Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Pole Review

Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Pole Review

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork is a top end trekking pole which is perfect for the more serious hiker or backpacker that frequents rough and rugged trails on a regular basis. The poles are suitable for any season, be it a summer trail hike in the Western Cape or an extreme backcountry skiing trip overseas which these poles would be ready to attack once you have fitted the wider baskets which are included in the package.

The hand straps are the most comfortable straps I have encountered yet. They are purpose designed using comfortable breathable padding which cradles the hand comfortably while still holding the hand securely. The strap relieves the pressure on the part of the hand that receives the most force when the pole is in action. The pole feels in control in your hand and it seems like minimal effort it expended in keeping it in the hand in comparison to some other poles. Adjusting the strap is also really easy to do and is a simple downward pull on the generous amount of strap that is provided. The simple strap design means that there is no clipping or clicking to secure the strap at the desired length. Instead it fastens itself when the strap is pulled downward as a result of the friction in the system.

The grip is made from a light cork material which has a comfortable shape and fits the fingers like a glove. Below the cork grip is a foam grip extension which is great for short steep uphill sections when this lower grip can be utilized instead of having to adjust the poles length.

One of the most significant features of the pole is the patented FlickLock system that secures each of the sections of the pole in place. The two FlickLock’s fasteners on each pole are easy to use and hold the desired length more solidly than traditional twist pole systems. It is also a lot quicker to adjust the length when compared to other methods used on other poles. This FlickLock system also allows the poles to collapse down to a convenient size for travelling or storing on or in a pack. The small tip size and its blunted end make it safe and less likely to cause injury or damage while the poles are being used, adjusted, or stored.

Black Diamond has designed these poles to be fully field serviceable and hence they make for the perfect partner on any expedition. Should a section of the pole break, repairs could be carried out without any technical assistance. The broken section can be shortened and then re-inserted and secured to the desired length. All in all, these poles are well-made, with a lot of thought going into their design, and perfectly suited for hard and rugged use.

Some specs and details from Black Diamond:

An ultra-compact, supremely damp trekking pole, the triple- sectioned Alpine Carbon Cork is also our lightest, thanks to its 100% carbon fiber shafts. The natural cork grip, 360-degree Nubuck webbing, dual-density top and foam extension all ensure a sweat-free grip with maximum comfort and control on the up and the down. Double FlickLocks provide fast and easy adjustments, and a Long Flex Tip, with either the low-profile, non-snagging trekking or powder baskets, allows year-round snowshoe and hiking versatility.

With 3 vibration-absorbing carbon fiber sections and natural cork grips, the exceedingly light Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles provide support, stability and effortless swing.

· 3 sections of carbon fiber create ultralight poles that absorb vibration and retain strength over a wide temperature range

· Dual FlickLock adjusters allow easy, slip-proof adjustment and won’t accidentally loosen like conventional “twist” type adjusters

· Natural cork grips with dual-density top knobs fit comfortably in your hands

· Adjustable nubuck leather webbing wrist loops support wrists

· Foam extensions beneath the top grips allow the hiker to drop the uphill hand lower on the shaft while traversing steep terrain

· Poles feature carbide tips and low-profile 1.5-in. trekking discs; discs’ small size reduce weight and snagging

· Poles also include powder baskets for use in the snow

Weight (pair): 492g
Shaft material Carbon fiber
Maximum length 130 cm
Minimum length 62.5cm
Grip material Cork