Article by Markus Zinkl
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles ($220)
Introduction
I have to admit, I already had a pair of Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles a few years ago, I think it was 2019 or 2020. At the time, they were the absolute gold standard for me among lightweight, adjustable, and foldable Z-trekking poles. Now I have the new version in my hands and was curious to see what had changed. Has Black Diamond managed to make an already fantastic pole even better? Short answer: Oh yes!
What has been improved?
At first glance, the sticks look quite similar to their predecessors, but the devil is in the details. Here are the upgrades that immediately caught my eye:
The Grip: The old EVA foam handle was okay, but the new one is a revelation! The continuous grooves have disappeared, making the handle incredibly more comfortable. No more marks on your palms after a long day on the mountain. It just feels super comfortable.
The wrist strap: This has also been optimized. The new straps are made from noticeably thinner and lighter recycled nylon. The result? My wrists sweat significantly less, and if the straps do get wet, they dry very quickly. A small detail with a big impact, especially on long tours.
The FlickLock Pro adjuster: The old plastic system is history! The new FlickLock Pro adjuster made of aluminum is in a class of its own. The name "Flick" fits perfectly—a light press of the thumb is all it takes and the lock snaps into place almost by itself. Adjusting the length is now even quicker and easier.
The folding mechanism: Those familiar with the old model may remember the small, round metal button used to unlock it. It was a bit fiddly, and I actually pinched my thumb slightly once. That's now a thing of the past! The new button is elongated and bevelled. It's super easy to press without contorting yourself or risking your fingers. A small but ingenious upgrade.
The baskets: Even the small standard baskets have been redesigned. They now have three clever notches. It may not sound like much, but it's extremely practical: when folded, these notches hold the individual segments of the stick together perfectly. No more rattling or slipping around in your backpack.
Appearance: Of course, this is a matter of taste, but personally, I much prefer the new matte finish of the carbon shaft to the glossy look of the previous model. It simply looks more elegant and understated.
What still sets the poles apart?
In addition to all the new features, the Distance Carbon FLZ has fortunately retained its old strengths:
Light as a feather: For adjustable poles, they are still incredibly light. You can hardly feel them in your hand or on your backpack. In my 110 cm - 125 cm version, one pole weighs 170 g.
Ready to use in a flash: Thanks to the conical connecting elements, which BD calls "Speed-Cone," setting up takes just seconds. Simply hold, pull, and "click"—done.
- Precise guidance: The weight is perfectly balanced, with very little swing mass at the end. This allows the poles to be placed with extreme precision, which is a huge advantage, especially on technical terrain.
- Surprisingly stable: For folding poles made of carbon, they feel remarkably stiff and durable. I never felt like I couldn't trust them.
- Flexibility without a click-in system: I often go on long fastpacking trips or trail runs. I don't want to have to wear gloves with a click system all day long. The classic loops are simply the best solution for me here.
- Suitable for winter use: If you want to use the poles in winter, you can simply attach the optional "Z-Pole Snow Baskets".
One minor criticism remains
Is there nothing to complain about? Well, just one tiny thing. The tension of the FlickLock Pro mechanism is adjusted using a small Allen wrench. If you need to tighten it while on the go, you probably won't have the right key with you. A simple slotted or Phillips screw would have been more practical here. But that's really nitpicking at a very high level.
Conclusions
Black Diamond has actually managed to surpass the gold standard of yesteryears. The latest version of the Distance Carbon FLZ is more sophisticated, comfortable and user-friendly than ever before. The many small but useful improvements add up to an outstanding overall package. If you are looking for ultra-light, stable and lightning-fast trekking poles for everything from leisurely hikes to demanding trail runs, you can't go wrong with these poles. I highly recommend them!
Tester
Markus Zinkl is 35 years old and lives in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. He started running just to support his main sport, football. Since he stopped playing football, running has become his main sport to stay fit. He now runs 5-6 times a week, covering between 60 and 80 kilometres. Apart from a local relay race, he rarely runs in competitions. Markus runs both on trails and on roads and is an absolute gear geek. In addition to running, he spends most of his free time hiking, especially in the mountains, where his interest in gear also comes into play.
Translated from Markus's original German review with assistance of Deepl.com
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