Review: Black Diamond Distance FLZ, Distance Plus FLZ, Distance Carbon Z - Now, when it comes to trekking poles we recommend to others -
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
Trekking poles have become an essential part of mountain climbing in recent years
While it is possible to go mountain climbing without owning one, owning one will bring you many benefits. Its functions are many-fold, including reducing strain on the legs and hips, aiding balance, assisting rhythmic walking, and preventing falls and injuries
When it comes to trekking poles, major brands in Japan LEKI , domestic pole manufacturer SHINANO mont-bell which offers excellent cost performance , but we must not forget Black Diamond trekking poles.
The company is a manufacturer that primarily produces climbing equipment, and although it is a latecomer to the trekking pole market, it has a reputation for offering affordable, highly functional products, with its lineup centered around models equipped with the unique Flick Lock telescopic adjustment mechanism and the Z Pole system, which applies the joint structure of the Avalanche Probe
This time, we've picked out three models from the "Distance" series, which has been released as a three-season model, all of which were completely updated for the 2018 season: the Distance FLZ , the Distance Plus FLZ , and the Distance Carbon Z. We'll highlight the features of each model and hope that this information will help you decide which model is best suited to your needs and the occasion you're purchasing.
table of contents
table of contents
- What is a Z-pole?
- Main specifications and evaluation comparison table
- Model Review 1: Distance FLZ
- Model Review 2: Distance Plus FLZ
- Model Review 3: Distance Carbon Z
- summary
What is a Z-pole?
The "Z Pole" series, likely named after the "Z" shape that appears when the poles are folded when stored, as shown in the photo, achieved compactness and lightness by incorporating a folding structure into trekking poles, which until then had mainly been telescoping (extendable) structures
Other companies also have tri-fold types in their lineup, but Black Diamond's Z-Pole is unique in that the Kevlar cord at the connection point is covered with resin, which protects the cord and wire while also allowing for smooth and speedy assembly
Assembly is extremely easy, requiring only one action: grab the grip and the pole directly below the grip and pull it towards the tip. Disassembly is simple and stress-free; just unlock the handle and fold it into thirds.*
*Models equipped with Flick Lock (FL) require length adjustment when assembling and storing
Main specifications and evaluation comparison table
| name | Distance FLZ | Distance Plus FLZ | Distance Carbon Z |
|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |  |  |
| Reference price | 16,524 yen | 17,712 yen | 20,088 yen |
| This is ◎ |
|
|
|
| This is △ |
|
|
|
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Fixed/adjusted | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | |||
| item | Distance FLZ | Distance Plus FLZ | Distance Carbon Z |
| Actual weight (g, cap not included) | 448 | 516 | 285 |
| How to connect | Folding | Folding | Folding |
| Locking Method | Lever lock + slide lock | Lever lock + slide lock | Slide Lock |
| Size (cm) |
|
|
|
| Storage size (cm) |
|
|
|
| Size adjustment range (cm) | 20 | 20 | ― |
| Shaft material | aluminum | aluminum | carbon |
| Shaft diameter (mm) | φ14-10 | φ14-11 | φ13-10 |
| Grip material | EVA | EVA | EVA |
| Shock absorption mechanism | × | × | × |
| Snow basket | ○（※1） | ○ | ○（※1） |
| Extension grip | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Dip Protector | ○（※2） | ○ | ○（※2） |
*1 Z-Pole Snow Basket (sold separately) can be attached.
*2 Z-Pole Tip Protector (sold separately) can be attached.
Detailed review of each model
1. Distance FLZ
Recommended points
- Easy-to-implement pricing
- High rigidity despite the thin shaft
Points that interest me
- Practical when equipped with Z-Pole Snow Basket (sold separately)
- Extension grip that causes your hand to extend beyond the grip
This Z-Pole aluminum shaft model was first released in 2011 and has undergone two model changes since then, making it a perennial favorite. It's the lowest-cost FLZ model featuring the Flick Lock and Z-Pole, making it easy to get started. At 448g (pair), it's about average for an aluminum shaft model
The shaft diameter is φ14-φ10mm, which is probably on the thin side for an aluminum shaft trekking pole, but it feels hard when you hit the ground and gives the impression of being very rigid. This is probably because the three connected poles do not gradually become thinner towards the tip, but rather only the tip pole is tapered, which is what makes them so rigid (see photo below)
When purchased, the poles come with rubber tips, but metal carbide tips are also included, allowing you to choose between rubber tips when you want to avoid damaging the trail and carbide tips when you need a stronger grip. (Note: In some mountain areas, trekking poles without rubber caps are prohibited or recommended for use in order to protect vegetation and prevent trail collapses.)
However, because tools are required for changing the poles, it's not practical to do so in the mountains. Even if a pole comes with a carbide tip, it seems useless if you can't change the poles in the mountains. Turns out, there's a solution! There's a "Z Pole Tip Protector" (see photo below). It's an optional accessory sold separately, but by attaching it to the end of the pole with a carbide tip, you can change the poles in the mountains
Z pole protector installation image
By attaching the optional "Z Pole Snow Basket," it can also be used for snow hiking, but when actually using it on a snowy mountain, the basket's small diameter did not provide enough buoyancy, making it somewhat impractical (see photo below)
Since these were originally advertised as three-season trekking poles, even with the optional accessories, I have to say they're not suitable for snowy mountains. The grips are made of cut EVA foam for easy grip, and the combination with the mesh straps seems designed for three-season use. Black Diamond trekking poles are equipped with an extension grip that can be used when approaching steep slopes and you want to temporarily hold the pole shorter, but for some reason the Distance FLZ has a "mini" extension grip with a limited extension range, which means that on my hand, one pinky finger's worth of space sticks out. Well, since it's only a temporary change of grip, it's probably not a big deal, but personally, the step in the pinky area bothers me
Mini Extension Grip
The storage size is quite compact at 37cm (105-125 model). The size and volume are perfect for the side pocket of a backpack, and it won't get in the way of tree branches or other obstacles while hiking. The tip basket has a notch that acts as a shaft catcher to reduce bulk when stored, making it easy to take in and out of a backpack without any hassle. I really liked this design
Image when stored
2. Distance Plus FLZ
Recommended points
- Each part has been updated for the 4th season
- It comes with many accessories and is cost-effective
Points that interest me
- weight
This aluminum shaft Z-pole is suitable for all seasons, and by changing the tip-integrated basket of the Distance FLZ to a flex tip, it is possible to attach a large diameter snow basket. It is based on the Distance FLZ, so the basic performance remains the same, but the specifications have been changed to a flex tip. Separating the tip and basket makes it possible to switch between a trekking basket and a snow hiking basket (see photo below)
Image of snow basket attached
Considering the effort required to replace the basket, the Distance FLZ and Distance Carbon Z win out, as they have an integrated tip and can be attached with one action. However, since it is not an item that is often replaced during mountain climbing, and if the basket becomes significantly worn or damaged, it can be purchased and replaced as a separate part, I felt that the Flex Tip was easier to maintain
Regarding the grip, one of the concerns I raised about the Distance FLZ is that the extension grip is the same "mini" extension grip listed on the website, but it has a longer extension range. I wonder what exactly makes it "mini," and while the longer grip makes it easier to use, it's something that bothers me even more (lol). The strap has been changed from the breathable mesh material (Distance FLZ) to a more durable material, which works well with thick winter gloves
It also goes well with gloves
There was also one thing about the grip that impressed me. The entire grip of the Distance FLZ is covered in EVA foam. The Distance Plus FLZ uses hard rubber at the end of the grip. I thought this was just a design feature, but it turned out I was wrong. As I continued testing, I realized that it was designed to accommodate the heel lifters on snowshoes and ski bindings (see photo below)
Heel lifter operation
I happened to have the opportunity to try out snowshoes, and I found them to be very easy to raise and lower without having to bend over. This winter made me realize how foolish I was to assume that a pair of snowshoes was suitable for all seasons just because they could be fitted with a large diameter snow basket (lol). The Distance Plus FLZ is an updated version of the Distance FLZ that is suitable for all seasons, but the only drawback is its weight of over 500g (pair) (see photo below)
It doesn't feel that heavy when you just pick it up, but when you swing the pole forward, the swing weight feels heavy on your arm. Compared to the aforementioned Distance FLZ, the difference is only about 50g, but I felt a big difference in the level of fatigue during long mountain hikes. That said, in addition to the carbide tip and stopper basket (for trekking) that come installed at the time of purchase, there are also a variety of accessories such as a rubber tip, a compactor basket for snowy mountains, and a Z pole tip protector, and considering that it can be used year-round, it can be said to be an item with excellent cost performance
Abundance of accessories
3. Distance Carbon Z
Recommended points
- It's just light
- The unique flexibility of carbon plays a role in shock absorption
- Eliminates the hassle of length adjustment (ready to use immediately after assembly)
Points that interest me
- Practical when equipped with Z-Pole Snow Basket (sold separately)
- Is the lightness a disadvantage? The grip is loose
This is the lightest Z-pole model, designed for maximum lightness and eliminating the length adjustment mechanism. By eliminating unnecessary features, you can truly experience the lightness of carbon fiber. At under 300g (pair), it's unparalleled lightness, making it a major advantage in trekking, fastpacking, trail running, and other activities
The shaft diameter is thin, at φ13-10mm, and the manufacturer's website lists the characteristics and precautions of the carbon material, which raises concerns about durability (impact resistance). It's generally believed that "carbon shaft = easy to break," and considering I've personally sacrificed several trekking poles in the past, it's best to handle them with care. However, even so, things don't always go smoothly when hiking. While I tried to avoid using them in situations that would subject them to strong impacts, I encountered some close calls during my test hike, such as hitting them against rocks or losing my balance and accidentally putting my weight on them. There were several times when I thought, "It's going to break!", but fortunately, it didn't break. It's difficult to judge and evaluate whether the item itself is durable or whether I was just lucky enough not to break, but personally, I don't have any concerns about its durability so far
By the way, because the carbon shaft is elastic, it does flex a little. This flex of the shaft absorbs the impact when hitting the ground, so to speak, it acts as an anti-shock function, and combined with its lightness, you won't feel fatigued even when using it for a long time. We recommend this model to those who are considering upgrading from a model with an anti-shock function, or who want to minimize the impact transmitted to their wrists and arms
The Distance Carbon Z does not feature Black Diamond's patented Flick Lock (length adjustment mechanism). Instead, it comes in a wide range of sizes, with lengths ranging from 100-130cm (in 10cm increments) available. It also has an extension grip, allowing for temporary changes of grip, so it's less inconvenient than you might expect. In fact, by selecting the length that matches your height, assembly and disassembly is a single action, eliminating the need to align the left and right sides, a step that's unique to trekking poles with length adjustment mechanisms. While this item may have a negative image, such as "inability to adjust the length = difficult to use," I personally feel that as long as the size fits your physique, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages
However, there were two points that bothered me when I actually used it. First, like the Distance FLZ, it uses a basket integrated into the tip, so I'm not entirely convinced about the practicality of the optional snow basket (see photo below). It might be wise to avoid using it on snowy mountains (snow hikes) and just consider it a three-season rod
For the two models other than the Distance Plus, even with the snow basket, buoyancy is minimal
The second issue, common to the entire Z pole series, is the slight wobble felt at the joint between the grip and shaft. Of the three items reviewed here, the Distance Carbon Z is particularly wobble-prone during use, and I personally believe this is due to its greatest advantage: its light weight. With the Distance FLZ and Distance Plus FLZ, the swing weight outweighs the wobble when swinging forward, and because the Distance Carbon Z is so lightweight, even the slightest wobble is transmitted to the hands and arms, causing discomfort and ultimately resulting in stress. This may not be a major concern if you're pushing the poles at a fast pace, like when trail running, but it was definitely noticeable when used for general trekking
Summary: Recommended for people like this
Through testing, we found that although they are all from the same series, each of the three items has its own unique characteristics
the Distance Carbon Z is the lightest trekking pole sold in Japan. Its lightness offers many benefits, making it a highly versatile item that is ideal for three-season trekking, the recent trend toward UL (ultralight), and trail running.
the Distance Plus FLZ is a drawback, but it is also highly practical for snowy mountains and snow hikes, and I felt that it was also highly versatile in ways that were different from the Distance Carbon.
The Distance FLZ is an orthodox item and does not have any particular features compared to the two items mentioned above, so it is undeniably inferior, but due to its low cost, I felt it was an ideal entry-level model for trekking poles.
The brand's entry-level "Trail" series has also been updated for the 2019 Spring/Summer model. This lineup includes the Trail the Trail Pro which features a traditional retractable design but a "Smash Lock" mechanism for quicker storage . We hope to review these models again soon.
Like other gear, there are many options for trekking poles, which can be a difficult decision, but it's important to choose one that takes your purpose and preferences into consideration. In the future, we'll be keeping an eye on trekking poles with high hopes to see whether they will become even lighter, more versatile, or evolve in new ways
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