Black Diamond is one of the premier manufacturers of a number of products built for outdoor use, including headlamps and trekking poles. Named for the most severe level of difficulty a ski slope can have, the company promises that its Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles are among the best on the market. In this review, we’ll see whether or not their claim holds up. Read on to find out more about Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles!
The Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles are relatively expensive. The Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles are on the pricier end of the budget trekking-pole spectrum. However, a number of higher-end trekking poles regularly go for upwards of $150. If you are uncertain about whether or not trekking poles are the right investment for you, it’s worth mentioning that there are a number of models available for less than half of the average price of the Black Diamonds. However, if you’ve already experimented with trekking poles and are looking for a mid-range set, or if you are pretty certain that you will appreciate the flexibility and balance that trekking poles will afford you, the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles might be for you.
For a mid-range set of trekking poles, the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles are among the best options on the market today. One of the bigger complaints about lower-end trekking poles is the grips. Often made of cheaper material, many argue that cheaper trekking pole grips don’t hold up to the kind of sweating and high-energy use that lead people to purchase trekking poles in the first place. The remarkably high-quality grip is one of the best features of the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles. Featuring a dual-density grip top, 360-degree padded webbing strap, and non-slip foam grip extension, many reviewers report that the grip is immensely satisfying, even during the most intense hikes, cross-country ski trips, or excursions. The straps are just as excellent – made of 100% cotton, they are generally considered to be extremely comfortable and well-designed.
Another vital feature of trekking poles is a sturdy locking mechanism. Given the fact that the pole properly locking at the right length will determine the utility and safety of the trekking pole, the locking mechanism is one of the most important things you can look for when you’re trying out different kinds of trekking poles. Fortunately for those interested in the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles, the locking mechanism on this particular set of poles is among the sturdiest around. The particular locking mechanism used by Black Diamond on this model is known as the “FlickLock 2,” and each pole comes equipped with one. Nearly every reviewer, from those who simply wanted trekking poles for joint and knee support, all the way to those hiking some of the most intense trails and mountains in the country, said that the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles could handle pretty much whatever terrain and usage they were faced with.
One potential issue users of the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles may face is that, as some reviewers report, the locking mechanism can be a bit difficult to engage and disengage. Especially after the poles have been used in one locked position for some time, the latches which allow access to make adjustments can get a bit wedged or stuck in place. However, other reviewers report that making adjustments on the FlickLock 2 doesn’t pose much of a problem at all. Either way, it’s worth noting that the question of how easy it is to adjust the locking mechanism is one of the few on which reviewers disagree.
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Beyond being extremely durable and manufactured well, most reviewers comment very highly on the design and appearance. In terms of finish, construction, and paint job, these trekking poles definitely compare with vastly more expensive options. Depending on how much of a role the appearance of your trekking poles plays in your personal hiking experience, this may or may not be a serious factor influencing your decision. On the other hand, an appearance that resists wear and tear is, at least in this case, a good sign that the product is durable on the whole. These trekking poles will hold up to whatever conditions you find yourself hiking through – and, at the end of the day, they’ll look like they held up, too.
In short, if you’re looking for a slightly more serious set of trekking poles than the most basic and inexpensive varieties, the Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles might be worth looking into. Comparable with some of the best trekking poles on the market, the Black Diamonds are sturdy, reliable, attractive, well-designed trekking poles, just as capable of handling serious expeditions as weekend morning outings. For the price, they’re hard to beat.