THE FINISH IS OVERRATED. THE START IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
But the space between, where the miles and moments become an ocean between the waves, that’s where the magic happens. The experience waits in the distance.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is our premium pole for fully adjustable, folding performance with 100% carbon construction, FlickLock+ adjustability for the perfect fit for moving efficiently, no matter the terrain.
Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 62 reviews.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles are highly regarded for their lightweight design and comfort, making them ideal for trekking. Customers appreciate the soft and easy-to-use wrist straps and the poles' ability to handle steep terrains effectively.
Review topics: ["fit","straps","weight","poles","grip","arms","light","use","tips","hiking","clip","experience","cost","support","lockers","upgrade","version","handles","adjustment"].
"My husband bought me the Black Diamond Carbon FLZ poles 10 years ago. Since then, they have taken me on mountainous hikes, week-long backpacking trips and international treks. They are lightweight and fit in the bottom of my carry-on luggage well. Their Leave No Trace tips are the best on the market, I just replace them before a major trip. I just bought the updated ones and they are even better! Took them on a trek in Scotland and they are even lighter and more compact. I like the adjustable ones as the clip is reliable and I can hand them to a wounded companion if needed. These are all I recommend to my friends and family."
"These poles are great on long runs and big climbs. Add the extra oomph on the way up but I really got the added benefit on the downs. I used them during The Rut up Lone Mt. at Big Sky and having them running down the rock and scree was like having two more feet. They fold up quickly and slide into a quiver well once you practice it a few times. I don’t use them on long runs or marathons in the Midwest but always bring them into the mountains."
"I got these poles back in February to replace my much heavier and older Black Diamond poles and since then have used them for extensive desert hiking, 200 miles on the Appalachian Trail in both rain and good weather and several long distance hikes in Montana on and off trail in the Glacier Park area. They have worked perfectly. The adjustments are very easy to make. The poles have caught me on a few hard stumbles and held up fine. I really like how lightweight they are and the fact that I can fold and put them in my pack when I don't need them."
"Light swing weight and strong poles great for trail running and backpacking."
"This is a very good product. Adjustable, lightweight and sturdy."
"Bought these for a Swiss trekking hike. Super light and compact, but sturdy for Alps terrain. Recommended."
"I used the poles on a 5 day backpacking trip in Canada. The poles were amazing and felt very comfortable in my hands. I had no issues and I enjoyed the ability to fold them up for my carry luggage."
"They bent very easily."
"I have a pair of the Alpine Cork that I used thruhiking the PCT and I absolutely loved them! Being a gear nerd like a lot of us, I wanted to pick up a pair of the Distance Carbon FLZs for fast packing and I couldn’t be happier! Wicked light and super easy to use. I’ll be curious about the long term durability but I’m sure they’ll do just fine."
"I’m a climber recently convented to trail running, and having light poles with adjustable height has been quite the upgrade. I’ve been rocking the Trail Back poles for years so the comparison may not be helpful. I believe the versatility in the FLZ is definitely worth the tiny bit of extra weight. I tend to adjust 5-10 cm between ups and downs and the carbon doesn’t feel brittle like I was once warned. They catch my full weight when I need them to. Plus I take them on the longer climbs too not just the runs. So if you want an ultralight jack of all trades, this is it."
| Height | Suggested Length (CM) |
|---|---|
| Under 5'1" Under 155 cm | 100 – 105 |
| 5'1" – 5'7" 155 – 170 cm | 110 – 115 |
| 5'8" – 5'11" 171 – 182 cm | 120 – 125 |
| 6'0"+ 183 cm+ | 130 – 140 |
On flat ground the top of the trekking pole handle should be at waist or hip level and your elbow at 90 degrees (see illustration).