Trekking pole question

[mtnrunner260]

So I had never used poles until this year and started with a $30 pair from Costco. There were carbon with twist locks. I totally loved them and can't believe I went without them for so long. They even worked great until I snapped one the other day while taking a spill.
So my question is are the more expensive ones like Black Diamond etc less likely to break and or do some have a warranty?
I wish I could stay in the $30 price range but understand I wont find any for that.
Thanks

 

[Ross]

With trekking poles to some degree I believe you get what you pay for. My first set of black diamond ultra distance zPoles lasted a year and a half until I planted one deep in a rockslide hole not paying attention and low and behold the carbon fiber snapped. This was more my doing than it. I bought a subsequent pair with no reservation. I have another bd set for the snow with baskets. Not sure what the warranty is with bd but they make a good product.

 

[Violent Hippie]

I have used 1 pair BD (black diamond) ski poles averaging 20-40 backcountry ski days per year for the past 6 years with no signs of them wearing any time soon. BD customer service is really good and I have had them replace multiple parts such as buckles etc on packs free of charge etc. I would expect there trekking poles to be great as well.

 

[realunlucky]

I think you can buy replacement sections for bd trekking poles

 

[Stresd]

Black diamond poles are excellent. Have a lot of miles and hunts on my current set the Diamond Compacts. Though, anything can be broken if one tries hard enough.

 

[Ray]

Everything breaks. I plan on stocking up on those cheap costco poles when the local store restocks them. This years model is supposed to be flick locks.

 

[kodiakfly]

Check sierratradingpost. They have tons of poles for decent prices. But like was said, you kinda get what you pay for...which in this case is different alloys or a different carbon matrix. I've got a set of aluminum BD poles I've had for a decade...no problems. And yes, you can break anything, but I a good trekking pole is worth it.

 

[orionthehunter1]

I also broke one of my ultra distance carbon z poles, but black diamond sent me a brand new set even though I only broke one. The new set is still going strong. Like Ross I planted the pole in some scree and slipped and my whole body fell into the pole snapping it, so I think just about any pole would have broke in that scenario

 

[wyodan]

I had some Leki's with the twist lock, and they fell apart (the twist came loose, and broke when extended too far.) Leki replaced the poles without question, and the poles were even an upgrade. I am pretty sure that I purchased the original set from Sierra Trading Post to begin with.

 

[Ridge Ghost]

Get them from REI and they will replace them for free if you break them. I snapped an REI brand pole after accidentally wedging it between two rocks, and they let me swap it out for a new pole with no questions asked.

 

[chorpie]

So I had never used poles until this year and started with a $30 pair from Costco. There were carbon with twist locks. I totally loved them and can't believe I went without them for so long. They even worked great until I snapped one the other day while taking a spill.
So my question is are the more expensive ones like Black Diamond etc less likely to break and or do some have a warranty?
I wish I could stay in the $30 price range but understand I wont find any for that.
Thanks

Take this for what you will, but i've had my Komperdell REI-branded poles for 6 years, and they're no worse for wear. A coworker has snapped one or both poles on his Costco trekking poles on FOUR different pairs. I don't think you'll have the same quality issues with any name brand pair. I've been hiking with him when 3 of his poles have snapped. The price is good, but the quality is not.

These snapped on fire road-ish trails, and some steeps, nothing more than you'd ask of any other treking pole.

 

[Matt W.]

I've seen trekking poles fail. I've personally had the REI ones fail (2005 vintage model). After my first sheep hunt in 2008 I purchased the Black Diamond ones with the FlickLock. Screw locks are a pain, IMO. I always recommended the BD poles and guys end up going the cheap route. Then they actually use the cheap poles with a heavy pack on and end up buying the BD with the FlickLocks... Having a pole fail going downhill over rough terrain with a full pack on is no joking matter. As such I stick with my proven Black Diamonds. My 5-6 year old poles most closely relate to the current "Trail" model. Its $99 well spent and if you are vigilant you can always find a sale.

 

[InDeep]

I recently went to poles, and can say I don't understand why I'm so stubborn about some stuff! I can't believe how awesome they are. I figure when it comes to carbon poles you really get wat you pay for on components used with them! Carbon rod is carbon rod and the grade of carbon rod is so low with hiking poles anyways . But as as many have said the components on trekking poles is what makes the difference

 

[rodney482]

Love my corklites

 

[luke moffat]

I have been using the same black diamond trailback trekking poles for years, and not just for hiking but also as the center pole for my tipi in some pretty stout winds.

They are a great value and I still find no reason to upgrade to a $120 set when this $50 set has lasted me for 4 or 5 years at this point.

http://www.backcountryedge.com/blac...rm={keyword}&gclid=CLbw5uXIg70CFQ5gMgod5lcA3g

Black diamond poles are nice as its easy to add or remove snow baskets and what not to your poles if need be depending on the season as well. I think they are worth the $20 upgrade over the Costco ones for me, but if you don't plan on hiking/hunting a whole lot then I'm sure the Costco ones will give you years of good use as well.

 

[Brock A]

I have been using the same black diamond trailback trekking poles for years, and not just for hiking but also as the center pole for my tipi in some pretty stout winds.

They are a great value and I still find no reason to upgrade to a $120 set when this $50 set has lasted me for 4 or 5 years at this point.

http://www.backcountryedge.com/blac...rm={keyword}&gclid=CLbw5uXIg70CFQ5gMgod5lcA3g

Black diamond poles are nice as its easy to add or remove snow baskets and what not to your poles if need be depending on the season as well. I think they are worth the $20 upgrade over the Costco ones for me, but if you don't plan on hiking/hunting a whole lot then I'm sure the Costco ones will give you years of good use as well.

I use the same ones and love them.

 

[Tony Trietch]

I love my Black Diamond ultra dis poles. Very strong and light.
The cust service is top notch.

 

[Darktimber]

I have used the Black Diamond Ultra distance carbon fiber trekking z-lite poles for several years. They are very light and are great poles. However, I broke a pole last year and another the year before last. It was my fault both times; once a pole got hung in rocks and the second time in deep snow. I tried a field repair with duct tape which worked okay the first time but not the second time. I ordered a replacement recently but accidentally ordered the aluminum z-poles. At first I was disappointed but I now think I would be better off with aluminum since I can straighten the poles in the field if I mistreat them. Since I use them for my shelter also, I need them, or at least one of them, to last the whole trip.

 

[mtnrunner260]

Thanks for all the replies guys.
I think I will give the aluminum ones Luke linked a try.

 

[Floorguy]

Everything breaks. I plan on stocking up on those cheap costco poles when the local store restocks them. This years model is supposed to be flick locks.

The Bragaw Costco has them and they do have the flicklock.