Black DiamondDistance Carbon FLZ

Black Diamond’s three-section foldable poles are packed full of advantages and quality. Firstly they are ultra compact, and enter with ease inside any litre size backpack including the compact lightweight low litre packs. Once folded the total length is 40cm. Secondly they are super light, a mere 365g the pair. Carbon is of course the main reason for this, and also gives a sleek techno look. But whilst using them you can’t escape the occasional carbon splinter that finds its way into your skin, not too bad, …just a bit annoying. With such tough material and with normal use, there is no fear that the poles and handgrip strap system will last a long time. We used them for more than a 100 hours trekking and trail running, they even resisted being stuck between rocks and other nasty shocks.
The inner cord is strong, we have been using Black Diamond ski poles with the same technology for three seasons and they are in perfect condition. We would like to point out that with these Distance Carbon FLZ poles, the plastic release lever has been known to be breakable, so it would need to be evaluated in freezing temperatures next winter.
The way that the pole assembles is rapid and efficient, speed-cone technology that is used in avalanche probes. Simply grab the grip and the first shaft section, and pull them away from each other.
The pole will snap into place and lock rigid. Another quick adjustment enables you to change the pole size from 129 cm to 140cm. All the adjustments are reliable, easy to use and not damaged by dust or mud. The two-sectioned curved handle is very comfortable, moisture wicking and not slippery. You can position your hand lower down when walking on slopes. The strap is the only weak point, we would’ve liked them to be bigger to fit larger hands or when wearing gloves. The adjustment doesn’t allow for much movement. Once the strap is adjusted it is loyal to its function of propelling the hiker/trail runner. Thanks to the mesh it is moisture wicking. The pole’s inertia in action is limited and the whip is sleek, you don’t feel the weight of the end. It plants itself sturdily.
We tested some poles with tips, which are useful in all situations except sand and snow. The tips are solid and showed no signs of weakness or wearing down. Even though the poles are made from carbon the vibrations are not felt in the hands. No doubt filtered by the foam handles. On their website there are a variety of accessories to change or repair or customize them. We appreciated the ease of assembly and the feel of them (they don’t slide like some foldable poles). The high price is justified. For a demanding hiker who wants to reduce weight.

"The high price is justified. For a demanding hiker who wants to reduce weight"

Rating

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Adjustability Ease
  10
• Tightening ease
  10
• Handle ergonomics
  8
• Strap quality
  7
• Circle toughness
  10
• Point efficiency
  9