Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking/Running Poles - Pair
Combining the amazing packability of Z-Poles with Flicklock® adjustability, the Black Diamond Distance FLZ trekking/running poles are excellent for trail runs, steep scrambles and long hikes.
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- 3-section foldable aluminum shafts feature speed-cone deployment and FlickLock adjustability
- Lightweight, comfortable EVA foam grips and grip extensions feature breathable, moisture-wicking straps made from recycled materials
- Interchangeable tech tip compatible; both carbide and non-scarring rubber tech tips are included
- Removable, low-profile baskets for versatility (also compatible with Z-Pole Snow Baskets, not included)
- Sold as a pair
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Distance Product LineView all Black Diamond Trekking Poles| Best Use | Hiking Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Shaft Construction | Aluminum |
| Grip Material | Foam |
| Adjustable | Yes |
| Maximum Length (in.) | 95-110 CM: 43 inches 110-125 CM: 49 inches 125-140 CM: 55 inches |
| Minimum Length (in.) | 95-110 CM: 37 inches 110-125 CM: 43 inches 125-140 CM: 49 inches |
| Collapsed Length (in.) | 95-110 CM: 13 inches 110-125 CM: 15 inches 125-140 CM: 16 inches |
| Maximum Length (cm) | 95-110 CM: 110 centimeters 110-125 CM: 125 centimeters 125-140 CM: 140 centimeters |
| Minimum Length (cm) | 95-110 CM: 95 centimeters 110-125 CM: 110 centimeters 125-140 CM: 125 centimeters |
| Collapsed Length (cm) | 95-110 CM: 34 centimeters 110-125 CM: 37 centimeters 125-140 CM: 41 centimeters |
| Locking Mechanism | External Lever Lock |
| Basket Type | Trekking |
| Weight (Pair) | 95-110 CM: 13.8 ounces 110-125 CM: 14.8 ounces 125-140 CM: 15.8 ounces |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
| 95-110 CM | 110-125 CM | 125-140 CM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 4'10" - 5'4" | 5'4" - 6'1" | 6'1" - 6'7" |
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Thrilled with Black Diamond FLZ Poles.
I’m thrilled with the Black Diamond poles. Very compact for easy access on the side of a backpack. Large clip at the top allows a gloved hand to be able to manipulate the extension (other poles are not as easy to work with in case you are wearing gloves). Very light. I’ve been taking them on some rugged stream and mountain hikes in Arizona and could not be more pleased.
Flawed Design
As others have stated, there's an issue with the upper locking mechanism in these poles. The first pair I had lasted maybe 30 miles before the button became stuck in the closed position. Trying to free it caused the mechanism to blow up internally due to the spring being sheared off. I figured it must have been a bad pair so I exchanged them for another. This next pair lasted maybe 15 miles before doing the same thing. Avoid these until this they address this issue.
Super solid, lightweight, strong and packable!
Solid, lightweight, strong and very packable. I love these trekking poles - a huge improvement over my Lekis from 25 years ago. I find the poles to be very strong and solid, and I'm a 6'4" guy leaning on them. You do need to learn how to set them up extended. The directions are not super clear and I had to watch a video on YouTube. But once you figure it out, they are easy and very strong. I think the people that have trouble are not getting the poles fully extended until the silver locking pin pops out to secure the telescoping sections. These poles Z-fold to be very compact. I find them to be so much better than poles that only telescope.
Hardly went the distance
Unfortunately one of the pole’s locking-button brome off completely after having them for 3 months/150 miles. I actively trail run and hike steep trails but I need greater durability and would would prefer a more secure locking mechanism than a mere, thin button. I’m not exactly a heavy guy ( 5’ 10’’ 170 lbs) with a heavy vest either. I went ahead and returned them and will be trying out another pair since I did enjoy them otherwise. They’re amazingly light and simple to collapse. I own a black Diamond distance vest and the two go hand-in-hand. Hopefully this defect isn’t too widespread to other BD trekking poles that utilize that locking-button.
Problems With Collapsible Hiking Poles
The good news about these hiking poles is they are light and collapsible enough to fit in a flight carry on bag. The bad news is second time hiking two problems occurred. One, I inadvertently placed the end between boards on a planked boardwalk and the bottom inch snapped off. The second problem was sometimes when I stuck the good remaining pole in soft mud it would stick and pull the collapsible pole apart. REI refunded the purchase price. I’m going to stick with my non collapsible poles even though they will not fit in my flight carry on bag. So I do not recommend these poles for use on a boardwalk or on wet trails.
Solid Lightweight Poles
These are a 2022 revision of the prior Distance FLZ series. Notable improvements are the ability to swap baskets of which 2 are included with the poles. Those are the baby baskets viewable in the stock photos as well as a more standard trekking size basket. Both basket types are included in the purchase which is nice. These are specific to the Distance series sadly so you cannot install the normal baskets you often find on store shelves such as snow baskets unless you change the entire tip out to flex tech tips. The second improvement is to the wrist strap. The prior version only had the strap running through a ring attached to the handle which came across as a total afterthought. Now the strap runs directly into the handle as you'd expect making weight transfer and comfort better. BD also changed the locking mechanism a little however I'm unsure if there is any actual improvement to it or if it was just made more ergonomic to push with your finger when unlocking. All that to say these are very nice poles if you're trying to be weight conscious or are trail running. They're all aluminum and very light with a decently comfortable grip and I personally prefer this standard wrist strap design and material more than the ones found on their Trail and Alpine series. It does its job just fine and dries fast. My poles (105-125cm) weighed about 215g each (15oz total) with the mini baskets which is a little over spec but I'm happy with that considering they're all aluminum. Usually poles this light are Carbon Fiber which requires a bit more diligence and care. As of this writing REI has an incorrect weight published of 12.7oz. BD actually markets these as having a weight of 14.7oz for the pair (210g ea). On the downside I found the grips a little small in girth and I personally dont have big hands so something to keep in mind. I also prefer cork but these are built around saving weight so I understand why they have used, and continue to use, EVA foam for this series. All in all whether you're a trail runner looking for poles or a hiker looking for a very lightweight yet sturdy pole I'd recommend giving these some consideration.
Light, folds up nice and small but fragile
We have had a few of these and broken three so far. First time might have done in any pole but the next two were the price paid for the weight. The tip of one got broken off and that did it in, the next one snapped off at the top joint where a stronger pole would have been fine. We now have the carbon version but I easily snapped one of those too. We still like and use these when the weight and folded size matter, such as long alpine events but for daily hiking and backpacking use I'd recommend something stouter.
Great poles, but one of mine failed.
I absolutely loved these poles until they failed me on a long distance hike (CtoC in England). The bottom inch and a half on one pole broke off. Too finish the trek, I adjusted the broken pole longer to match the unbroken pole. However, when I stuck the now cageless broken pole in soft mud it would stick and pulling it out caused the collapsible broken pole to pull apart. We had to use athletic tape to hold the pole together. This was the same problem reported by Blumer who gave the poles a 1 star rating. Like for Blumer, REI refunded the purchase price.
Locking mechanism failure - 2 different pairs
1st pair purchased because of the foldability. Thrilled at first. After a number of hikes, the locking mechanism disappeared; sheared off. Returned to REI. Exchanged for second pair. The locking button on one of the poles in the new pair fails periodically during a hike, collapsing the upper part of the pole. I did not keep count but, over the course of a seven mile hike, I'd estimate the one pole collapsed 5-7 times/ Don't waste your money.
Poor product design
Poor product design. Having had two pairs of these poles, I have been disappointed twice, both breaking at very inopportune times during long days out. The first pair's joints broke while locking into place during a race. The second pair broke after three uses due to an issue common in these poles, the locking mechanism getting stuck unlocked.