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Product Description
Ideal for endurance runners, light-and-fast hikers, and any adventure where ounces matter, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking poles weigh less than 14 ounces per pair. Each pole features 100-percent carbon fiber construction and an adjustable length for the ultimate in adaptability Read More
I purchased a set of BD Distance Carbon Z trekking poles from MassDrop about 2.5 years ago. They probably have a total of 60 days on them, and the spring-loaded handle buttons have rusted and no longer work. Not abused, not much wet hiking. I should add I still have 6 year old Carbon Corks and they work fine. I contacted BD about the Distance Carbon Z’s, and here was their response:
Unfortunately, that item is no longer covered under warranty. We are happy to offer you a discount code you can use to purchase a new one at 40% off.
Code should be entered in the Enter Promo Code box in your shopping cart to see and apply the discount.
Code will only work one time, for one product only.
Code does not expire.
Code will NOT work on Web Specials, Sale items or other package pricing.
You can use this code on our website:
So here’s my beef: The buttons shouldn’t have failed on a $160 set of poles…they rusted…what kind of metal did they use? And secondly, I’m kindly directed to their website, where EVERYTHING is on sale (including this exact pole), and I can only apply the discount code to full retail pricing… so….thanks for nothing.
Maybe I’m expecting too much but I’m going to switch brands. I thought I would share my experience.
Currently $142.39 at REI during their anniversary sale (til 5/27) if you don’t wanna wait for MD to ship it (June 11th or after)
https://www.rei.com/product/127496
Just wanted to throw my two cents in here. I originally bought the fixed length BD carbon poles but because I use my poles to set up my tent, I wanted to be able to adjust the height depending on my campsite. I paid full price for mine and I had them out last season for 8 overnighters and 4 double nighters, in addition to numerous training hikes.
I am very happy with the BD Distance Carbon FLZ trekking poles and will buy them again whenever the need arises. I've used them for up to 17 miles in a day without any discomfort with the grips. Somebody else mentioned getting black stuff on his hands, but I never had that issue.
Having said all that, Cnoc sells comparable poles for even less but I personally have no experience with them.
Are these the *2018* pair or the older 2017 pair? It's confusing (and possibly misleading) because the header photo suggests it would be the 2018 pair, which has six blue lines on the center section and weighs slightly less, is apparently 30% stronger than the 2017 pairs (which often cracked), and doesn't collapse quite as small as the 2017 pairs. However, the listed weights and collapsed lengths would suggest that this is the older 2017 model. You can see on the black diamond website the subtle but significant differences, which are also reflected in price typically:
https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en/trekking-poles/distance-carbon-flz-trekking-poles-BD112204_cfg.html
vs
https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en/trekking-poles/distance-carbon-flz-trekking-poles-BD112204_cfg.html
So are these the 2018 model, as in the photo, or the 2017 model, as in the specs? Great deal if the former.
I have 2 pairs of these. Though they are very light, easy to adjust, and do not vibrate when in use, they are not as sturdy as their other poles. I took a pair on the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer and broke one coming down in snow. It is not intended for use in any adventure, as the description states. The first time I broke a pair was hiking on the Desolation Wilderness in Tahoe and it snapped when it got stuck. I also have a pair of BD Alpine Carbon Cork poles, which are heavier, but much more durable, with a cork handle and ability to add snow baskets. So, I'm not saying all BD poles are bad, but these are very fragile.
I paid retail for mine, but even at the discounted Massdrop price, I would go with something else.
richcandyI've owned my BD Alpine Carbon Corks for over 4 years and used it on all of my hikes here in Northern CA, through snow, tough granite, sand and rocks of the Lost Coast Trail, and so on. No issues at all. Love them so much, got my GF a pair of them :)
These poles come in 3 size groups, but only 2 are offered here (105-125, 220-140). If anyone is looking for the smallest size, 95-110cm, they're available on Amazon for $110 (same price as here but with free shipping)
I have used these on the Camino and Francigena in heat and the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way in rain.
The grips performed well in both cases. There was no slipping at all. The grips remained easy to hold and stayed put in the hand when required.
I have not experienced anything rubbing off from them onto my palms (or sun gloves).
The light weight is a great advantage on long walks. They are very strong in compression. (BD warn that they are not so strong in a sideways force. )
They fold down quickly and are deployed simply by pulling the top section out of the grip.
Changing the tips requires pliers but I got over 1,500 km out of my last pair of rubber tips. The benefit is that the tips cannot come off by accident as happens with the chairleg type of tip on cheaper sticks.
Just wanted to say that I have these and bought them for retail price from the BD website last year. I've taken them out on a couple of trips in the Sierra Nevada and they've performed well. They are extremely light, pack very small, and I really love the adjustability in a pair of UL trekking poles. Only downsides are that the foam rubs black stuff onto the palms of your hands and they do not support snow baskets. Other than that, this is a steal.
nathannHow do you find the grips on hot humid days when your palms are sweaty and also when it rains? I'm super biased towards cork grips as they excel in both conditions.