Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z Poles

[ndbwhunter]

I know a lot of you have experience with these trekking poles. How are they holding up? At 6'4 230lbs, I'm a little nervous about them breaking under my weight while carrying a full load. There are a few deals out there right now, but nothing like the $60-80 deals that you guys were finding last year. I'm just wondering if they are worth the money.

 

[ohhiitznik]

I use some black diamonds. And I'm 6'4 265 and they don't break with me....

 

[mtnwrunner]

I know a lot of you have experience with these trekking poles. How are they holding up? At 6'4 230lbs, I'm a little nervous about them breaking under my weight while carrying a full load. There are a few deals out there right now, but nothing like the $60-80 deals that you guys were finding last year. I'm just wondering if they are worth the money.

I've had these since they came out and had no problems. I use them for running/fast hiking and general backpacking and they've held up fine. I've got a buddy about your size and they've held up. My only issue with them is they are non adjustable.

Randy

 

[Elkfever]

I have had no problem using them the last two years. My dad has used them a little bit too and he's 6' 2"/210 lbs, me 5' 10"/155 lbs. They've been great ultralight options and I have no complaints about them. Love how they fold up for packing. Make sure to check out Black Diamond's sizing chart and get the appropriate size pole for your height, as they are not adjustable. Also, mine are not compatible for adding snow baskets, not sure if they have changed that in the last couple years. I got mine off ebay for a good discount, might check there if you haven't already.

 

[ndbwhunter]

Any difference between the carbon and the aluminum in terms of strength? I would think the aluminum would be more prone to denting, which would eventually weaken the pole. Does the carbon chip at all, or will it just snap when enough force is applied?

 

[slim9300]

Any difference between the carbon and the aluminum in terms of strength? I would think the aluminum would be more prone to denting, which would eventually weaken the pole. Does the carbon chip at all, or will it just snap when enough force is applied?

Yes. The carbon chips. I don't worry about it but others recommend putting some electrical tape around the the bottom 12-16" of the carbon poles to protect them.

I have broken 3 of the carbon Z-poles. The first time I broke the set on the same hunt and the other time it was only a single pole. Two snapped and both were clearly my fault. On the other broken pole, the inner cable came apart somehow.

The first incident I tripped going downhill and put all my pressure with a pack on the right pole causing it to snap. The other one that snapped was in 3-4' deep snow going downhill over a drift and I shouldn't have had the wrist strap on. Because I did, when I fell forward slowly with a pack I was unable to pickup the planted pole and it slowly snapped as I rolled ass over tea kettle. Thankfully (don't ask me why) REI has replaced both sets with brand new poles for no charge after I explained what happened. I feel kind of bad, but I never lied about what happened.

They are certainly 'sensitive' when over stressed but for me I prefer UL over durability/strength. If they break in the middle of a hunt I am not screwed, unlike say my pack for example. It's possible I would have broken any pole in the two situations I explained above, who knows? I currently own two sets and have no plans to get rid of them. I may pickup a more sturdy/durable set for everyday backpacking trips, we'll see.

 

[ndbwhunter]

Carbon it is....Thanks for the input guys.