table of contents
Let's start with the basics of trekking poles
In April, I did a comparison review of the Black Diamond Distance FLZ, Distance Plus FLZ, and Distance Carbon Z. Thank you to those who have already seen it. If you're wondering, "Was there such a thing?", here .
focuses on folding trekking poles. By the way this article explains the basics of trekking poles, so if you're looking to buy a new pair or are unsure which ones to get, be sure to read it.
What is the Trail Pro Shock?
We'll leave the basics of trekking poles to the article above, but this time we'll be looking at Black Diamond's telescoping trekking poles. Telescoping poles are the type of poles that you extend and retract by twisting them around. This basic model has now been upgraded with the "Smash Lock" system! It's called the "Trail Pro Shock."
By the way, what is "Smash Lock"? Well, it's a very convenient feature that allows you to store and assemble the poles in one go
This is "Smash Rock," which looks ordinary but is anything but
Assembly is complete by simply releasing the lock (flick lock), extending the pole, and locking it once. To store it, release the lock, push the pole from above, and lock it again to complete storage. It is much easier to use than folding types
By the way, this is "Flick Lock"
If the lock is tight, just loosen it with a screwdriver or wrench
For example, if the hiking trail suddenly turns into a rocky area or a chain section, with a folding type, you have to remove the parts and fold it up. This is quite a hassle. So, you may end up climbing up and down in an unstable position while holding the poles (sorry). But with the Trail Pro, all you have to do is remove the lock, push the poles in, and lock it (probably in just a few seconds), and it becomes compact, which is great
"Smash Lock" is truly a godsend. It's especially useful when you don't want to lose your walking pace (right?). As someone who likes to compete against course times, I appreciate the comfort and convenience of this feature
I tried using it on Mt. Yatsugatake but I was a little worried
The mountain I used the Trail Pro Shock on this time was Mount Yatsugatake, the highest peak in the Kinki region. As it is a mountain associated with Shugendo, it has many rocky areas and many fallen trees due to animal damage. Having broken telescoping poles on numerous previous occasions, I have recently relied exclusively on folding poles. I am very curious about the strength and stability of telescoping poles, which I will be using for the first time in a while
By the way, the pole that broke was a type that didn't have any locks or anything, and you simply adjusted the vertical length by turning it around. There were various reasons for it breaking, such as simply putting too much force on the pole due to lack of skill, hitting it hard against a rock and splitting it, or getting it caught in the base of a tree and just snapping it off.
In fact, the telescoping type is a pain to turn and adjust, and even if you fix it firmly, it will retract at any moment, so it's true that I, who get easily annoyed, don't really like it. We'll see what happens.
Let's put it into practice
While poles are great for propulsion when climbing, they are by far the most effective when descending. Most of the times I've broken them, it was on the way down... While you can rely on your leg strength to get up rocky paths, descending rocky paths can be slippery, you need to choose where to place your feet carefully or you'll fall, there are elevation changes, and you need to have good balance. Just like on the way up, you can't rely on leg strength to get down
That's where the Trail Pro Shock comes in
When I held it, I noticed that it was a little heavier than the folding type, but I think that's because it's made of aluminum, which gives it stability and strength
It's very rough
We will also try going down to places with differences in elevation
I put a fair amount of weight on both sides as I descended, but it didn't collapse at all. It's a very sturdy locking mechanism, as you'd expect. It holds in place. It's heavy, so it's very stable. It firmly supports my upper body, preventing it from shaking or wobbling
There is no problem even if you load it on rocks
In fact, I'm moving at a good pace and even flying a little
Even on slippery roads, we easily made our way down
Hmm, this pole is pretty good.
At first I thought it would be heavy, but wow, I can just lean on it and feel so secure. It's amazing. I wonder if this sense of security isn't just due to the material of the pole...?
Yes, that's right.
This strap is inspired by Black Diamond's harness. It's wider and feels like it really protects your wrist. Of course, if it was derived from a harness, it would have this kind of stability.
The grip absorbs shock and reduces strain on the wrists and shoulders
The size and rubber material provide stability even when holding the pole from above
That's why I felt so safe. It's the result of Black Diamond's extensive knowledge
I also tried using the simplest "trail"
The Trail model also has a new, softer grip and grip top, so I tried it out
Although it does not have a smash lock mechanism, it has flick locks 2 on the top and bottom, so the pole will not collapse unexpectedly. It holds easily and securely
Even rocky areas with differences in elevation
I was able to easily clear the gaps between the tree roots
There are many differences between the Trail Pro Shock and the Trail Pro Shock, but the biggest difference is that it does not have the Smash Lock mechanism. Being able to fold and assemble in one go is convenient.
The advantage is that you can quickly fold and unfold the shoes without having to stop every now and then while walking.
However, if you are willing to put in the effort, the Trail is just as good. The straps have a soft interior and are about 40g lighter than the Trail Pro Shock. And best of all, it's priced at under 10,000 yen, which is great for your wallet. Isn't this the best value for money? I highly recommend it for beginners to mountain climbing. It's built to be sturdy, so you'll be able to use it for a long time without breaking it multiple times like I did. There's no need to start off with expensive folding poles!
Summary: A few things to note
The only thing that concerns me about the Trail Pro Shock and Trail is their weight and storage. The top-of-the-line folding pole, the Distance Carbon FLZ, weighs 350g-370g, while the Distance Carbon Z weighs 265g-295g, a difference of about 200g. When I first held the Trail Pro Shock and Trail, I felt that my wrists were heavy, but once I got used to it, it wasn't a problem
The stored length of the Distance Carbon FLZ is 34cm to 40cm, while that of the Trail Pro Shock is 68cm, which is a big difference and it's a matter of personal preference. Compactness is always better, but if you're not too picky, the Trail Pro Shock and Trail will be more than comfortable enough
As was the case with me, it takes a few tries to figure out your preferences and habits. Before the climbing season ends, why not go hiking in all directions with your favorite trekking poles?
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