How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Staffs

Delivering fully adjustable performance for fast and light missions on the trails, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking poles have carbon construction and a 3-section foldable shaft.
Imported.
View the Black Diamond Distance Product LineView all Black Diamond Trekking PolesBest Use | Trail Running Hiking |
---|---|
Shaft Construction | 100% carbon |
Grip Material | Foam |
Adjustable | Yes |
Maximum Length (in.) | 110 CM: 43.3 inches 125 CM: 49.2 inches 140 CM: 55.1 inches |
Minimum Length (in.) | 110 CM: 37.4 inches 125 CM: 43.3 inches 140 CM: 49.2 inches |
Collapsed Length (in.) | 110 CM: 13.4 inches 125 CM: 14.6 inches 140 CM: 15.75 inches |
Maximum Length (cm) | 110 CM: 110 centimeters 125 CM: 125 centimeters 140 CM: 140 centimeters |
Minimum Length (cm) | 110 CM: 95 centimeters 125 CM: 110 centimeters 140 CM: 125 centimeters |
Collapsed Length (cm) | 110 CM: 34 centimeters 125 CM: 37 centimeters 140 CM: 40 centimeters |
Locking Mechanism | External Lever Lock |
Basket Type | Trekking |
Weight (Pair) | 110 CM: 15.9 oz. 125 CM: 1 lb. 0.4 oz. 140 CM: 1 lb. 1.6 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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. + |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I have used these poles literally every day for the past 12 years. Because I have foot drop due to a autoimmumne condition, I use these poles for all my walking instead of a walker or canes. I love these poles because they are very strong, incredibly light and they continue to be in great condition despite heavy long term use. Being able to fold them into sections when in a meeting, at a restaurant or on an airplane is a bonus. The other advantage is that my posture is upright and my stamina is improved using both my arms and legs to propel myself. In addition, when I can walk a trail or across a soccer field to my grandkids game, I am ready to go. Instead of presenting the picture of an old crippled guy, with the poles, I'm a hiker (with a limp)! Much better. Over the years, dozens of curious folks have asked me how I like these poles and I always rave about them.
I purchased these poles and after almost two years with very light usage, one of the poles "buttons" that locks it into place was no longer usable. It actually happened WITHIN the two year warranty time but I was unable to contact the company until 4 days afterwards. They did not take responsibility for the malfunctioning pole, nor offered to repair or replace the poles. I highly recommend finding a company that honors the warranty, the reliability of their product and that treats customers with respect. It was also extremely difficult to actually talk to anyone.
I have had several pairs of hiking poles both for backpacking and to help with balance in everyday life when needed. I came into rei before a trip because I had lost one of my better hiking poles and found these. They are wonderful! They fold small and fit in my bag. They are easy to assemble and disassemble. They are light and easy to use for long periods of time. My only wish is that my larger rubber ends would fit because the rubber tips for these are so small they get caught in the gaps between cobblestones and metal grates when used in more populated areas.
These hiking poles are very light and stiff, and I find the grips and straps to be comfortable. They have served me well for many hikes. But after a few years of use, one of the ends suddenly broke off when I put extra weight on a pole during a hike. The break point was at a surprisingly thin section of the pole just above the small built-in basket (to me, it seems like a design flaw to have such a thin-walled section holding all the weight put on the pole). The break was in the hard plastic piece that is fused at the end of the pole. As a "repair", I used a Dremel tool to saw off most of the small basket, and then I cut off the other pole at the same point as the one that broke. I of course sawed off most of the basket on that pole as well. At that point, I could slide on standard rubber tips that have 11mm (0.43 inch) openings, which are practically unusable otherwise with these very thin poles, but they now have a tight fit. The outcome is that I no longer have the tiny threaded ends that are compatible only with Black Diamond's highly priced replacement tips, and I can now use inexpensive generic tips (e.g., 5 pairs for $6). I never would have done this surgery unless I had to, but I'm actually happier with the sticks now that it is done. Note that there is a small metal gadget recessed in the plastic piece just above where it broke, and this apparently is used to secure the cable that keeps the pole segments together. That wasn't affected by the break, and I was careful not to harm it when I sawed off the other pole. Despite all this, these are the best poles I've ever had and I think they'll last me for many more years.
I had the older version of these, which lasted many years and never broke, but I think it’s time. The current version is about an ounce lighter and they have a nice snappy locking mechanism, so I’m happy with the upgrade. They also came with snow baskets, which couldn’t be attached to the old pair. They’re not cheap, but I use them often and I always adjust as I transition from uphill to down. No regrets.
Have been using these for a while now and love them. They deploy and collapse very quick, and are surprisingly stiff for a trifold design. I know some people prefer the single size but I value the ability to adjust height on these depending on the terrain. Super compact and easy to store a variety of ways on my pack, really nothing to complain about. Super rad poles that do exactly what you want them to
Extremely light, extremely packable- they nicely fit into a bullet pack so I can hike in with them, toss them into my pack for the climb, then deploy for the hike down. The handles aren't super comfy and a little on the narrow side- the ribs on them feel a little weird. The straps feel like they're going to bug me over time without any padding, but we'll see how they do over time.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles are an excellent choice for trekking poles. I particularly like the ability to precisely adjust the length of the poles. Thanks to Black Diamond for an excellent product!!!
Bought two of these poles, and found that the locking button in each has broken off after about three months of use. Leaves them so short that they are now useful only for leprechauns.
The word “ultra” can be broadly applied to these poles: they’re ultralight, ultra-strong, and ultra-sleek. They’re the perfect companion to my Distance 15 pack!