Australian Hiker

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Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles Review

With so many trekking pole choices on the market it’s hard to get just one set of poles to do everything and in my case I used to run 2 sets of poles as a result. Older models of these poles used to have small fixed ‘baskets’ on them which meant that in snow conditions they weren’t so usable however this newer version of these poles can now take snow baskets (available separately) making them more versatile than they have ever been all while still carrying a weight reduction. These poles in their varying forms have continued to be a favourite. My reasons are as follows.

These poles come in 3 fixed lengths: 110 cm, 120 cm and 130 cm which is both a plus and a minus. On the positive side this single length helps to reduce the overall weight and simplify the parts as there is no need for additional adjustment mechanisms just a simple easy to use locking system. On the downside, this fixed length has a tendency to make the poles a bit long going up hill and a bit to short going downhill so if you use your trekking poles as tent/tarp poles you lose the adjustment ability. I have gotten used to this over the years so it doesn’t bother me but it means that my wife who is about 20cm shorter than me can’t use these poles. If you are someone that uses a tent that uses trekking poles as a pole replacement look at the tent manufacturers recommendations to make sure that these will work for you.

As the name suggest these poles are carbon fibre which makes them extremely lightweight. When I first changed over to carbon fibre poles I must admit I was a bit worried about the robustness. I have had situations in the past where I have slipped in muddy conditions and when I was using my older, metal versions of these poles, and had them bend at what I thought was an impossible angle and still survive. I wasn’t sure if the carbon versions would hold up with my 95+kg frame bearing down on them but they performed admirably even when I did slip. Durability on these poles is excellent but you pay for this in the price.

This set of poles comes with rubberised tips or as well as a carbide tip which I prefer as it holds onto the ground that bit better. I have never ever work out my carbide tips but I am getting close so will need to swap them out at some point

The handle grips on these poles are a EVA foam and unlike some other models they are a reasonable length and feel quite comfortable. I prefer the foam handles to the cork versions – I just find that my hands don’t sweat as much.

Unlike other poles the Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles fold down into three smalls actions which make them extremely small when travelling. The down side is that when the poles are folded down, you need to put them into the side or back pockets of the pack as opposed to using the pole storage system available on some brands of packs.

These trekking poles aren’t cheap at AUD$329.00RRP but you can usually find this poles available at a much cheaper price. and given that they are xtremely lightweight, relatively easy to find and a great all around pole. I wouldn’t, and don’t use these poles for snow hiking but for everything else they are an excellent choice.

We Like

• Carbon fibre construction making for a very lightweight set of poles (296 gram for the 130cm length). You’ll definitely notice the difference if you are changing from a heavier set of poles
• Comfortable EVA foam hand grips
• Interchangeable tips – choose either rubber tips or carbide
• Fold down to just 43cm which makes packing them really easy
• Deploys very easily
• Snow basket compatible making them a year round pole

We Don't Like

• The trade off for the lightweight is the fixed length. Sometimes you just want the ability to adjust the length when walking or when using the poles t0 set up tarps and tents
• Carbon fibre poles aren’t as robust as metal poles. Having said that I’ve never had an issue with these poles breaking
• The Cost! Not the dearest poles on the market but certainly not the cheapest

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles

Best Uses

• Excellent all round pole. Great in all circumstances except for heavy snow conditions

Buy One

You can purchase the BBlack Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles online from Snowys

Disclosure:  We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

If you have used the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles or if you have questions, we’d like to hear from you. Post your comment or question below

Investment

AUD $329.99 RRP. These poles are often on sale so keep an eye out

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles open versus closed

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles showing 3 sections

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles showing wrist strap

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles showing section joint

Image showing the small fixed basket and rubberised tip on the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Running Poles showing carbide tip

Other Versions

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles com in four main sizes

• 110 cm
• 120 cm
• 130 cm

Disclaimer

This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker

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