In our opinion, Black Diamond reigns supreme in the trekking pole industry, often besting competitors in terms of weight, packability, durability, and design. The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is a featherweight trekking pole that will satisfy ultralight enthusiasts that prefer less weight but high performance. These poles are certainly durable considering their weight, but less so than heavier aluminum options because of their carbon construction.
If you are in the market for new trekking poles, Black Diamond manufactures a wide variety of pole options. For instance, the Distance Carbon Z is the lighter cousin of the aluminum Black Diamond FLZ and Z poles. The key differences are carbon construction (in comparison to the aluminum FLZ and Z) and a folding design (the FLZ aluminum and carbon versions have a slightly adjustable FlickLock folding functionality).
PRODUCT REVIEW
Weight
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z’s weigh between 9.7oz. – 11.28oz. per pair and are some of the lightest trekking poles out there. In comparison, much of the competition from Leki and other Black Diamond poles range between 15oz. – 20oz. per pair. Therefore, if carry weight is a concern, these poles are a great way to reduce excess ounces. Of course, you could carry just one trekking pole to further reduce weight. From a comfort standpoint and for use in place of tent poles, we prefer two trekking poles.
Packability
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles are perhaps some of the most packable poles on the market. The poles easily fit into pack pockets when not in use and feature an ability to snap the shaft into the pole’s basket, securing it into place. Further, the Distance Carbon Z’s are simple to store, which is great in cases where vehicle or home storage space is limited. These poles come in a few different sizes (100cm – 130cm), with a collapsible size ranging from 33cm – 43cm.
So, if you are in the market for packable trekking poles, you likely will choose between two options: folding or telescoping. Folding trekking poles, such as the Distance Carbon Z, are very packable but are unadjustable. Alternatively, telescoping trekking poles, like the Gossamer Gear LT5, have multiple pole sections that nest within each other. Telescoping poles are ideal if you want good packability with the option to adjust length as necessary.
Durability
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles are made of a lightweight carbon material. While carbon trekking poles are known for their weight savings, they are not necessarily the most durable. Accordingly, it is essential that the Distance Carbon Z’s are properly taken care of so they are not bent from aggressive use or too much weight. We’ve put hundreds of miles on our Distance Carbon Z’s and have been happy with their sturdiness. In particular, these poles performed exceptionally well on slippery scree fields where balance was absolutely essential. Although aluminum trekking poles may be more durable over the long-term, they just don’t have the same weight savings.
Comfort
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles are available in four different foldable fixed-lengths, ranging from 100cm – 130cm. Because of this design, one of the downsides is a lack of adjustability. So, if you are seeking adjustability, consider telescoping trekking poles. That said, these poles should be fine even without adjustable features because you can simply adjust your grip.
As for the pole grips, they are made out of a comfortable and lightweight ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam with moisture wicking qualities. Though many prefer cork grips because of their hydrophobic qualities, we like these EVA grips because of the lightweight construction.
Trail Performance
We have the 120cm version of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles, which weigh 10.58oz. as a pair. Although we usually prefer telescoping poles, the lightweight design and packability of the Distance Carbon Z’s make up for the lack of adjustability. We definitely put our Distance Carbon Z’s to the test throughout a season of use in Colorado. Though mindful of their carbon construction, we had no durability issues. Indeed, when using the poles on rough terrain, such as scree slopes, they did obtain considerable nicks and dings. So, keep in mind that these poles may not look pristine after a few hard outings, if that’s a concern.
Value
A $169.95 retail price for the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z trekking poles is a hefty price. However, this price is not bad in comparison to other trekking poles in the same performance category. Frankly, there are few other trekking poles with such a lightweight design and superior performance. Comparatively, the Gossamer Gear LT5 telescoping trekking poles weigh around 10.6oz., but are more expensive.
For us ounce counters, these trekking poles will make a difference in overall carry weight. In our opinion, the weight savings is worth the extra cost over heavier poles that retail for less.
Product Comparisons
Black Diamond Distance Z
Product Description: The Black Diamond Distance Z folding trekking pole is the heavier, aluminum alternative to the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z. Although the Distance Z’s are made of aluminum instead of carbon, they only weigh 12oz. for the pair. Such a small weight difference is barely noticeable to most. Further, these poles are less expensive than the Distance Carbon Z’s and have better durability with a stronger aluminum construction.
Verdict: For far less money, the Black Diamond Distance Z’s offer a lot of value. Although they are not the lightest poles on the market, the weight difference is fairly negligible. We recommend the Distance Z’s as a budget option if you want lightweight poles but don’t want to pay a premium for carbon. For us ounce counters, these trekking poles will make a difference in overall carry weight. In our opinion, the weight savings is worth the extra cost over heavier poles that retail for less.
Leki Black Series Carbon
Product Description: The Leki Black Series Carbon adjustable trekking poles weigh about 1 pound for the pair, a bit heavier than many alternatives. These poles are very packable, ergonomic, and surprisingly durable given their carbon design. However, they are also more expensive than other options.
Verdict: The Leki Black Series Carbon trekking poles are a bit heavy for us and not our first choice. Interestingly, these carbon poles retail at a higher price than the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z, which we think is a better overall product. Therefore, we cannot justify purchasing a heavier trekking pole at a higher cost.
Overall Recommendation
Recommended
We feel that the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles are some of the best trekking poles available. With an extraordinarily lightweight construction, excellent packability, and comfortable design, these poles are quite possibly the best we’ve ever used. We frequently reach for these poles as our go-to for the majority of our mountain adventures.
For more equipment reviews for your next adventure, be sure to check out our other articles on our Gear Page.
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