gear but for “Expedition” poles to die after a single expedition seems pretty weak. Definitely would not recommend. Shame! Btw, the Alpine Carbons are still going strong.

This is my second set of BD Expedition 3 poles. I bought a second set when I lost my first set. I like these poles in the sense that they are affordable and are a decent 3 section pole. The locking mechanism is better than the typical twist-lock style pole. The basket / basket retention system is majorly flawed though. I knew from my first set the baskets have a tendency to fall off. So I really jammed on the baskets on my second set. But despite my efforts on day 5 of the new poles, I had a double basket ejection while riding down and both baskets were lost. In deep snow, poles without any baskets are nearly useless. I have heard this complain from others also, and wish BD would address the issue.

Lower section of pole broke clean in half after second use following low impact fall. Expected better durability for price.

First off. These things are bomber. Very sturdy and durable. The locking mechanism is strong and didn’t notice any slipping (which is saying something as I’m running them at the full 140cm and weigh 225+). My one gripe is that (although probably user error), no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t get the baskets to lock into place. I ended up losing one in deep conditions on my first trip with these. Will have to buy a new set. As mentioned, likely user error, but shouldn’t be rocket science to get these in place. Your mileage may vary on this issue.

Powder baskets have to be forced on with firm twisting. More than you think it takes. They have to be screwed on until they touch the notched plastic ring sitting just above the threads for the basket. Once they pop into place you are golden. Would be 5/5 if not for the basket install.

Great pole for those looking for a studier option than the BD Carbon Z-pole offeing. I had those too, and they broke on me in the first season. Getting the baskets on the Expeditions is quite a head scratcher, but once you Youtube it and get the baskets past the threads it's smooth sailing. I took these on a recent ascent of Mt. Saint Helens and they did not falter. I like that I could still fit them in diagonally into my BC pack for the descent, rather than strapping to the side. The grips are well tailored for uphill trekking as well.

Use these for Splitboard Missions and possibly hiking as well. I borrowed a pair last season and had to get my own. Previously had a collapsible set (non BD) that gave me headaches and didn't feel nearly as solid. What I like most about the E3 poles is the extended grip range for awkward traverses and the easy to adjust Flicklock levers. They feel really solid and like something I can count on. Excellent product from BD! All the stars, Highly RECOMMEND.

I have had many poles, including other BD models. This one is the best I have ever used so far: - sturdy and trustworthy - extendable to 140cm - necessary for ski hiking that needs longer poles than usual trekking on-foot - simple and comfortable wrist strap - extending and shortening is easy and can be done with gloves (useful in arctic conditions) Thank you, Black Diamond, for providing us those good companions!

Paid full price and used them for the first time - could not get the Powder basket to thread on properly therefore could not get them to get past the thread to stay securely on. Even my two 6-foot tall buddies couldn't get the baskets to go on properly. Thread is cheap plastic and got warped in the process. As a result, I lost one of the basket during final approach. I would not recommend these poles

Been eyeing up collapsable poles for a while now and finally got them. They were excellent for what I needed - something I could throw on/in a pack for when I needed to go pole-less and easily extended when I needed them. Locking mechanism was nice and snug and the length markings on each section made it extremely easy to line up each time. Definitely recommend these poles!