Trekking Poles - Non Cork handle Question

[Rackmastr]

Hey Guys

For the past few years I've run Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles with good success. I really like how they handle, fit and carry. The one issue I've had is some crumbling around the edges of the cork handles. I'm thinking of going to a foam/non-cork handle.

What options are you guys using that you like best with non-cork handles, or a different brand cork? I looked at the Z-poles and they do look pretty slick, something I'm certainly considering, as well as some Komperdell foam handled carbon poles as well. Black Diamond has been GREAT to deal with in the past so I do like the idea of sticking with them, I'm just hesitant about going to a dedicated 120 Z-pole vs an adjustable pole. Anyone have any comments?

Thanks for any suggestions! Used for sheep/goat hunts in BC and quality being important obviously.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

The foam handled Black Diamond Trails I have had for the past 5-6-7 years have held up pretty well.

 

[darbuh]

I have been using the Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL Z-Poles with great success the last 4-5 years. Fully adjustable for length and I really like the non cork handles. Fold up nice a small for travel or stuffing in pack, durable...........just and all around solid pole in my book.

 

[duchntr]

The alpine carbon cork poles are my favorite trekking poles I've used. I replaced the grips on all my trekking poles with some grips from Gossamer gear and I really like them, as an added bonus they cut a few ounces off the stock pole weight too.

http://gossamergear.com/lightrek-replacement-grips.html

 

[Archerm]

I love the cork handles. The don't get slippery, don't get cold, and seem to have better grip then any synthetic. I would go with the cork replacements.

 

[idig4au]

I have been using the Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL Z-Poles with great success the last 4-5 years. Fully adjustable for length and I really like the non cork handles. Fold up nice a small for travel or stuffing in pack, durable...........just and all around solid pole in my book.

What he said. I love mine

 

[Rackmastr]

The alpine carbon cork poles are my favorite trekking poles I've used. I replaced the grips on all my trekking poles with some grips from Gossamer gear and I really like them, as an added bonus they cut a few ounces off the stock pole weight too.

http://gossamergear.com/lightrek-replacement-grips.html

How hard is it to swap out handles on the Alpine Carbon corks? Appreciate the idea, as I do really like my Alpine Carbon corks for adjustability.

 

[larryschwartz]

Have you asked BD if they have replacement cork handles, or if you can send them back to have the handles replaced?

 

[Rackmastr]

Have you asked BD if they have replacement cork handles, or if you can send them back to have the handles replaced?

Yep, I've asked about replacements. They don't make them. They DID send me a brand new pair of the Alpine Carbon Corks on warranty (awesome service). I'm just looking into if continuing to use them is my best bet or what options there were if I wanted to swap handles in the future.

 

[duchntr]

How hard is it to swap out handles on the Alpine Carbon corks? Appreciate the idea, as I do really like my Alpine Carbon corks for adjustability.

Its fairly simple, first stick the grips in some boiling water for a bit(this heats and loosens the glue) and then pull off the grips, the cork will come off in pieces. After you get the actual grip off grab some acetone or something similar to strip the left over glue off the shaft and thats about it your ready to put the new ones on. I first heard about the grips from DaveC reading his blog, Heres a link with better details
http://bedrockandparadox.com/2013/08/28/the-perfect-pole-part-2/

 

[Rackmastr]

Thanks! That may be the ticket!

I love the Alpine Carbon corks and BD has been really good to me, so if I can use the ones I've got as is and then replace with new cork that would be awesome. Appreciate the suggestions!