Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

After having these on my wish list for a long time, I picked these up in the spring to replace my well used aluminum poles. All I can say is that I wish I had done it much sooner. The new carbon poles with cork grips instantly became a much appreciated luxury item when backpacking and hiking.

I agree with the issues people have found with these poles. But I decided to keep the poles because they are lightweight and sturdy. I did make a few fixes which should be helpful.The bottom section does not clamp tight enough so that it stay's retracted. I have seen this same issue with other high end Black Diamond poles so I made this simple fix. On the bottom section I wound a piece of green duct ape just thick enough so that the clamp would close snugly and the poles would collapse and hold firm without rattling around. As far as the allen wrench. I would hate to lose it or have to search for it in my pack so this is what I did---it should have come in a very small zip lock bag. Take the two upper sections of the pole apart by just opening the locking mechanism and pull them apart. Wind the zip lock bag around the allen wrench with the allen wrench inside the bag and stuff it into the top pole (the one with the handle). Now just put the poles back together and the allen wrench will always be with the pole. When you need to take it out you'll have to tap it into the palm of your hand several times but the little packet with the allen wrench should drop down where you can pull it out. Be sure to remember which pole it's it. Hope this is useful.

Like em but wish i could adjust them easier

Great product. Very sturdy. Love cork handles .

Yes they cost a lot. But when you trip on something you know it will be there like a best friend to hold you up. The buckles are metal, very strong and secure. Won’t “slip” with force. Easy to adjust and very very light weight. You do get what you pay for sometimes and this is one of those times. Been down this road a ton. I’ll buy $30-$50 poles and I always find something wrong with the build. Not these!!!!

I have recently gotten these diamond walkingSticks. As a person suffering from back issues, it has provided me stability in my gait. I can square my shoulders and keep my eyes up.

Accurate description of weight and min length. Max length is not 130cm if you follow the tick marks, actual maximum is about 137cm. Cork grip is nice, not slippery at all, not sure about the durability. Whole thing can be disassembled easily. Can't wait to hit this bad boy on trails.Update: After about 20 miles of hike the bottom pole slipped for about 5cm with the default tightness on the lock, top pole stayed fixed. Wish the top part of the handle is also cork so that when going downhill it will slip less (with the cane hand position).

Hiked the entire Appalachian Trail with these. The locks are metal and don’t wear out. I was putting my full weight on them on some pretty tough downs and they held up beautifully!

This review is rather unusual, as I am giving a one star to poles that I actually liked a lot.To start, the poles are sturdy, solid, light weight and very comfortable with really good grips. Although expensive, initially I was very happy with them. By way of context, I hike every week for three or four hours and always use poles. During these shorter hikes, I couldn't fault the poles.The problems started when I took part in the Jurassic Coast challenge in May. This event is a 100km continuous hike (took me 22 hours) and the poles were an absolute disaster. The issue with them was that they did not lock correctly which meant they were always slipping. As a result, I fell over and hurt myself at one point and also had to constantly check the poles to make sure they hadn't become shorter.Poles are one part of your hiking kit that you have to absolutely be able to rely on. These poles I could not rely on, so I have had to return them. It is also worthwhile pointing out that the return experience was also absolutely awful.In summary, if you are not sure about getting these, avoid them.

While these poles are undoubtably very good, they were both cork and foam handles were damaged, all was filthy. With Hermes for return to AmazonThe second delivery had one pole missing. With Hermes for return to Amazon

Used them through the worst of the winter months walking on the South Downs, in snow, ice and mud. Very reassuring and I felt very sure footed. Nice and light, we actually mostly just shared one pole each.

Did quite a bit of research before buying black diamond poles.Have no regrets with my choice

Got the trekking pole on time but both poles are faulty , I was unable to lock first level and the second level lock as one side it is broken and the other side i am unable to lock.