table of contents
First, let's start with the basics of trekking poles
In April, we compared Black Diamond Distance FLZ, Distance Plus FLZ, Distance Carbon Z. Thank you to anyone who has already seen it. If you're wondering, "What happened to that?", here .
It features a folding trekking pole. By the way this article contains the basics of trekking poles, so if you're looking to buy a new one or you're unsure which one to buy, please read this for reference.
What is "Trail Pro Shock"?
I will leave the trekking pole Iroha to the above article, but this time we will be covering Black Diamond's telescoping trekking pole. The telescoping method is what you would call a spinning round to stretch and contract the pole. This basic model has now been upgraded with a "Smash Lock" system! It's called "Trail Pro Shock."
By the way, what is "smash lock"? That's why it's a very convenient feature that allows you to store and assemble the pole in one go.
This is where it looks normal but it's not normal.
Remove the lock (flick lock) and stretch the pole, then lock it once and the assembly is complete. When storing, unlock it, press the pole from above, and lock it again to complete storage. It is much easier to use than the folding type.
By the way, this is "Flick Rock".
If the lock is stiff, you can just loosen it with a screwdriver or wrench.
For example, if the trail suddenly becomes a rocky or chain area, you will have to remove the chopstick parts and fold them. This is quite a hassle. So, I'm sorry I might go up and down while holding the pole while I'm still in a state of unstable state (sorry). But with Trail Pro, it's amazing that it's compact after just unlocking the lock, pushing the pole in and locking it (probably a few seconds).
"Smash Rock" is truly divine. This is especially useful when you don't want to disrupt your walking pace (although there are, isn't it?). As someone who competes with course time, I am grateful for both comfort and convenience.
I'm a little worried about using it at Mt. Yatsukyogatake.
The mountain we used "Trail Pro Shock" this time was "Yatsukeigatake," the highest peak in Kinki. As it is a mountain in Shugendo, there are many rocky areas, and many fallen trees due to animal damage. I once folded telescoping poles in numerous mountains, and recently I have been relying on folding poles. I'm very concerned about the strength and stability of the telescoping pole I use for the first time in a while.
Incidentally, the folded pole is simply rotated and adjusted to the top and bottom length, with no locks or anything. There were various ways to break, such as simply lacking skills and putting too much force on the pole, hitting it hard against a rock and tearing it, or pinching it at the base of a tree and snapping it straight.
In fact, it's a hassle to turn the telescoping type around and adjust it, and even if it is firmly fixed it will suddenly shrink, so it's true that the annoying author wasn't the type he likes. Now, I wonder what will happen.
Let's practice
The pole is a powerful propulsion when you go up, but for me, it is definitely effective when descending the mountain. I've only broken down the train on the way down... In other words, even if you can manage to get through the rocky paths on the uphill side with your leg strength, you can't go down by sliding, falling if you don't choose where you're on your legs, there's a difference in elevation, and you need to balance your body, so just like you can go down by putting your legs in.
That's where the "Trail Pro Shock" appears.
When held, I'm concerned that it's a little heavier than the folding type, but it's probably because of the stability and strength of the material being made of aluminum. We immediately started descending.
It's rough.
I'll also go down the area with a different height.
I was putting my weight down from side to side, but it didn't shrink in any way. As expected from a robust locking mechanism. It's holding. Because it's heavy, it's very stable. It provides strong support to prevent the upper body from shaking or shaking.
Loading the rocks is no problem.
In fact, I walked at a good pace and drove a little.
Even the paths that seem easy to slip will descend well.
Hmm, this pole is pretty easy to do.
At first I thought it was "heavy...", but what a relief to lean on my body. Isn't it amazing? Isn't this security not just about the pole material?
Yes, that's true.
This strap is inspired by the Black Diamond harness. The width has also expanded, and it seems to be protecting your wrists. Of course, if it comes from a harness, it would be this stable.
The grip absorbs shock and reduces strain on the wrists and shoulders.
The size and rubber material make it stable even when you hold the pole from above.
I understand that this was the kind of thing that made me feel safe. This brings together all the knowledge of Black Diamond.
I also tried using the simplest "trail"
The "Trail" also has a softer grip and grip top, so I tried using this one too.
Although it does not have a smash lock mechanism, there are flick locks 2 on the top and bottom, so there is no sudden pole shrinkage. Easy and reliable hold.
Even rocky areas with different elevations
I was able to clear it by doing it between the roots of the tree.
There are many differences between the "Trail Pro Shock", but the biggest difference is that it does not have a smash lock mechanism. It's really convenient that it can be stored and assembled in one go.
The advantage is that it can be stored and stretched quickly without stopping while walking.
However, as long as you don't have to waste that effort, the "trail" is in no way inferior. The straps have a soft inside, making them about 40g lighter than the "Trail Pro Shock." And most importantly, it's a price below 10,000 yen that's great for your wallet. Isn't the best cost performance? I highly recommend this to beginners in mountain climbing. It is sturdy, so it can be used for a long time without folding it over and over again like I did. You don't need to start with an expensive foldable pole!
Summary - A little bit of interest
The only things I'm concerned about when it comes to "Trail Pro Shock" and "Trail" are "weight" and storage capacity. The top-of-the-line folding pole, "Distance Carbon FLZ", has a difference of 350g to 370g, while the "Distance Carbon Z" has a difference of 200g, from 265g to 295g. When I held the "Trail Pro Shock" and "Trail", I felt that my wrists were heavy, but once I got used to it, I didn't bother me either.
The length when stored is 34cm to 40cm for the Distance Carbon FLZ and 68cm for the Trail Pro Shock, which is a big difference, making this a favorite. I've never thought it was compact, but if you don't have any particular preferences, you can use the "Trail Pro Shock" or "Trail" comfortably enough.
As was the case with me, after using several poles, I finally started to understand my tastes and habits. Before the mountaineering season is over, walk around east, west, north, and south on your favorite trekking poles!
