Australian Hiker

Weight/pair 319 grams
Useable Length 130 cm

Cost $209.50

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles

Rating

Rating: 8.7 / 10

Value for Money 2.2

Comfort 2.2

Weight 2.3

Durability 2.0

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles Review

I’ve been using the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles for over two years now and as much as I’ve liked using them they’re on the heavier side at 608 grams a pair. While these poles are still as good as new, I finally decided what I really wanted was a set of lightweight trekking poles that contributed to reducing my overall pack weight. After my usual exhaustive research I ended up choosing the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles. My reasons are as follows.

These poles come in four fixed lengths ranging from 100 cm to 130 cm which is both a plus and a minus. On the positive side this single length helps to reduce the overall weight as there is no need for additional adjustment mechanisms just a simple easy to use locking button. On the downside, this fixed length has a tendency to make the poles a bit long going up hill so if you use your trekking poles as tent/tarp poles you lose the adjustment ability.

As the name suggest these poles are carbon fibre which makes them extremely lightweight. This is the first pair of carbon fibre poles I have owned and I must admit I was a bit worried about the robustnes. I have had situations in the past where I have slipped in muddy conditions and when I was using my older, metal non carbon fibre version 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 95kg frame bearing down on them but they performed admirably even when I did slip.

One criticism of the previous version of these poles was that the only tip option was a rubberised point however this version comes with both the rubberised top as well as a carbide tip which I prefer as it holds onto the ground that bit better.

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 Z 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.

These trekking poles are a great all around pole and probably the only thing I wouldn’t use them for is walking through snow because of the need to have decent snow baskets.

We Like

Carbon fibre construction making for a very lightweight set of poles. 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

We Don't Like

At 319 grams a pair (130cm length) they are very leightweight
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

Black Diamond Distance Z folded

Best Uses

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

Buy One

You can purchase the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles online from Wild Earth or Wildfire Sports

Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our gear reviews. If we don’t like something, you’ll be the first to know!

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