Black Diamond

Distance Z Trekking Poles

Name: Black Diamond Distance Z Trekking Poles
Brand: Black Diamond

Manufacturer list price (MSRP)

$159.95

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Overview

Fixed-length, three-section aluminum poles using Black Diamond's Z-Pole fold, collapsing to roughly a third of their deployed length and snapping ready in seconds. They are the go-to for trail runners and ultralight hikers who stow poles as often as they plant them.

Specs

Brand: Black Diamond
Weight: 370 g · 13.1 oz
Collapsed length: ~13-16 in depending on size
Construction: 3-section Z-Pole folding design, fixed length
Handle Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Item Weight: 330 g
Material: Aluminum
Material Type: Aluminum
Shaft Material: Aluminum

Weight vs. category

This product13.1 oz

Category average10.8 oz

21% heavier than the category average.

How it measures up

Against every one of the trekking poles in the RidgeNote register with a published figure. Manufacturer-listed; sources and dates are on this page.

Weight: 13.1 oz (370 g); Lighter than 67% of 3 weighed · #1 lightest; -31% vs the median 1.19 lb
Price: $159.95; Cheaper than 43% of 7 priced · #4 cheapest; 0% vs the median $159.95 · $12.26/oz (median $2.62/oz)

The cheapest is TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight 7075 Aluminum Hiking Poles at $39.91 — $120.04 less and 180 g heavier.

See every one of the trekking poles measured →

RidgeNote verdict

The Distance Z is built around one idea: poles you put away. Three aluminum sections fold to about 13 to 16 inches, so they stow inside a pack or on a running vest and snap ready in a second or two, which is why runners and fastpackers choose them over telescoping poles. Aluminum also bends rather than snapping outright when it takes a bad load between rocks. Fixed length is the cost, and it is a real one. You pick 100, 110, 120, or 130 cm and that is your length forever - no shortening for a long climb, no lengthening for a steep descent, no lending them to a taller partner, and no adjusting to pitch a trekking-pole shelter unless your size happens to match the tent's spec. The EVA grips are short, with no extended foam below to choke down on. And that is a lot of money for non-adjustable aluminum.

Similar — lighter or cheaper

Zpacks

Trekking Pole Jack

1.2 oz · MSRP $19.95 · lighter · cheaper

Zpacks

LONG Trekking Pole Lower Section

1.3 oz · MSRP $19.95 · lighter · cheaper

Cascade Mountain Tech

Lightweight Aluminum Trekking Poles

19.0 oz · MSRP $49.99 · cheaper

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