Black Diamond  Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles - Pair

I've had these poles for about a year now and I've taken them everywhere from re-blazing poorly maintained trails, traversing across rock faces or just getting into that alpine lake for some great fishing. I'm a big buy (275#, 6'1'') and these poles held up through every slip, trip and drop that i threw at em. The flick lock is a positive locking system that DOES NOT slip, which is a big problem for heavy guys like me putting weight on em during descent and to boot....they're extremely light. Overall, I spent the extra money for em and i'm completely happy i did. Do yourself a favor and purchase a set of these and be done with it already.

Only have about 50 miles on these but so far so good. Replaced my old shock absorbing Leki's (twist locks finally gave way) and have been more than pleased with these. Vibration may be a bit more than I'm used to, but sure nothing to complain about. Cork grips are smooth and comfortable, do not get slippery from sweat as my old rubber grips did. Flick locks work well, hold tight, Did catch my finger the first time I popped the upper lock closed…like the included snow baskets, put lots of snowshoe miles in at Yosemite and Yellowstone. Started using poles after a nasty fall, severed my quad tendon, have used poles ever since.

For the kind of hiking I do, lots of off trail bushwhacking, the new flick lock is a design defect. Today, on 2 occasions, a branch of a bush I was muscling my way through tripped the flick lock and dropped the 2 segments into the dirt. I noticed right off when I tried to plant the pole for my next move. I've been very happy with the older BD flick lock carbon poles and in all the years I've used them I've never had this problem. There is a protruding grip on the flick lock that can be easily caught by a branch and released. BD needs to back off this 'improvement' - I'm returning this for last year's model. Otherwise 5 stars for BD carbon just not this one.

I used these trekking poles bushwhacking, and climbing though the mountains in Alaska on a 80 mile trek. Have going though quite a few aluminum poles over the past couple years always breaking. them i had decided to try out carbon knowing that carbon was great with taking abuse as well as it doesn't bend. the lock system stronger then a twist lock system, this was both a pro and a con to the poles the pro: being twice as strong as a twist system on cheaper poles con: was it so easy to flick open, some times looking down and noticing half of one of my trekking poles was still stuck in the mud or collapsed on its self. it didn't happen much i bought them expecting that too from other reviews. other then that no problems with them. the grip was more aggressive then Leki poles, but in the end didn't i didn't care. Because i was happy to have a full cork grip that is more durable and helps with absorbing moisture. along with the lower grip foam grip that helps give a different angel of use when climbing a mountain. these carbon poles took abuse that aluminum poles couldn't survive.

These are solid poles. One of the latches came open once on my 3-day hike and the latches seem to not be as secure as I want, the cork grips and black handles stayed wet longer than I though and got uncomfortable. They are not super-light but they are light. I had never used poles before and they helped me safely cross streams with ease, helped cushion the impact on my knees down hill and helped me up some steep climbs I couldn't otherwise have gotten up with my 40 lb pack, and they kept me standing when my legs were done, when you're tired your hands will start to do the walking with these poles, lifesavers.

This is overall an excellent product but the straps are too short for winter gloves (if you hold the poles in the proper way). I only wear medium unisex gloves but I had to return a pair of great BD mittens because they didn't fit at all. Other winter gloves (which were not enough on Adirondack peaks in January) barely left enough room to grasp pole. I called BD and their product guy said he "wasn't a trekking pole guy" and had never used poles. They do not carry any larger straps, neither does REI carry replacement straps. Note other review said he removed straps which is not at all the right way to use poles. The straps are supposed to take some of the weight rather than requiring your grip to take the weight.

As a middle aged, thicker through the middlle hiker, I had begun to experience knee pain at the end of a day of hiking/packpacking. Hiking poles have really made a difference in wear and tear on my joints especially when the trail involves alot of elevation change. I beleive that make the greatest difference on the down-hill portion of my hikes. Having adjustable hiking poles has allowed my to go lighter as well. I have ditched a heavy 2 person tent in favor of lighter options made possible with the hiking poles; tarps and tents. Included snow baskets will come in handy if I pull the trigger on a set of snowshoes I have been eyeing. The cork grips on the Black Diamond poles are comfortable. The locking adjustment mechanism is easy and reliable. The carbon fiber has proven resilient; I can be clumsy. I am happy I made this purchase.

I didn't regularly use trekking poles until recently. But, I've been converted and love them while I hike! I've used these poles for light and fast hiking with virtually no load and loads between 30 lbs. - 55 lbs. I use protective rubber tips to minimize environmental impact, but I have used the more aggressive tips in really wet conditions. In both cases, they added stability. Additionally, I think they help keep vision focused on the more distant horizon as well as what is right under foot. I use two poles for a couple reasons: 1) An extra pole can always be used for emergency situations – anything from an injury to makeshift shelter; and 2) I like the rhythm of walking with two poles. The cork grips on these Black Diamond poles are great and more naturally absorb sweat from palms than plastic or foam. I also think they feel better than synthetics. I prefer the feel of these Black Diamond cork grips compared to competing brands. To me, there is something more natural in the Black Diamond's cork texture. I was deciding between these carbon fiber poles and other aluminum models from Black Diamond. At the store, I noticed these are quieter, and I don't like extra noise when I'm hiking. The aluminum poles make a slight ringing sound when they strike the ground. I've noticed these in other people's aluminum poles outdoors as well. According to many manufacturers, aluminum adds extra strength. But I like the quiet and light qualities of these poles. If you're considering new trekking poles, these are a great buy.

Advantages: Lightest weight possible Superb grips and thoughtful two grip design (foam low grips plus main cork grips) Strong, easy to use locking mechanism Disadvantages: Not much vibration dampening Cost Overall, if you are aware of carbon fiber's Achilles heel (catastrophic failure is breakage not bending) and you are willing to spend the money, you will be very pleased with these poles.

I bought my poles approximately 3 years ago and have used them on every hike since. I highly recommend them because they are light, so easy to adjust on the fly during a hike, and extremely durable. However, in order to make best use of any poles, I would also recommend viewing POLES for Hiking, Trekking & Walking, which can be found on line. My only negative comment is that I can't buy tips or baskets at REI for these poles.