Trekking poles are a walking aid when hiking or mountain climbing
It reduces the strain on your legs and knees when walking and increases stability when going downhill
This item may be considered a somewhat unassuming piece of mountain gear, but having one or not can have a big impact on how comfortable you are while hiking, and it's not to be underestimated. Although it may look simple at first glance, it's actually a surprisingly complex tool, and the ease of use and grip shape and material can make a big difference. Incidentally, there's been an increase in lightweight tents that allow you to use trekking poles as tent supports, and the role of trekking poles is no longer limited to walking sticks
Among these trekking poles, we will introduce the latest model in the "Pursuit" series from Black Diamond, which handles a wide range of gear from climbing and backcountry to trekking. We will review the basic telescopic model and the foldable FLZ model from this series after actually trying them out in the mountains
To sum up, I was surprised at how easy it was to use, with high maneuverability and a comfortable grip, making it far superior to any trekking pole I have used to date
table of contents
Key Features of BlackDiamond Pursuit
These premium trekking poles feature an ergonomically designed, easy-to-grip natural cork grip and the newly developed Flick Lock Plus system, which provides a comfortable grip and high maneuverability. The shafts are made from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and they come with a trekking basket and a snow basket, making them suitable for use in all four seasons. The lineup includes two types, with the same materials and specifications: a telescoping type (with or without shock absorption) and a folding type
This article will start with an introduction to the telescopic model, and in the second half we will introduce the folding model, touching on its benefits and the differences in use compared to the telescopic model
Recommended points
- Comfortable natural cork grip
- Flick Lock Plus for easy adjustment with light operation
- Easy-fitting straps
- This one item can be used for four seasons
- Available in two sizes to suit your height and purpose
Points of interest
- It is not as light as carbon poles
- The FLZ basket is easy to fold, but it is prone to getting caught on rock corners and grass
Main specifications and evaluation
| name | BlackDiamond Pursuit | BlackDiamond Pursuit FLZ |
|---|---|---|
| Pair weight (g) |
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| Connection method | Telescoping | 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 | × *Models with built-in shock mechanism available | × |
| Snow Basket | Included | Included |
| Extension Grip | can be | can be |
| Tip protector | Included | Included |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | ||
| Comfort | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Fixing/adjustment | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Storage capacity | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed Review
I will review my impressions after actually using it. I used it mainly for day hikes and overnight camping trips on snow-free trails from low mountains to around 2000m above sea level
Comfortable natural cork grip
Cork material prevents slipping even when you sweat, making it extremely easy to grip
The first thing I noticed when using it was how easy it was to grip and how good the cork material was
The natural cork grip is ergonomically designed, so it is comfortable to hold and you won't feel tired even when holding it for a long time
Also, the cork used for the grip provides a firm grip even when you sweat. As a natural material, cork can be easily worn down by strong impacts, so it is less durable than foam grips, but once you try it, you'll be hooked on the quality of the texture and ease of grip
The easy-to-grip grip means you can firmly grip the ground without exerting unnecessary force, which I feel provides support and improved stability when walking
There's a foam grip extension under the cork grip, which comes in handy when you want to shorten the pole depending on the field conditions. It's not enough to change the length of the trekking pole itself, but it was useful when you want to shorten the pole in an instant, such as when going over a step with a difference in height
Bloom foam extension grip
Flick Lock Plus for easy adjustment with light operation
Flick Lock Plus locking mechanism that requires no force
The trekking poles I was originally using were a model from about 10 years ago...adjusting the length required a lot of finger strength, and if you weren't careful you could end up pinching the skin on your hand with them, which can be quite painful (have you ever experienced this?)
On the other hand, the Pursuit Flick Lock Plus does not cause any stress at all. It releases the lock easily with a light flick without using any finger strength, and when you lock it, it locks in place with a simple "click."
Easy to lock with a gentle push of your finger
Thanks to the Flick Lock Plus, operability has improved dramatically, and making fine length adjustments when climbing or descending no longer feels like a hassle (although when it does become a hassle, the grip extension makes it easy to use)
The Flick Lock Plus's adjustment wrench is built into the shaft, so there's no risk of losing it and it's always ready to use when you need to make another adjustment
Flexible straps that feel good against the skin and are easy to fit
The strap is made of a soft, sweat-resistant material
A strap that holds your trekking poles securely in your hand and prevents them from falling or getting lost
This is a feature that most trekking poles come with, but the structure varies depending on the manufacturer, and it is one of the factors to consider when choosing trekking poles
The straps, inspired by climbing harnesses, are very flexible and feel good against the skin, with just the right amount of padding so they don't dig into your skin and fit securely in your hand
Pull the belt marked "R" to easily adjust the fit
Another attractive feature of this strap is that the length can be easily adjusted; simply pull the adjustment belt, and it can be adjusted smoothly and easily without requiring any force
"Won't that loosen up quickly?"
I thought the same thing when I first used it, but strangely enough, it doesn't loosen when I use it
Straps that fit securely during use
The strap does not loosen during use, but can be easily loosened by pulling the strap itself, making it easy to adjust the hold
The strap is marked "L" and "R" to indicate left and right, but when I tried holding the grip, I didn't feel any difference, so it's the same whether I use it or not
By the way, the wrench for adjusting the Flick Lock Plus is built into the right shaft, so the "L" and "R" markings make it easy to tell which shaft the wrench is attached to when you need to use it
This one item can be used for four seasons
Easy-to-install buzzer with screw mechanism
The Pursuit comes with a snow basket that is easy to install with a screw-on mechanism
For those who are also considering using them for winter mountain climbing in snowy mountains, one Pursuit pole can cover you all year round, eliminating the need to own multiple trekking poles depending on the purpose, making them economical overall
Another attractive feature of Black Diamond is the wide range of aftermarket parts available. The Tech Tip Carbide at the end of the pole can be replaced if it wears out, or it can be changed to a rubber type if necessary
Available in two sizes to suit your height and purpose
Used as a pole for a one-pole tent
Trekking poles are not just used as walking sticks to support your walking
Nowadays, more and more people are using lighter gear and UL (ultralight) packing when hiking or climbing
Dome tents are still the mainstream for mountaineering, but many people are choosing to use one-pole tents, which are set up with a single pole (I am one of them)
The appeal of one-pole tents is that they are lighter than dome tents because they only use one pole as the frame, but by replacing the pole used as the support with a trekking pole you can reduce the amount of equipment needed and make them even lighter
The aluminum used by Pursuit is heavier than carbon and has poorer shock absorption, but it does have the advantage of being less likely to break beyond repair. Pursuit's aluminum alloy in particular is an aircraft-grade material with excellent durability, so it could be used safely as a tent pole. For me, the key is to achieve both "lightness" and "reliable durability."
Trekking poles are generally chosen based on your height, but Pursuit comes in two sizes: S/M and M/L. S/M is adjustable from 100-125cm, while M/L is adjustable from 100-140cm. Those using them as tent poles can choose the size based on their height as well as the size of their tent (M/L is 34g heavier than S/M)
If you value compactness, choose the folding version, FLZ
On the right is the Pursuit folding type FLZ
The appeal of the telescopic type is that it can be easily extended and retracted, but the storage size is 57.8 cm, which means it sticks out when stored in the side pocket of a backpack (M/L is 63 cm). The length of the telescopic pole is not suitable for light activities such as trail running
If it's sticking out of your backpack, it's easy to get caught on things when you're crouching down on a mountain trail covered in trees, so you need to be careful. You might not need to worry too much about it in a place with no danger around, like a forest, but you need to be careful in places with steep cliffs on both sides
From a safety standpoint, the foldable Pursuit FLZ is recommended for those who want to store their trekking poles more compactly
Extendable top, foldable bottom
When you actually put it in the side pocket of your backpack, the compactness of the folding type is immediately apparent
This may not be a problem if you're hiking slowly and carefully, but that's not the case when it comes to speed hiking or trail running. You need to consider possible risks and eliminate them as much as possible. If you're considering using it for speed hiking or trail running, it's better to choose a folding type that can be stored in a small space
The Pursuit FLZ folding trekking pole is a hybrid that can be folded into three sections and has a telescoping and length-adjusting function at the top. The feel of the pole is similar to that of a telescoping pole. However, there are slight differences between the telescoping and folding poles in terms of weight, adjustable range, and storage size
| name | Pursuit (telescopic) | Pursuit FLZ (foldable) |
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| Pair weight (g) |
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| Adjustable range (cm) |
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| Storage size (cm) |
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Summary: A classic and smart watch that has all the elements you need for light activities in a balanced way
If you prioritize lightness, there may be other options, but if you are looking for a balance between weight and durability, I felt that the Pursuit is a trekking pole that can be used by anyone, from beginners to advanced users
Not only that, but the comfortable straps and easy-to-grip grip make this versatile bag suitable for a wide range of mountain activities, including mountain climbing, hiking, and trail running, all year round
And finally, the price. It's surprisingly low, considering it's an international brand. That said, the affordable prices are only available until August, and once the extraordinary discount campaign by the importer, Lost Arrow, ends, the low prices may also end, so be careful
Click here to visit Lost Arrow's online shop, which sells black diamonds
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