Black Diamond Carbon Fiber Ski Poles Review

Ski poles are ski poles are ski poles, right? Well... if you're satisfied with some $10 metal pipe poles with hard plastic grips, then you're set. But, if you're looking for comfort and function in the backcountry, then there's no sense in looking anywhere but Black Diamond. The BD Carbon Fiber ski poles are the gold standard (or should I say carbon standard) when it comes to durable backcountry poles. Here's what Black Diamond has to say about them: A backcountry essential, our lightest adjustable poles are built from a lightweight combination of ultra-strong 7075 aluminum and featherweight carbon-fiber for excellent balance and an optimized swing weight. The solid FlickLock® mechanism makes height adjustment simple and secure. Carbon Fiber Poles come with BD ¾ Baskets and our comfortable, grippy dual-density grips. Having used several adjustable-length ski poles over the years, I can truly appreciate the power and ease-of-use provided by the FlickLock mechanism. Easy-open and easily locked-down, the FlickLock holds your adjustment in place come hell or high water. No need to worry about your poles getting shorter throughout the duration of the tour like you do with twisty poles. I've found these poles to be very durable (I've whacked my fair share of dead Aspen branches) and sturdy when they need to be. The 3/4 baskets are sweet when touring in firm conditions since they still allow the tips to hit the snow first instead of getting basket deflection and whiffing like Babe Ruth. The dual-density grips are comfortable in all temperatures and swing weight is perfect. I don't think about these poles at all while out in the backcountry--and that's a good thing. The only negative I've found is with the baskets. They tend to twist around so you don't always have the open side facing front. The Good FlickLock mechanism holds adjustments in place Dual-density grips are comfy Swing-weight is perfect Durable and stiff The Bad 3/4 baskets are good and bad, but they twist around at will Buy Now: Search for Black Diamond Ski Poles NOTE: For Fall 2009, the Black Diamond is introducing a slew of carbon-fiber ski poles including fixed-length, full-carbon adjustable (called Pure Carbon), a carbon probe and a few more. Look for more details on the new pole line in the Fall. Click the pics on the right to see the Black Diamond Pure Carbon... sexy!