Trekking poles have become indispensable for mountain climbing in the last few years.
You can climb mountains even if you don't own them, but you can enjoy the benefits of them by owning them. Its roles range from reducing the burden on the legs and hips, assisting in balance, assisting in rhythmic walking, and preventing falls and injuries.
including LEKI boasts the world's top market share in Japan SHINANO mont-bell, has excellent cost performance , but we must not forget the Black Diamond trekking poles.
The manufacturer is a manufacturer that focuses on climbing equipment, and although it is a late-generation trekking pole, it is well-known for its affordable and highly functional products, and models equipped with the Z pole system, which apply the joint structure of the unique stretch adjustment mechanism, flick lock and avalanche probe, are the main focus of the lineup.
we have picked out three of the Distance series, which have been released as models compatible with three seasons: Distance FLZ , Distance Plus FLZ , and Distance Carbon Z, We hope you will be able to list each of the features and use this as a reference when purchasing to see which model is the right item for you.
table of contents
table of contents
- What is a Z pole in the first place?
- Main Specifications and Evaluation Comparison Table
- Reviews of each model: Distance FLZ
- Reviews of each model: Distance Plus FLZ
- Reviews of each model: Distance Carbon Z
- summary
What is a Z pole in the first place?
The "Z Pole" series, which is probably taken from the "Z" shape shown in the photo when folded when stored and folded, has been made compact and lightweight by incorporating a folding structure into the trekking pole, which had previously been the mainstream for telecopying (extendable) structures.
Though there are also tri-fold types in the lineup for items from other companies, the black diamond Z pole is characterized by covering the Kevlar cord at the connection part with resin, which protects the cord and wires, allowing for smooth and speedy assembly.
Assembly is extremely easy, with only one action in which you hold the grip and pole directly under the grip and stretch it towards the tip. It is simple and stress-free to disassemble, simply unlock the lock and fold it into a triangle (※).
*For models with flick lock (FL) the length must be adjusted when assembled and stored.
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 measured 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 reviews of each model
1. Distance FLZ
Recommended points
- Easy to install pricing
- Thin diameter shaft, yet highly rigid
Points that interest me
- Practical when wearing Z-pole snow basket (sold separately)
- Extension grip that will stick out your hands
This Z-Pole model uses an aluminum shaft, and has undergone two model changes since it was released in 2011, making it a popular item that continues to be popular today. Of the FLZ models that feature flick locks and Z poles, this is the lowest-cost item and can be said to be the easiest item to introduce. The weight of 448g (pair) is probably the average value for an aluminum shaft model.
The shaft diameter is φ14-φ10mm, and it is probably a thin section of aluminum shaft trekking poles, but it feels hard to the touch when poking the ground and gives the impression of being highly rigid. This is because the three connected poles do not gradually become thinner as they move towards the tip, but only the pole on the tip is tapered to achieve high rigidity (photo below).
A rubber tip is attached when purchased, but a metal carbide tip is also included, so you can use it as a rubber tip if you don't want to damage the trail, or a carbide tip if you want grip. (※In order to protect vegetation and prevent mountain trails from collapsing, there are mountain areas where trekking poles that do not have rubber caps or recommend using rubber caps.)
However, even if you use them differently, you will need tools to replace them, so replacing them in the mountains is not realistic. Even if a carbide tip comes with it, I felt it would be less practical if it wasn't possible to use it in the mountains, but there was! Something called the "Z pole tip protector" (photo below). Although it is an option sold separately, it is now possible to use it in different ways in the mountains by attaching it to the tip with a carbide tip attached.
Z pole protector installation image
The same optional "Z-Pole Snow Basket" can be used for snow hiking, but when actually used on snowy mountains, the basket diameter is small, so it does not provide sufficient buoyancy and is somewhat unpractical (photo below).
Originally, it was a trekking pole for three seasons, so even optional items are not suitable for snowy mountains. The grip is made of cutting EVA foam, making it easy to grip, and it also seems that it is intended for use in three seasons, as it is combined with a mesh strap. The black diamond trekking pole has an extension grip that can be used when you reach a steep slope and temporarily hold it short, but for some reason, the distance FLZ is a "mini" extension grip, which has a narrow extension range, so my hands can stick out the equivalent of one little finger. Well, since it's just a temporary change of placement, it may not be too much of a concern, but personally I'm really concerned about the difference in the step on my little finger. . .
Mini extension grip
The size when stored is 37cm (105-125 model), which is quite compact. The size and volume match the side pockets of your backpack, so it does not interfere with tree branches while climbing. The tip basket has a cut, which serves as a shaft catcher to reduce the bulkiness when storing, so I liked the idea of not letting it feel stressed when taking it in and out of the backpack.
Image when stored
2. Distance Plus FLZ
Recommended points
- Each part has been updated for the 4th season
- Lots of accessories, excellent cost performance
Points that interest me
- weight
The distance FLZ's integrated tip basket has been changed to a flex tip, allowing for large diameter snow baskets to be installed, making it suitable for all seasons. The base has a distance FLZ, so the specifications have been changed to flex tips while maintaining the basic performance. By separating the tip and basket, it is now possible to replace the trekking basket and the snow hiking basket (photo below).
Image of wearing a snow basket
Considering the hassle of replacing the basket, the distance FLZ and distance Carbon Z, which are integrated with tips, can be worn in one action, are the best, but I also think that the flex tip is better in terms of ease of maintenance because it is not an item that you should replace while traveling in the mountains, and that if the basket is worn or damaged significantly or is significantly more worn or damaged, the parts can be purchased and replaced alone, so I felt that the flex tip is better in terms of maintenance.
Regarding grips, the extension grip mentioned as a concern about distance FLZ is the same "mini" extension grip on the HP, but the extension range is long. What exactly is it called "mini"? The longer it becomes more convenient, but this is a point that has made me even more curious (lol). The strap has been changed from breathable mesh material (distance FLZ) to durable material, and goes well with thick winter gloves.
It also goes well with gloves.
Another thing that impressed me about the grips was one of the points. The distance FLZ has the entire grip covered with EVA foam. Distance Plus FLZ uses hard rubber to the grip end. I thought this was a design-based one, but it seemed like it was a big mistake, and as I continued testing, I found out that it was compatible with heel lifter operations on snowshoes and ski bindings (photo below).
Heel lifter operation
I had the opportunity to play with snowshoes so I tried it out, but I didn't have to lean in and it felt like the lifting and lowering movement was very easy. It was winter that made me realize how sloppy I am, as I had thought that it would be suitable for all seasons just because it could be fitted with a large diameter snow basket (lol). Now, the Distance Plus FLZ has been updated to be compatible with all seasons, but the only drawback is the weight of over 500g (pair) (photo below).
You won't feel that heavy just by picking it up, but the swing weight when you swing the pole forward suddenly hangs over your arm. Compared to the distance FLZ mentioned above, there is only about 50g difference, but I felt a big difference in fatigue level during long mountain hiking. That being said, in addition to the carbide tip and stopper basket (for trekking) that are attached when you purchase, there are also a wide range of accessories such as rubber tips, compactor baskets for snowy mountains, and Z pole tip protectors, making it a great item for cost performance considering that it can be used throughout the year.
Abundance of accessories
3. Distance Carbon Z
Recommended points
- It's just light
- Carbon's unique bends play a role in shock absorption
- Free from the hassle of adjusting the length (can be used immediately after assembly)
Points that interest me
- Practical when wearing Z-pole snow basket (sold separately)
- Has lightness become a foul? The grip rattles
This is the lightest model of Z poles, which thoroughly pursues lightness and eliminates the length adjustment mechanism. By eliminating unnecessary functions, this item allows you to feel the lightness of the carbon material. The lightness of less than 300g (pairs) is an unparalleled light weight, providing a great advantage in situations such as trekking, fast packing and trail running.
The shaft diameter is thin at φ13-10mm, and the manufacturer's website also lists the characteristics and precautions of the carbon material, so we are concerned about its durability (impact resistance). Considering that it is generally said that "carbon shafts are easily broken" and that I have sacrificed several trekking poles in the past, it's better to treat them carefully. However, even with that being said, mountain climbing is something that doesn't go well. I tried to avoid using the product to cause strong impact, but in the mountains I actually visited for testing, I encountered a frightening scene, such as hitting a rock, losing my balance and suddenly putting on weight. "It broke! I've had a few times that thought, but fortunately it didn't break. It is difficult to judge and evaluate whether the item itself is highly durable or whether it happened to be lucky enough to break, but personally, I have not been worried about its durability so far.
Incidentally, carbon shafts have elasticity, so there is some "flexibility". The "flexibility" of this shaft absorbs the impact when thrusts into the ground, and acts as an anti-shock function, so to speak, it is light enough to prevent fatigue even after long periods of use. This is recommended for those considering replacing a model with an anti-shock function, or those who want to reduce the impact that is transmitted to their wrists and arms as much as possible.
The Distance Carbon Z does not have a flick lock (length adjustment mechanism), a patented technology by Black Diamond. There are a wide variety of sizes available, and you can choose from lengths ranging from 100 to 130cm (in increments of 10cm). It also has an extension grip and can be used for temporary change-ups, so it doesn't feel any inconvenience as you might expect. Rather, by choosing the length that suits your height, you can eliminate the word-like one-action action for assembly and disassembly, and the movement of aligning the left and right lengths typical of trekking poles equipped with a length adjustment mechanism. This item may be preceded by negative images such as "unable to adjust the length = difficulty in using", but personally I feel that there are more advantages than disadvantages if it is a size that suits my physique.
However, there were two points that caught my eye when I actually used it. First, just like the distance FLZ, the first one uses a basket with an integrated tip, so it is unclear how practical the optional snow basket is (photo below). It may be wise to avoid using this on snowy mountains and accept it as a three-season use.
For the two models other than Distance Plus, even with snow baskets, the buoyancy is minimal.
The second thing is common to all Z-Pole series, but there is a slight rattling in the joint between the grip and shaft. Of the three items featured this time, Distance Carbon Z is particularly noticeable when it comes to rattling while using it, and personally I think the main benefit of this item is its lightness. As for distance FLZ and distance plus FLZ, the swing weight is stronger than the rattle when swinging forward, and because distance carbon Z is lightweight, even if there is a slight rattle, even if it is slightly rattle, it feels strange to your hands and arms, and in the end you start to feel stressed. It may not be too bothering me if I was going to thrust the pole at a fast tempo like a trail running, but when I was using it on a typical trekking, I found it hard to get caught up in the trouble.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
Although items from the same series, we learned through testing that each of the three items has its own characteristics.
the Distance Carbon Z is the lightest trekking pole sold in Japan. Its lightness has many benefits, making it a versatile item that is ideal for trekking for three seasons, as well as for UL (ultra light) oriented in recent years, as well as trail running.
the Distance Plus FLZ is a problem, it is highly practical for snow mountains and snow hiking, and I also felt that this is highly versatile in a different part from distance carbon.
The Distance FLZ an orthodox item , is undeniable in any sense compared to the two items mentioned above, but it is not particularly distinctive, so it is not worth denying that it is an ideal entry model for trekking poles because it is low cost.
In addition, the 2019 Spring/Summer model has also been updated with the "Trail" series, the brand's entry model. This seems to be a fun model, including trails pros , which have an orthodox, extendable yet faster storage system, yet has a "smash lock" mechanism I'll review it again soon.
Like other gear, trekking poles are also a difficult item to choose from, but it is important to consider your own purpose and preferences and make your choices. We will continue to raise hopes and look forward to whether trekking poles will be further lightweight, or whether they will be more versatile, or whether they will evolve unprecedentedly through new approaches.