Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
Quick Verdict
heavy-duty multi-day backpacking, alpine and four-season use where durability and secure locks matter
ultralight fastpacking, trail running, or situations where minimal pack-down size/weight is the priority
Key Specifications
About This Gear
The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles are a standout for hikers seeking stability and longevity. Their carbon fiber construction ensures a lightweight feel, while cork handles provide comfort and moisture-wicking. Some users may find the locking mechanism a little fiddly to use, however.
Pros & Cons
Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback
What People Love
5 positive findingsExceptional durability and sturdiness under heavy use (100% carbon shafts and metal FlickLock Pro clamps)
Everyone agreesComfortable natural cork grips that wick moisture and mold to the hand
Most reviewersStrong, reliable metal FlickLock Pro lever-locks that resist slipping under load
Most reviewersVersatile accessory compatibility (replaceable carbide tips, accepts snow baskets and rubber feet) making it true four-season gear
Most reviewers
Things to Consider
6 considerationsRelatively heavy compared with ultralight carbon or some aluminum poles (~17.1 oz per pair)
Most reviewersLess packable/collapsed length (~24") so they can stick out of packs compared with folding Z-poles
Most reviewersHigh price (MSRP $229.95), often only worthwhile for frequent pole users
Most reviewersFiddly FlickLock tension adjustment (requires tiny Allen key) and potential for lever serviceability issues if not seated correctly
Some reviewers
Weather & Conditions
How this gear performs across different environments and seasons
Temperature Range
performs well across typical hiking temperatures; best in moderate conditions though metal locks resist cold and carbon remains stable
Weather Performance
Climate Suitability
Excels In
- heavy-load backpacking
- rocky alpine terrain
- winter trekking when fitted with snow baskets
Limitations
- not ideal for ultralight fastpacking or trail running due to weight and collapsed length
- sticks out of some packs when stowed; careful packing required
- requires tool (Allen key) for on-the-fly clamp tension adjustments
What People Are Saying
Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback
Users praise long-term durability, comfortable cork grips, and secure metal locks; common complaints center on weight, packability, price, and the need for a tiny Allen key for clamp adjustments.
What Users Love
- durability
- comfortable cork grips
- secure metal FlickLock Pro clamps
- good shock absorption
Common Concerns
- weight
- packability/collapsed length
- price
- fiddly clamp adjustment (Allen key)
- long-term testers report many seasons of use with only cosmetic wear
- some reports of rust on tip threads in salty/wet conditions
- cosmetic scratches common but do not affect structural integrity
not applicable
2-year limited warranty; generally responsive customer service with no widespread negative claim reports
Expert Reviews
the strongest carbon pole we tested with comfortably shaped cork gripsRead full review →
fantastic build quality; trustworthy in harsh useRead full review →
excellent shock absorption and comfort, but lost points for FlickLock design quirksRead full review →
Care & Maintenance
Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips
Maintenance Tips
Keep it in top condition- carry the supplied small Allen key and check/tighten clamp screws before trips
- clean and rinse clamps and tip threads after muddy or saltwater use
- store collapsed and dry; replace rubber tips and baskets as needed
Watch Out For
Known issues to monitor- FlickLock pivot screws may loosen and require re-tensioning with an Allen key
- cosmetic paint scratches on carbon shafts
- possible rusting on tip threads if exposed to salt and not rinsed
Alternatives to Consider
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this gear