Guide to Black Diamond Trekking Poles
Apr 26, 2023
Black Diamond Trekking Poles
Black Diamond were virtually the first company to bring to market truly lightweight foldable trekking poles suitable for trekking and running, the engineering is outstanding and over the years they have honed and perfected the features so they are now among the best poles available.
They aren't so good at naming them, however, since the words and letters used in the names have specific meanings we thought we'd explain it and produce this quick reference guide.
Distance Series
Black Diamond's Distance Series poles are three season poles with a combination of folding joints and/or flick locks for adjusting the length of the pole.
- 3 Season
- Trail Running and Ultralight Trekking & Backpacking
- Unisex and Women's specific models
- Very short pack size
- 'FL' in the name stands for Flick Lock. If it doesn't say 'FL' its not adjustable length and you need to buy your size.
- 'Z' in the name means they fold into a Z shape for carrying
- 'Carbon' in the name denotes 100% Carbon construction, lighter than aluminium but not quite as strong
- 'AR' in the name stands for Accessory Ready - this refers to the ability to fit accessories into the handle of the pole - such as when using a pair to pitch the Black Diamond Distance Tent
Trail Series
Black Diamond's Trail Series Trekking Poles are versatile trekking poles for year-round hiking, trekking, backpacking and snowshoeing, Trail poles provide reliable and adjustable support that won’t break the bank.
- 4 Season
- Trekking, Backpacking and Snowshoeing
- Unisex and Women's Specific Models
- 'Trail' in the name defines the Series
- 'Trail Pro' in the name tells you that they have the latest 'Pro' Flick Lock which is both stronger and easier to adjust than the standard Flick Lock
- 'Ergo' in the name denotes a more pronounced angle of the grip for greater comfort
'Cork' in the name denotes a cork handle which absorbs moisture better than foam
Alpine Series
Black Diamond's Alpine Series Trekking Poles are durable, four-season poles for big loads and big trips into the mountains, our Alpine poles are highly supportive as well as highly packable.
- 4 Season
- Mountain walking and long distance Backpacking
- Unisex and Women's specific models
- 'FL' in the name stands for Flick Lock. If it doesn't say 'FL' its not adjustable length and you need to buy your size.
- 'Z' in the name means they fold into a Z shape for carrying - they have a short pack size
- 'Cork' in the name denotes a cork handle which absorbs moisture better than foam
- 'Carbon' in the name denotes 100% Carbon construction, lighter than aluminium but not quite as strong
Pursuit Series
Packed with comfort-focused features, the Pursuit pole range is a premium option for any hiker in any season. The Pursuit pole sets have two grip sizes optimised for larger and smaller hands, making for more comfortable hand positions as well as reducing hand fatigue. Highly supportive as well as highly packable.
- 4-Season
- Trekking, Backpacking and Snowshoeing
- 'FL' in the name stands for Flick Lock. If it doesn't say 'FL' its not adjustable length and you need to buy your size.
- 'Z' in the name means they fold into a Z shape for carrying - they have a short pack size
- Unisex by design
Black Diamond were virtually the first company to bring to market truly lightweight foldable trekking poles suitable for trekking and running, the engineering is outstanding and over the years they have honed and perfected the features so they are now among the best poles available. They aren't so good at naming them, however, since the words and letters used in the names have specific meanings we thought we'd explain it and produce this quick reference guide.