Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

I own several trekking poles and although I like the lightweight, portability of these poles, the flicklock locking mechanism is a deal breaker for me. It has too much play and will almost always move around on the pole just enough to where it doesn’t clasp tight enough (or claps too tight). When I adjust it to sit where I want it — i.e.; doesn’t collapse back in on itself) it takes a decent amount of force to the point I wonder how that is affecting the structural integrity of the poles. Surely that amount of pressure and force will cause fractures to my carbon and eventually creating a fail point. Think I’ll stick to carrying a few extra ozs to not have to deal with the frustration of fiddling with this locking mechanism each time I use it. BD makes incredible ... MoreI own several trekking poles and although I like the lightweight, portability of these poles, the flicklock locking mechanism is a deal breaker for me. It has too much play and will almost always move around on the pole just enough to where it doesn’t clasp tight enough (or claps too tight). When I adjust it to sit where I want it — i.e.; doesn’t collapse back in on itself) it takes a decent amount of force to the point I wonder how that is affecting the structural integrity of the poles. Surely that amount of pressure and force will cause fractures to my carbon and eventually creating a fail point. Think I’ll stick to carrying a few extra ozs to not have to deal with the frustration of fiddling with this locking mechanism each time I use it. BD makes incredible products and has top notch customer service, but I was a bit disappointed in the flicklock technology. Hoping maybe I just got a lemon.*see pic showing the clasp mechanism completely off the section it’s supposed to sit at and lock. It constantly shifts up and down (or completely off) and having to stop and reposition/ tighten is not ideal.***UPDATE: poles finally failed/snapped at the lowersegment near the flicklock: BD’s awesome customer service and warranty took care of me. So far so good; but still not a gem of the flicklock.

Disappointing

After breaking a cheaper set of poles on a long backpacking trip last year I bit the bullet and bought a pair of these. Which were some of the most highly recommended, and pricey, trekking poles I could fine. I figured they would be well-worth the cost. However...Unfortunately, about 5 days after the warranty period expired I managed to shear off the tip of one of the poles. Not only did the metal "tech tip" break, but also about an inch of the plastic that the tip screws into. Therefore I could not simply replace the metal tip. I contacted Black Diamond directly and was told I would need to replace the entire bottom shaft segment of the pole. The replacement part cost $15 from their website, with an additional $15 tacked on for shipping, for a total of $30. Which ... MoreAfter breaking a cheaper set of poles on a long backpacking trip last year I bit the bullet and bought a pair of these. Which were some of the most highly recommended, and pricey, trekking poles I could fine. I figured they would be well-worth the cost. However...Unfortunately, about 5 days after the warranty period expired I managed to shear off the tip of one of the poles. Not only did the metal "tech tip" break, but also about an inch of the plastic that the tip screws into. Therefore I could not simply replace the metal tip. I contacted Black Diamond directly and was told I would need to replace the entire bottom shaft segment of the pole. The replacement part cost $15 from their website, with an additional $15 tacked on for shipping, for a total of $30. Which is what it is, but not really what you want or expect from a $200 pair of carbon poles. Boo...

Great Pole but beware of Alan Key!

Great poles, light, comfortable stylish almost. Love the green color. I bought them for my JMT through-hike. I bought them and took them on a cruise on a local trail loved em stayed put at the right level. Fast forward to day 2 after leaving Yosemite Valley I realized my poles were slipping. No problem I normally can finger tighten poles or use my little swiss army knife to tighten the screws and lock it down. Not on these poles. It requires an ALAN KEY to adjust. They are called the Alpine Cork! Who in the alpine carries and Alan Key or can even find one! I had to use most of my medical tape to bind the poles until I was finally assisted by a kind employee of the Vermillion Valley Resort and he tightened everything down and I had zero issues with these poles. ... MoreGreat poles, light, comfortable stylish almost. Love the green color. I bought them for my JMT through-hike. I bought them and took them on a cruise on a local trail loved em stayed put at the right level. Fast forward to day 2 after leaving Yosemite Valley I realized my poles were slipping. No problem I normally can finger tighten poles or use my little swiss army knife to tighten the screws and lock it down. Not on these poles. It requires an ALAN KEY to adjust. They are called the Alpine Cork! Who in the alpine carries and Alan Key or can even find one! I had to use most of my medical tape to bind the poles until I was finally assisted by a kind employee of the Vermillion Valley Resort and he tightened everything down and I had zero issues with these poles. Lesson learned on my part but on adjustable backcountry equipment I belive you should be able to adjust it in the backcountry with common items.

Just Excellent

These poles are excellent. While they are not as lightweight as the lightest poles on the market, they are wildly comfortable. The grips are excellent: the shape is perfect with no annoying or ill-fitting finger grooves and the cork is luxurious and comfortable over many miles. The shafts don't have any shock absorbing system nor do they require it. Even across rocky central North Carolina trails, the carbon fiber shafts do an excellent job of absorbing the strike impact and are not at all fatiguing after even the longest hikes or backpacking days.These poles are also much tougher than I anticipated. From the early days of carbon fiber being used in outdoor gear, I carry this fear that carbon fiber is brittle. I was initially afraid of these poles being brittle, ... MoreThese poles are excellent. While they are not as lightweight as the lightest poles on the market, they are wildly comfortable. The grips are excellent: the shape is perfect with no annoying or ill-fitting finger grooves and the cork is luxurious and comfortable over many miles. The shafts don't have any shock absorbing system nor do they require it. Even across rocky central North Carolina trails, the carbon fiber shafts do an excellent job of absorbing the strike impact and are not at all fatiguing after even the longest hikes or backpacking days.These poles are also much tougher than I anticipated. From the early days of carbon fiber being used in outdoor gear, I carry this fear that carbon fiber is brittle. I was initially afraid of these poles being brittle, but they are absolutely bomber. I've inadvertently knocked them against several rocks in an incident that would leave an aluminum pole dented and possibly folding, but these things don't even bear a mark!I've used these poles hard under heavy backpacking loads and one some brutally rocky stretches of trail, and they haven't even whispered of slipping. The snap lock adjusting system seems stellar. It is easy and snaps positively to prove the closure. The marking system on the pole segments are also awesome to use. Just find the length you want on both lower segments and they open up accurately and simply.I also like that these poles have replaceable tips and baskets, as I plan to wear out the carbide on the tips of these. I may even look into doing some snowshoeing just to get to try these guys out in some snow.I just can't say enough good things about these. I do have one little niggle: They don't have the newest twist tension adjustment on the snap lock, which makes me want to carry along (and probably lose) the tiny hex key Black Diamond includes with the poles. I haven't had to use it after many miles of using the poles, but I also don't find myself needing to adjust the length often, so that may be the difference. It hasn't been a problem, so these still get 5 stars.So good, I bought my wife a pair!

Locking mechanism sucks (fails & damages pole)

I own several trekking poles and although I like the lightweight, portability of these poles, the locking mechanism is a deal breaker for me. It has too much play and will almost often than not move around on the pole slightly to where it doesn’t clasp tight enough. When I adjust it to sit where I want it (ie; so it doesn’t push itself back in — shortening the length i initially set) it takes so much force to the point I wonder how that is affecting the structural integrity of the poles. Surely that amount of pressure and force will cause fractures to my carbon and eventually creating a fail point. Either way, I prefer carrying a few extra ozs to not have to deal with the nuisance of fiddling with this locking mechanism each time I use it. BD makes incredible ... MoreI own several trekking poles and although I like the lightweight, portability of these poles, the locking mechanism is a deal breaker for me. It has too much play and will almost often than not move around on the pole slightly to where it doesn’t clasp tight enough. When I adjust it to sit where I want it (ie; so it doesn’t push itself back in — shortening the length i initially set) it takes so much force to the point I wonder how that is affecting the structural integrity of the poles. Surely that amount of pressure and force will cause fractures to my carbon and eventually creating a fail point. Either way, I prefer carrying a few extra ozs to not have to deal with the nuisance of fiddling with this locking mechanism each time I use it. BD makes incredible products and has top notch customer service, but I simply cannot say this pole was a win for BD.*see pic showing the clasp mechanism completely off the section it’s supposed to sit at and lock. It constantly shifts up and down (or completely off) and having to stop and reposition/ tighten is a complete nuisance. Sure, you may save a few ozs with this carbon pole, but the fact I have to frequently stop and readjust the thing is an abolished nuisance. I’ll stick to my BD alumin trek poles and carry the extra ozs knowing I can trust the durability and rigidity of those poles. I’m theory, carbon would be lighter and faster, but I’m faster with the alum poles because I’m not constantly stopping. I’m also far less frustrated at the gear during my adventures.

No longer impressed

I started out liking these but after some use I’m no longer their biggest fan.My first few hikes I was genuinely impressed with them. They are very adjustable and the cork handle is an ideal grip that gets better with use. I found that when going up hill its really nice to “shorten” them below my optimal setting and “extend” them when going downhill - so they are longer than my optimal setting.However, I took them on a winter hike and after a mile in I went to take them off my back and realized one of the bottom pieces and slid flick-lock pro - so I was left with 1.5 trekkers to finish my 7 mile winter loop. YIKES.I was lucky enough to return to my trail start and find the missing lower shaft. When I got home I attempted to tighten the flick-lock pro - but it ... MoreI started out liking these but after some use I’m no longer their biggest fan.My first few hikes I was genuinely impressed with them. They are very adjustable and the cork handle is an ideal grip that gets better with use. I found that when going up hill its really nice to “shorten” them below my optimal setting and “extend” them when going downhill - so they are longer than my optimal setting.However, I took them on a winter hike and after a mile in I went to take them off my back and realized one of the bottom pieces and slid flick-lock pro - so I was left with 1.5 trekkers to finish my 7 mile winter loop. YIKES.I was lucky enough to return to my trail start and find the missing lower shaft. When I got home I attempted to tighten the flick-lock pro - but it snapped. I’m on a 3 week “hold” with BD service to get a new one.I should have known - several of my earlier “practice packs” identified the lower shaft freely slides in and out of the upper shaft. My impression was that my pack would hold it secure enough that this wouldn’t be a factor. I was clearly wrong.

Pretty awesome with some annoying flaws.

To start off, BD customer service has been amazing for these! The product itself may not deserve 5 stars in my opinion but customer service definitely compensates for the problems I've had with them. If you keep a few things in mind then you could probably minimize the effect of some of the flaws. I had a flip-lock break (the screw would strip when you tighten it down) on the first use but that was promptly replaced by BD. Since then I've used them for a little over a year and have never had issues when actively using them. However, when you collapse them they are a bit annoying. Once you get the tightness on the flip locks correct for when they are extended, they don't lock closed well. The lower shaft/flip-lock can be fully collapsed and locking the flip-lock will ... MoreTo start off, BD customer service has been amazing for these! The product itself may not deserve 5 stars in my opinion but customer service definitely compensates for the problems I've had with them. If you keep a few things in mind then you could probably minimize the effect of some of the flaws. I had a flip-lock break (the screw would strip when you tighten it down) on the first use but that was promptly replaced by BD. Since then I've used them for a little over a year and have never had issues when actively using them. However, when you collapse them they are a bit annoying. Once you get the tightness on the flip locks correct for when they are extended, they don't lock closed well. The lower shaft/flip-lock can be fully collapsed and locking the flip-lock will prevent the whole shaft from sliding out but there is still a little bit of play since the shafts narrow towards the end. Not a huge issue though. The upper shaft/flip-lock has the opposite problem. When collapsed the flip locks will physically not close as the upper shaft is now bigger from having the smaller one inside it. As I unfortunately found out on my most recent hike, when you strap them in the collapsed position to your pack with the handles up, there is nothing to prevent the entire upper shaft from falling out. This is what happened on my most recent hike where I lost the bottom half of one of my poles. I submitted another warranty request and BD just got back to me and is going to send a replacement for the upper and lower shafts even though they are technically out of warranty. Aside from these issues, the poles are super strong, durable, and light. I'd just be sure to store them upside down when strapping them to anything.

Repairing poles w/ >2000 miles

Repairing poles w/ >2000 milesFor the last two years, Black Diamond Carbon Cork trekking poles have gone with me over 2000 miles. I broke one 2 years ago crossing Elliot Creek, Mt Hood Timberline Trail (REI replaced that one as it was brand new). They are light enough, the cork handles are great imho. I have used them from North Cascades to Crater Lake in rain, snow, hot weather and freezing rain. I also crossed 10 miles of 3-6 feet of snowpack on OR PCT in mid-July 2022. For me and my fast-hiking style, good trekking poles are essential gear.Mid-season this year, with a bottom of foot blister due to sand and ash working thru mesh-upper trail runner, I bent the tip on the left pole; actually used as a crutch for 75 miles in some rocky scree on Mt Jefferson / 3 ... MoreRepairing poles w/ >2000 milesFor the last two years, Black Diamond Carbon Cork trekking poles have gone with me over 2000 miles. I broke one 2 years ago crossing Elliot Creek, Mt Hood Timberline Trail (REI replaced that one as it was brand new). They are light enough, the cork handles are great imho. I have used them from North Cascades to Crater Lake in rain, snow, hot weather and freezing rain. I also crossed 10 miles of 3-6 feet of snowpack on OR PCT in mid-July 2022. For me and my fast-hiking style, good trekking poles are essential gear.Mid-season this year, with a bottom of foot blister due to sand and ash working thru mesh-upper trail runner, I bent the tip on the left pole; actually used as a crutch for 75 miles in some rocky scree on Mt Jefferson / 3 Finger Jack on to Mt Washington.Black Diamond sells parts to repair old friends.I now have 2 straight poles and a spare replacement part if one breaks (I also have a spare middle part that was found (aluminum) on trail.Summary: I love these poles. They served me well and now that both are straight, and ready for another 1000+ mile season next year. I try to keep them extended to maintain the lock adjustments, and have only adjusted them 1x at the end of year 1. Like most gear, it’s personal. It needs to be felt, handled and ideally used on the trail before ‘keeping’. I recommend these to at least try

Solid and Lightweight Carbon Poles

I previously had some older aluminum poles I was replacing, and these carbon poles are a great upgrade. I like the stiffness and lightweight qualities of carbon. There are many times I hike/backpack in locations where there is significant exposure to drops. I have to be able to trust my life on a pole to stay solid/locked when extended to support steps. I have not worries with these poles and can trust them to be solid.The only thing I have found a little strange is that in the fully collapsed configuration they are not snug to stay put. The poles can extend about 1-inch until the lock engages with the diameter of the pole. This hasn't been an issues in storing the poles, but an improvement could be for less taper on the pole diameter where this wouldn't be so.

Yikes BD…

These are some of the highest rated poles out there and receive accolades from reputable sources. I, however, have been pretty disappointed in them with less than 2 weeks of backpacking on them so far. The cork isn’t holding up, the rubber top isn’t holding up, the sections don’t fit well into each other, and the carbon isn’t as tough as I thought it would be given its weight and reputation; I broke the lower section of the pole on day 2 of a 5 day trip and had to splint it with a tent peg until I got home. I replaced it with a new section direct from BD with my own money and it isn’t even the same length, so the height increments are off between the two poles! Not ideal considering I use these to support my tent. I will say the carbon is effective in dampening ... MoreThese are some of the highest rated poles out there and receive accolades from reputable sources. I, however, have been pretty disappointed in them with less than 2 weeks of backpacking on them so far. The cork isn’t holding up, the rubber top isn’t holding up, the sections don’t fit well into each other, and the carbon isn’t as tough as I thought it would be given its weight and reputation; I broke the lower section of the pole on day 2 of a 5 day trip and had to splint it with a tent peg until I got home. I replaced it with a new section direct from BD with my own money and it isn’t even the same length, so the height increments are off between the two poles! Not ideal considering I use these to support my tent. I will say the carbon is effective in dampening vibrations which is nice after a big day. Still, not sure what’s going on over there at BD but these are a swing/miss in my opinion.