Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ-Z Trekking Poles (110cm)The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is our premium pole for fully adjustable, folding performance. Now with improved joint support (making them 30% stiffer) and greater durability, thanks to added reinforcements around the locking mechanism and upper shaft, this highly adaptable trekking pole delivers 100% carbon construction. These trekking poles from Black Diamond contain lightweight, EVA foam grips with breathable and moisture wicking properties. The EVA foam works to provide exceptional cushioning to keep your hands comfortable as you clock up the miles as well as minimising the risk of getting blisters or sores. The moisture wicking properties actively and efficiently wick away the inevitable build-up of sweat to leave you feeling cool, dry and comfortable. The EVA foam also contains a mini-grip extension which prevents slipping so you remain focused on your exercise without distraction or discomfort. A three-section foldable shaft comes with speed cone deployment and FlickLock adjustability to meet the requirements of a wide-range of people. The adjustability means you can either increase or reduce the length to suit your own personal needs. Folding into three parts means the poles are easy to put away or place in a backpack for convenience. A stopper basket with shaft catcher helps to secure folded sections so they do not become unattached while you are not using them. Interchangeable, non-scarring rubber Tech Tips provide durability and stability to further improve the quality of the walk or activity. Finally, what makes these trekking pole better than their predecessor is the improved joint support and stiffness which allows for greater durability.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ-Z Trekking Poles (110cm)The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is our premium pole for fully adjustable, folding performance. Now with improved joint support (making them 30% stiffer) and greater durability, thanks to added reinforcements around the locking mechanism and upper shaft, this highly adaptable trekking pole delivers 100% carbon construction. These trekking poles from Black Diamond contain lightweight, EVA foam grips with breathable and moisture wicking properties. The EVA foam works to provide exceptional cushioning to keep your hands comfortable as you clock up the miles as well as minimising the risk of getting blisters or sores. The moisture wicking properties actively and efficiently wick away the inevitable build-up of sweat to leave you feeling cool, dry and comfortable. The EVA foam also contains a mini-grip extension which prevents slipping so you remain focused on your exercise without distraction or discomfort. A three-section foldable shaft comes with speed cone deployment and FlickLock adjustability to meet the requirements of a wide-range of people. The adjustability means you can either increase or reduce the length to suit your own personal needs. Folding into three parts means the poles are easy to put away or place in a backpack for convenience. A stopper basket with shaft catcher helps to secure folded sections so they do not become unattached while you are not using them. Interchangeable, non-scarring rubber Tech Tips provide durability and stability to further improve the quality of the walk or activity. Finally, what makes these trekking pole better than their predecessor is the improved joint support and stiffness which allows for greater durability.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ-Z Trekking Poles (110cm)The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is our premium pole for fully adjustable, folding performance. Now with improved joint support (making them 30% stiffer) and greater durability, thanks to added reinforcements around the locking mechanism and upper shaft, this highly adaptable trekking pole delivers 100% carbon construction. These trekking poles from Black Diamond contain lightweight, EVA foam grips with breathable and moisture wicking properties. The EVA foam works to provide exceptional cushioning to keep your hands comfortable as you clock up the miles as well as minimising the risk of getting blisters or sores. The moisture wicking properties actively and efficiently wick away the inevitable build-up of sweat to leave you feeling cool, dry and comfortable. The EVA foam also contains a mini-grip extension which prevents slipping so you remain focused on your exercise without distraction or discomfort. A three-section foldable shaft comes with speed cone deployment and FlickLock adjustability to meet the requirements of a wide-range of people. The adjustability means you can either increase or reduce the length to suit your own personal needs. Folding into three parts means the poles are easy to put away or place in a backpack for convenience. A stopper basket with shaft catcher helps to secure folded sections so they do not become unattached while you are not using them. Interchangeable, non-scarring rubber Tech Tips provide durability and stability to further improve the quality of the walk or activity. Finally, what makes these trekking pole better than their predecessor is the improved joint support and stiffness which allows for greater durability.
Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ-Z Trekking Poles (110cm)The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ is our premium pole for fully adjustable, folding performance. Now with improved joint support (making them 30% stiffer) and greater durability, thanks to added reinforcements around the locking mechanism and upper shaft, this highly adaptable trekking pole delivers 100% carbon construction. These trekking poles from Black Diamond contain lightweight, EVA foam grips with breathable and moisture wicking properties. The EVA foam works to provide exceptional cushioning to keep your hands comfortable as you clock up the miles as well as minimising the risk of getting blisters or sores. The moisture wicking properties actively and efficiently wick away the inevitable build-up of sweat to leave you feeling cool, dry and comfortable. The EVA foam also contains a mini-grip extension which prevents slipping so you remain focused on your exercise without distraction or discomfort. A three-section foldable shaft comes with speed cone deployment and FlickLock adjustability to meet the requirements of a wide-range of people. The adjustability means you can either increase or reduce the length to suit your own personal needs. Folding into three parts means the poles are easy to put away or place in a backpack for convenience. A stopper basket with shaft catcher helps to secure folded sections so they do not become unattached while you are not using them. Interchangeable, non-scarring rubber Tech Tips provide durability and stability to further improve the quality of the walk or activity. Finally, what makes these trekking pole better than their predecessor is the improved joint support and stiffness which allows for greater durability.
Last updated at 04/11/2026 08:03:31
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Flz S18 l 95-110cm l Summit Gear
Free delivery between 15–23 Apr
originally posted on REI
I love these poles but am on my THIRD set. They are light, super nimble and great for certain tasks such as trail running (when you need poles these are super quick to access and very compact when folded) or hiking. But I only use these poles (after trial and error) on established trails. They are perfect for balance and provided additional touch points for navigating across streams and through steeps. That said, the are extremely delicate and have always broken/cracked in the same place: right by the locking button. Design flaw? I will never (again) use these for any kind of bushwhacking nor will I trust them for a backpacking trip (I use trekking poles to set up my tent). The problem seems that when any weight is placed on these they fail, such as when you stumble ... MoreI love these poles but am on my THIRD set. They are light, super nimble and great for certain tasks such as trail running (when you need poles these are super quick to access and very compact when folded) or hiking. But I only use these poles (after trial and error) on established trails. They are perfect for balance and provided additional touch points for navigating across streams and through steeps. That said, the are extremely delicate and have always broken/cracked in the same place: right by the locking button. Design flaw? I will never (again) use these for any kind of bushwhacking nor will I trust them for a backpacking trip (I use trekking poles to set up my tent). The problem seems that when any weight is placed on these they fail, such as when you stumble while bushwhacking and "catch" yourself with a pole. I have numerous other (all Black Diamond) poles both carbon (Alpine set) and aluminum where this is not an issue. These, however, break frequently. So my solution? I only use these on trails where I won't likely be stumbling. I did order this model in aluminum because I love the design and hope the aluminum will provide the strength that these carbon ones cannot.
originally posted on REI
These poles are extremely nice in just about every aspect and are also amongst the lightest in their class. The problem is in the locking button. There is nothing reinforcing the carbon fiber of the shaft around the button so it will eventually fracture from fatigue. Because of this flaw these are really only good for hiking or walking on flat terrain. Anything with a lot of down hill and/or rock where you're going to be putting substantial weight into the pole destroys the carbon fiber around the button in short order. To the companies credit they did attempt to band-aid this failure mode a bit by revising this pole and installing a collar above the button which protects the upper shaft section but the carbon fiber around the button is still failure prone. BD ... MoreThese poles are extremely nice in just about every aspect and are also amongst the lightest in their class. The problem is in the locking button. There is nothing reinforcing the carbon fiber of the shaft around the button so it will eventually fracture from fatigue. Because of this flaw these are really only good for hiking or walking on flat terrain. Anything with a lot of down hill and/or rock where you're going to be putting substantial weight into the pole destroys the carbon fiber around the button in short order. To the companies credit they did attempt to band-aid this failure mode a bit by revising this pole and installing a collar above the button which protects the upper shaft section but the carbon fiber around the button is still failure prone. BD either needs to make the shaft section out of aluminum or reinforce the button area with an aluminum collar. Alternately they need to import their SlideLock design as found on other models. For any avid hikers or mountain climbing these are an easy pass. Stick with Black Diamond aluminum poles like the Alpine FLZ Trekking poles or shop a different brand. With the Alpine FLZ Trekking poles you trade a bit of weight as they're roughly 2 ounces heavier per pole but they arent disposable like these are.
originally posted on Black Diamond Equipment
I have enjoyed Black Diamond products for years but have never purchased their trekking poles before. With a recent move to Alaska and steeper terrain, it became apparent that perhaps the time had come to jump on it. I had done my research and most everything pointed back to these. I have used them for several days on end without a glitch. The SlideLock is a breeze and unless your hands are really cold and wet it releases very easily as well. They are extremely lightweight and appear very durable. I have not had any issues whatsoever to date. They are just as advertised. Quickly adjustable even while on the move and can be broke down into their trifold configuration while on the run and stored into a running vest without stopping. Great poles from a great company.
| Shaft material | Carbon Fiber |
| Extended length | 110 Centimeters |
| Hand Orientation | Left/Right |
| Length | 36 centimetres |
| Season | Autumn/Winter |
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Flz S18 l 95-110cm l Summit Gear
Free delivery between 15–23 Apr
I love these poles but am on my THIRD set. They are light, super nimble and great for certain tasks such as trail running (when you need poles these are super quick to access and very compact when folded) or hiking. But I only use these poles (after trial and error) on established trails. They are perfect for balance and provided additional touch points for navigating across streams and through steeps. That said, the are extremely delicate and have always broken/cracked in the same place: right by the locking button. Design flaw? I will never (again) use these for any kind of bushwhacking nor will I trust them for a backpacking trip (I use trekking poles to set up my tent). The problem seems that when any weight is placed on these they fail, such as when you stumble ... MoreI love these poles but am on my THIRD set. They are light, super nimble and great for certain tasks such as trail running (when you need poles these are super quick to access and very compact when folded) or hiking. But I only use these poles (after trial and error) on established trails. They are perfect for balance and provided additional touch points for navigating across streams and through steeps. That said, the are extremely delicate and have always broken/cracked in the same place: right by the locking button. Design flaw? I will never (again) use these for any kind of bushwhacking nor will I trust them for a backpacking trip (I use trekking poles to set up my tent). The problem seems that when any weight is placed on these they fail, such as when you stumble while bushwhacking and "catch" yourself with a pole. I have numerous other (all Black Diamond) poles both carbon (Alpine set) and aluminum where this is not an issue. These, however, break frequently. So my solution? I only use these on trails where I won't likely be stumbling. I did order this model in aluminum because I love the design and hope the aluminum will provide the strength that these carbon ones cannot.
These poles are extremely nice in just about every aspect and are also amongst the lightest in their class. The problem is in the locking button. There is nothing reinforcing the carbon fiber of the shaft around the button so it will eventually fracture from fatigue. Because of this flaw these are really only good for hiking or walking on flat terrain. Anything with a lot of down hill and/or rock where you're going to be putting substantial weight into the pole destroys the carbon fiber around the button in short order. To the companies credit they did attempt to band-aid this failure mode a bit by revising this pole and installing a collar above the button which protects the upper shaft section but the carbon fiber around the button is still failure prone. BD ... MoreThese poles are extremely nice in just about every aspect and are also amongst the lightest in their class. The problem is in the locking button. There is nothing reinforcing the carbon fiber of the shaft around the button so it will eventually fracture from fatigue. Because of this flaw these are really only good for hiking or walking on flat terrain. Anything with a lot of down hill and/or rock where you're going to be putting substantial weight into the pole destroys the carbon fiber around the button in short order. To the companies credit they did attempt to band-aid this failure mode a bit by revising this pole and installing a collar above the button which protects the upper shaft section but the carbon fiber around the button is still failure prone. BD either needs to make the shaft section out of aluminum or reinforce the button area with an aluminum collar. Alternately they need to import their SlideLock design as found on other models. For any avid hikers or mountain climbing these are an easy pass. Stick with Black Diamond aluminum poles like the Alpine FLZ Trekking poles or shop a different brand. With the Alpine FLZ Trekking poles you trade a bit of weight as they're roughly 2 ounces heavier per pole but they arent disposable like these are.
I have enjoyed Black Diamond products for years but have never purchased their trekking poles before. With a recent move to Alaska and steeper terrain, it became apparent that perhaps the time had come to jump on it. I had done my research and most everything pointed back to these. I have used them for several days on end without a glitch. The SlideLock is a breeze and unless your hands are really cold and wet it releases very easily as well. They are extremely lightweight and appear very durable. I have not had any issues whatsoever to date. They are just as advertised. Quickly adjustable even while on the move and can be broke down into their trifold configuration while on the run and stored into a running vest without stopping. Great poles from a great company.
I bought these poles because they are light-weight, easy to pack z-fold design and the narrow, but available range of length adjustment. It was everything I was looking for in a trekking pole...until I saw the hand strap! It appears to be a total afterthought in the design process! Its tiny velcro strip adjustment is a joke. Not only will that little strip of velcro wear out quickly, but it is so small that when I adjust for where my hand needs to be (petite woman), there is no velcro to secure to, making them unusable unless I want to spend hours with my hands gripping the pole itself...not exactly ergonomic and likely to cause many other issues! I realize that BD was probably trying to cut weight and perhaps cost, but this is a total blunder! At the end of the ... MoreI bought these poles because they are light-weight, easy to pack z-fold design and the narrow, but available range of length adjustment. It was everything I was looking for in a trekking pole...until I saw the hand strap! It appears to be a total afterthought in the design process! Its tiny velcro strip adjustment is a joke. Not only will that little strip of velcro wear out quickly, but it is so small that when I adjust for where my hand needs to be (petite woman), there is no velcro to secure to, making them unusable unless I want to spend hours with my hands gripping the pole itself...not exactly ergonomic and likely to cause many other issues! I realize that BD was probably trying to cut weight and perhaps cost, but this is a total blunder! At the end of the day, your hands are the things carrying these poles and if you can't secure a good fit that allows you to rest your hand in the strap, then using a walking stick from the forest would be more effective and save you tons of money! And to be clear, even if the velcro was longer, its still a very cheap and unreliable design for the pressure that will be put on them over time. Come on BD, you can do better than this!!! Unfortunately, I will be returning them tomorrow. :(
During the 2nd use, mushrooming around the locking button resulted in the aluminum ring stripping off a portion of the carbon fiber when I collapsed the poles. Shortly thereafter, the pole inexplicably snapped at the locking button. I was not fully weighting the pole at the time and I was not bending it.I have been using Distance Carbon Z Poles for years and I have broken my fair share. I bought these to replace a 2017 set where the metallic-composite bonds had failed after years of use (any many replaced tips). I have a good sense of how much force it should take to break one of these... this new pole failed far more easily. This is the first time I have used the updated poles with the aluminum locking ring.I believe that due to the introduction of the aluminum ... MoreDuring the 2nd use, mushrooming around the locking button resulted in the aluminum ring stripping off a portion of the carbon fiber when I collapsed the poles. Shortly thereafter, the pole inexplicably snapped at the locking button. I was not fully weighting the pole at the time and I was not bending it.I have been using Distance Carbon Z Poles for years and I have broken my fair share. I bought these to replace a 2017 set where the metallic-composite bonds had failed after years of use (any many replaced tips). I have a good sense of how much force it should take to break one of these... this new pole failed far more easily. This is the first time I have used the updated poles with the aluminum locking ring.I believe that due to the introduction of the aluminum locking ring, the new pole design is critically flawed and is likely to lead to premature failure. There is too much slop, which allows the edge of the ring to "cut" into carbon fibers. This create a stress concentration right at the weakest point - the hole for the locking button. A quick skim of the reviews will show many others have experienced the exact same failure mode.I have long used (and loved) BD's Distance Carbon Z Poles, but my confidence in these poles has been undermined.
I have only just begun to use these, but my initial impression is great, except for sizing. Only have experience for just over 30 miles of alpine hiking in the Maroon Bells.First, they are fast in hand and easy to transition to a top grip. They are light, but plenty sturdy for downhill support. I love how they pack up. I’m excited to see how they last.I am 5’11”. They’re sizing fits people 5’1”-5’11” or 6’+. A small portion of the population falls below 5’3 or above 6’4. One pole could cover the majority of the population in height with a little extra height for water crossings which is useful when trying to balance on rocks above the water line. The bottom of next size up is slightly tall for me when going up hill, even though I am 5’11”. Just a small critique ... MoreI have only just begun to use these, but my initial impression is great, except for sizing. Only have experience for just over 30 miles of alpine hiking in the Maroon Bells.First, they are fast in hand and easy to transition to a top grip. They are light, but plenty sturdy for downhill support. I love how they pack up. I’m excited to see how they last.I am 5’11”. They’re sizing fits people 5’1”-5’11” or 6’+. A small portion of the population falls below 5’3 or above 6’4. One pole could cover the majority of the population in height with a little extra height for water crossings which is useful when trying to balance on rocks above the water line. The bottom of next size up is slightly tall for me when going up hill, even though I am 5’11”. Just a small critique but I think it is useful to know.
Long time BD pole owner, I purchased a set of Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles in June 2023 and managed to break my first pole on my first hike while crawling under a fallen tree and applying some of my weight along the pole. It cracked right at the extended locking mechanism. Fast forward to one year later and the other pole broke, again at the locking mechanism, when I tripped and fell on on rock while descending. These are way too brittle for every day use, and the weight savings vs stability in aluminum version isn't worth it, or the cost. Very disappointed.
I bought these lighter poles to hike the Camino in Portugal. I love that they are super light and packable which is essential for this trip. Cons...when folding the poles, I find the release buttons very difficult to push in, so now I use a coin or hard end of a strap so my thumb isn't bruised. My left pole has an annoyingly noisy vibration. I was really hoping that I could get and use bigger tips on these poles as I find the tiny tips often get stuck in sidewalk, boardwalk slats or rock cracks...often pulling your arm out of socket....dang, only tiny tips available for this model, which is a shame as we are doing a coastal route that involves kilometres of boardwalks. These are good poles, but for the price, I just wish that they were even better, with optional tips.
First of all, I can't say how much I love this poles. Black Diamond has really nailed it here. I am a restless person that probably walks and runs way to much, no matter conditions and terrain. My back isn't the best though, so sometimes everything just says "stop" and I have to haul myself back home. And this is where the FLZ-poles proves like an amazing friend every time. When they're not in use, they're so small and lightweight that you can't notice them. And when you need them, they really feel sturdy and safe.BD had a model which was, I think, discontinued i 2017 and replaced by this one. This is both stronger and stiffer and feels better overall. The FlipLock system is easy to handle and works perfect. 20cm of adjustability is a great bonus, but I guess most ... MoreFirst of all, I can't say how much I love this poles. Black Diamond has really nailed it here. I am a restless person that probably walks and runs way to much, no matter conditions and terrain. My back isn't the best though, so sometimes everything just says "stop" and I have to haul myself back home. And this is where the FLZ-poles proves like an amazing friend every time. When they're not in use, they're so small and lightweight that you can't notice them. And when you need them, they really feel sturdy and safe.BD had a model which was, I think, discontinued i 2017 and replaced by this one. This is both stronger and stiffer and feels better overall. The FlipLock system is easy to handle and works perfect. 20cm of adjustability is a great bonus, but I guess most people doesn't just the whole range. The grip is also really good, and feels comfortable in your hands.To all of those who are worried about broken poles, and I can just tell you that BD has a fantastic customer service. I've had two broken poles through many years and hikes, and both times they sent a new one. So if you experience a broken pole, please don't start nagging about the quality. Contact BD and listen hear how they can help you. The poles are definitely worth it First of all, I can't say how much I love this poles. Black Diamond has really nailed it here. I am a restless person that probably walks and runs way to much, no matter conditions and terrain. My back isn't the best though, so sometimes everything just says "stop" and I have to haul myself back home. And this is where the FLZ-poles proves like an amazing friend every time. When they're not in use, they're so small and lightweight that you can't notice them. And when you need them, they really feel sturdy and safe.BD had a model which was, I think, discontinued i 2017 and replaced by this one. This is both stronger and stiffer and feels better overall. The FlipLock system is easy to handle and works perfect. 20cm of adjustability is a great bonus, but I guess most people doesn't just the whole range. The grip is also really good, and feels comfortable in your hands.To all of those who are worried about broken poles, and I can just tell you that BD has a fantastic customer service. I've had two broken poles through many years and hikes, and both times they sent a new one. So if you experience a broken pole, please don't start nagging about the quality. Contact BD and listen hear how they can help you. The poles are definitely worth it.And btw... If you find these too expensive, I'd highly recommend the version made in aluminium. I've had them both, and I almost can't tell them apart.And btw... If you find these too expensive, I'd highly recommend the version made in aluminium. I've had them both, and I almost can't tell them apart.
I don't think I'll ever run in the backcountry without them. I just finished a 12 mile, 3400' gain, peak and ridge run over the weekend and I am extremely happy with this purchase. They are energy savers. I used just one of the two poles to experiment and it worked flawlessly. I loved the speed and ease of the Fliklock system. I lengthened and shortened the pole multiple times throughout the run. I am 5'10" and the 105-125 poles were perfect. I never felt I needed anything outside of that range.As far as weight, I probably could have held both poles for hours and hours. I wanted to practice collapsing and storing throughout the run to get used to accessing them from my Salomon pack. Before I left, I installed the Carbon tech tips that were included instead of the ... MoreI don't think I'll ever run in the backcountry without them. I just finished a 12 mile, 3400' gain, peak and ridge run over the weekend and I am extremely happy with this purchase. They are energy savers. I used just one of the two poles to experiment and it worked flawlessly. I loved the speed and ease of the Fliklock system. I lengthened and shortened the pole multiple times throughout the run. I am 5'10" and the 105-125 poles were perfect. I never felt I needed anything outside of that range.As far as weight, I probably could have held both poles for hours and hours. I wanted to practice collapsing and storing throughout the run to get used to accessing them from my Salomon pack. Before I left, I installed the Carbon tech tips that were included instead of the rubber ones.There are a few things I noticed. The hand straps could possibly be made with a softer material. Possibly, a felt lining? Maybe it was a weight consideration while designing? Definitely, not a deal breaker. Also, I don't think this specific model is designed to hold more than the weight of a person. They seem to be designed for speed and agility while running and not to support the weight of someone falling off balance with a 75 pound pack. I'll stick with my more robust poles for backpacking trips.The only thing that I asked myself during this run was how long the carbon fiber might last at the bottom of the poles. There was a little bit of scarring from first use (hitting rocks) but, that is to be expected. Even if the fiber started to show, I don't think the structural integrity will be compromised. I might wrap a layer of packing or Teflon tape around the bottom 4-5 inches of the poles for some added protection. I do expect to get years and years of use out of them. Especially if I only use one at a time. Spend the extra money and get these for running!
| Shaft material | Carbon Fiber |
| Extended length | 110 Centimeters |
| Hand Orientation | Left/Right |
| Length | 36 centimetres |
| Season | Autumn/Winter |
