Black Diamond Purchute Trekking Pole Review: An all-season trekking pole with natural cork and supple straps that you can't let go once you use it.
written by Yosuke.C
"Trekking poles" help you walk when climbing or hiking.
It reduces the strain on your legs and knees when walking, and increases stability when descending.
This item may be a bit of a bit of a tiny mountain equipment, but in fact, it can be underestimated by the fact that it is not easy to be worn out when you are not there, and it can also greatly affect the fatigue of your body when you are moving. Although it may look simple at first glance, it is a surprisingly deep tool, and the usability of the tool will vary greatly depending on the operability, the shape of the grip, and the material. Incidentally, these days there have been an increase in the number of lightweight tents that can be used as tent support, and now the role of trekking poles is not limited to the "cane."
Among these trekking poles, we will introduce the Purshot series, the latest model of Black Diamond, which is a wide range of products, from climbing, backcountry to trekking gear. From these, we will review impressions I have felt after actually trying out the basic telescopic model and the folding FLZ model in the mountains.
To put it simply, I was amazed at how easy it is to use, including its high operability and ease of grip, which is the most easy to use out of all the trekking poles I have used.
table of contents
Key Features of BlackDiamond Pursuit
A premium trekking pole with a newly developed flick lock plus that uses an ergonomic, easy-to-grip natural cork grip that is easy to grip and highly maneuverable. The material is an aircraft grade aluminum alloy shaft, and this trekking pole can be used for four seasons, with a snow basket in addition to a trekking basket. While retaining the specifications of the materials and other products, the lineup includes "extendable (with or without shock absorption mechanism)" and "foldable."
This article is based on the introduction of telescopic models, and in the second half we will introduce the folding models, touching on the benefits and differences in use from telescopic models.
Recommended points
- Natural cork grip for a comfortable grip
- Flick Lock Plus for easy adjustment with light operation
- Easy fitting strap
- This can be used for four seasons
- Available in two sizes, you can choose the size according to your height and purpose
Points that interest me
- It's not as light as carbon poles
- FLZ baskets are easy to fold, but they are easily caught on rock corners and grass.
Main Specifications and ratings
| name | BlackDiamond Pursuit | BlackDiamond Purging FLZ |
|---|---|---|
| Pair weight (g) |
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| How to connect | Telescopic | Foldable |
| rock | Flick Lock Plus | Flick Lock Plus |
| Size (cm) |
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| Storage size (cm) |
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| Shaft material | Aircraft grade aluminum alloy | Aircraft grade aluminum alloy |
| Grip material |
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| Shock absorption mechanism | × *A model with built-in shock mechanism | × |
| Snow basket | Included | Included |
| Extension grip | can be | can be |
| Tip protector | Included | Included |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | ||
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Fixed/adjusted | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Storageability | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed review
I'll review what I felt after actually using it. This is a snowless trail about 2000m from the low mountains, and I tried it out for one night hiking, mainly for day trips.
Natural cork grip for a comfortable grip
The cork material is not slippery even when you sweat, making it extremely easy to grip
After using it, the first thing I noticed was how easy it is to grip and how good the cork material is.
The natural cork grip is designed based on an ergonomic design, so it feels comfortable to grip and doesn't feel tired even when holding for a long time.
Also, regarding the cork material used for grips, it grips without slipping even in sweaty scenes. Cork, a natural material, can be worn off by strong impacts, so it is less durable than grips made from foam material, but once I tried it, I was captivated by its good texture and ease of grip.
Because it is an easy-to-grip grip, it can firmly grasp the ground without any unnecessary force, and I feel that it supports walking and improves stability.
Under the cork grip, there is a foam grip extension, making it useful when you want to hold it shorter depending on the situation in the field. It wasn't worth changing the length of the trekking pole itself, but it was useful when you want to instantly hold it shorter, such as a step with a difference in elevation.
Extension grip made from foam material Bloom
Flick Lock Plus for easy adjustment with light operation
Flick Lock Plus with no force required locking mechanism
The trekking pole I originally used was a model from about 10 years ago...it requires strength from my fingers when adjusting the length, and if I'm not careful, I often end up pinching my hands together, which can cause pain (have you ever experienced it).
In that respect, the Purshot Flick Lock Plus does not suffer from any of that stress. The lock can be easily unlocked, just like a light bounce without using the force of your fingers, and can be easily secured with a snap even when fixed.
Easy to lock by gently pressing it with your finger
Thanks to this flick lock plus, the operability has been improved and fine length adjustments for climbing and descents are no longer a hassle (although when it's too much trouble, there is a grip extension so it's easy to use).
The Flick Lock Plus adjustment wrench is built into the shaft, so there is no risk of losing it and you can use it immediately when you want to adjust it. It's a detailed but thankful specification.
A strap that is flexible and comfortable to wear and easy to fit
A strap made of a material with a supple texture that is not easily sweaty
A strap that holds the trekking pole firmly in your hand to prevent it from being lost, such as falling unexpectedly.
These functions come with most trekking poles, but their structure changes depending on the manufacturer, making them one of the factors that make them a choice of trekking poles.
The strap, inspired by a climbing harness, is extremely supple and comfortable to the skin, has a moderate padding that won't dig into the skin, and fits firmly in your hand.
You can easily fit by pulling the belt marked "R"
The appeal of this strap is that it is easy to adjust the length, and although you can simply pull the adjustment belt, it does not require any force and can be adjusted smoothly.
"I guess it'll loosen up soon."
I thought so when I first used it, but strangely, it didn't loosen when I used it.
Strap that fits securely while in use
The strap does not loosen while in use, but it can be easily loosened by pulling the strap body, making it easy to adjust the hold feeling.
The straps have "L" and "R" markings for the left and right sides, but when I tried to hold the grip shape, I didn't notice any difference, so it's the same no matter which way you use it.
By the way, there is a wrench for adjusting the flick lock plus in the right shaft, so the "L/R" symbol means that when you want to use a wrench, you can quickly tell which shaft has the wrench.
This can be used for four seasons
Screw type buzzing bag for easy installation
The Purchute comes with a snow basket, and the screw type makes it easy to install.
For those considering using it for snowy mountain climbing in the winter, one purtake can cover it all seasons, and it is economical to consider it in total, as there is no need to own multiple trekking poles depending on the purpose.
Another attractive feature is that black diamonds come in a wide range of aftermarket parts. The Tech Tip Carbide at the tip of the pole can be replaced even if it is worn out, or you can also change it to a rubber type if necessary.
Available in two sizes, you can choose the size according to your height and purpose
Used as a pole for a one-pole tent
The use of trekking poles is not limited to "canes" that support walking.
Recently, more and more people are enjoying hiking and climbing with UL (ultra light) packing using lighter tools.
Dome tents are still the mainstream for mountain tents, but many people choose and use one pole tents that can be set up with one pole (I am one of them).
One-pole tents are attractive because they have only one pole used as a frame, making them lighter than dome tents, but by replacing the pole used as a support pole with a trekking pole, you can reduce the number of equipment points, making them even lighter.
Aluminum, the material used by Purchute, is heavier than carbon and has less shock absorption, but has the advantage that it is less likely to break, irreparably. Purchute aluminum alloy in particular is a material with excellent aircraft grade durability, and it was safe to use as a pole for a tent. For me, I would like to combine not only "lightness" but also "reliable durability."
Trekking poles are basically chosen according to their height, but there are two sizes for purging: S/M and M/L. The S/M can be adjusted from 100-125cm and M/L can be adjusted from 100-140cm, so in addition to height, the size of the tent that those who use it as a tent pole can also choose the size that suits the size of the tent that they own (M/L is 34g heavier than S/M).
If you are looking to "compact" then you can use the folding version of FLZ
FLZ folding type with purting on the right
The attractive feature of the telescopic type is that it can be easily stretched, but the storage size is 57.8cm and will pop out when stored in the side pocket of the backpack (M/L is 63cm). The length of the telescopic pole is not a good match for light activities such as trail running.
If you are popping out of your backpack, you will likely be caught when passing through a mountain trail covered in trees in a low position, and you will need to be careful. You may not need to worry too much if there is no danger around, such as in a forest, but you should be careful when there are steep cliffs on both sides.
From a safety standpoint, we recommend the folding type Purchute FLZ for those who want to store trekking poles more compactly.
The top is telescopic, the bottom is foldable
When you actually put it in the side pocket of your backpack, it is clear that it is compact at a glance.
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- Stretch type
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- Folding type
It may not be a concern if you are walking slowly and carefully, but when it comes to speed hiking or trail running, you won't be able to do that. You need to consider the possible risks and eliminate as much risk as possible. For those who are considering using it for speed hiking or trail running, it is better to choose a folding type that will reduce the storage size.
The folding type Purchute FLZ can be folded into three, and the top has a hybrid trekking pole with elastic and length adjustment functions, so I didn't notice any difference in use from the telescopic type. However, the specifications of "weight", "adjustable area", and "storage size" differ slightly between the telescopic and folding types.
| name | Purchute (tunable) | Purchute FLZ (foldable) |
|---|---|---|
| Pair weight (g) |
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| Adjustable area (cm) |
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| Storage size (cm) |
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Summary: A classic and smart piece with a balanced set of all the elements needed for a light activity
If "lightness" is prioritized, there may be other options, but if you are considering the balance between weight and durability, I felt that Purshoot is a trekking pole that anyone can use, regardless of who is beginners to advanced.
Not only that, the highly fitted straps and easy-to-grip grips can be used all year round for a wide range of mountain activities, such as mountain climbing, hiking, and trail running, making it versatile.
And finally, about the prices. Although it is an overseas brand product, it is surprisingly low price. That said, the affordable prices up to this point will be until August, and be careful, as soon as the other-dimensional discount campaign at Lost Arrow, the import agency, ends, this low price may end.
Click here for Lost Arrow's online shop that sells black diamonds
