Black Diamond Equipment Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review
Brand: Black Diamond Equipment · Category: accessories · Price: $179.96 - $239.95
Buy these if you're a seasoned trail runner or ultralight backpacker who demands the absolute lightest, most packable pole and knows how to treat gear gently. Skip them if you're a beginner, on a tight budget, or need a pole for aggressive winter conditions, where a sturdier option like Black Diamond's aluminum poles would serve you better.
Specs
| Volume | N/A |
|---|---|
| Weight | 308 g (10.7 oz) - 364 g (12.8 oz) per pair |
| Pockets | N/A |
| Rain Cover | N/A |
| Fabric Denier | N/A |
| Hipbelt Range | N/A |
| Load Capacity | N/A |
| Frame Material | N/A |
| Torso Fit Range | N/A |
Strengths
- Ultralight design (6 oz/pole)
- Fully collapsible (Z-pole) for minimal pack space
- Fully adjustable length (speed-cone deployment)
- 100% carbon fiber shafts for stiffness and weight savings
- Includes two sets of interchangeable baskets (low-profile + snow)
- Rubber tip covers included for soft ground
- Forged aluminum FlickLock® Pro adjusters for durability
- EVA foam grips with moisture-wicking straps
Complaints
- High price point compared to aluminum alternatives
- Grip diameter smaller than most poles
- Carbon shafts less forgiving on extreme winter/ice use
- Not recommended for beginner hikers due to cost and size
- Adjustable length mechanism adds slight complexity
Price And Value
Coming in at $240, these poles are a significant investment, especially when plenty of perfectly capable aluminum poles can be found for half the price. This cost makes them overkill for casual day hikers or anyone just dipping their toes into trekking poles. You're paying a premium for that absolute minimum weight and top-tier packability, so make sure those are your prime motivators before ponying up the cash.
Grip And Comfort
You get comfortable EVA foam grips, which are typically soft and sweat-wicking for long days on the trail. However, be aware that the grip diameter is noticeably smaller than most other trekking poles out there, including offerings from Leki or even Black Diamond's own heavier duty models. This might feel less substantial in hand, particularly if you have larger hands or prefer a beefier grip for control.
Weight And Packability
At a mere 11 to 13 ounces per pair, depending on size, these poles are among the lightest you can snag. Compare that to the average 16-20 oz of other trekking poles, and you're saving significant ounces. The Z-pole design means they fold down to a ridiculously compact 14.25 inches. So, if you're constantly stashing your poles in a running vest or the side pocket of your pack, these disappear when you don't need them and spring into action quickly when you do.
Materials And Durability
Black Diamond uses 100% carbon fiber shafts, which is how they hit that featherlight weight. Carbon delivers stiffness and ultralight performance, but it's less forgiving than aluminum when you're levering it between rocks or using it for heavy-duty winter self-arrest. The FlickLock® Pro adjusters, made from forged aluminum, are a high point, offering 30% more locking strength than their standard FlickLock mechanism for reliable, slip-free adjustments.
Adjustability And Features
These poles offer full length adjustability within their size range (95-110cm, 110-125cm, and 125-140cm), which is handy for dialing in your perfect height on varying terrain. The 'Speed Cone' deployment system, borrowed from avalanche probes, makes snapping them together super fast. A real bonus is the included two sets of interchangeable baskets – low-profile for summer trails and snow baskets for winter – plus rubber tip covers to protect your carbide tips and the ground.