| |
Gear Reviews
Documents
Tools
|
Black Diamond Carbon Fiber FlickLock Poles
Initial Report - September 22, 2004
Contents
Reviewer Information [return to top]
Name: Chuck Kime
Nickname: Fuzzy
Age: 38
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 8" (1.72 m)
Weight: 229 lb (104 kg)
Email address: ckime AT nelsononline DOT com
City, State, Country: Upper Darby (Philadelphia suburb), PA, U.S.A.
Date: September 22, 2004
Product Information [return to top]
Manufacturer: Black Diamond
Model: Carbon Fiber FlickLock Poles
Year of Manufacture: 2004
URL: http://www.bdel.com
Listed weight: 490 g (1 lb 1 oz) per pair with baskets (size 120 cm)
Measured weight (size 115): 1 lb 5.5 oz (610 g) per pair with NO baskets, scale accurate to 0.1 oz
Color: Red/black
MSRP: $89.99 USD
Features (from web site) [return to top]
The Carbon Fiber FlickLock—with its thin profile, balanced swing and agile feel—is the perfect complement for blissful days of bottomless, effortless, fresh powder. The FlickLock adjustment won’t slip or ice up regardless of conditions. Redesigned dual-density grips, anatomical wrist straps and new colors up the ante. Now Whippet-compatible with the new Carbon Fiber Adapter.
- Balanced swing weight
- Redesigned dual-density grip and anatomical wrist strap
- Whippet Compatible w/ Carbon Fiber Adapter
- Slip-proof FlickLock adjustments
Arrival [return to top]
The poles arrived at my office while I was on vacation, and I first saw them on August 30, 2004, in a corrugated envelope/package approximately 14 in wide x 40 in long (36 x 102 cm) that bulged in the middle to accommodate the pole grips. The poles were disassembled in the package. Attached to one of the poles was a hang-tag booklet explaining various functions and directions for the various Black Diamond (BD) poles, and two (2) sets of baskets (described below). Also included in the package were a BD catalog and a letter from Thomas Laakso, Ski Line Category Manager for BD.
Description [return to top]
The Carbon Fiber FlickLock Poles are the latest member of the FlickLock family from Black Diamond (BD). They are a 2-section trekking pole, with an aluminum upper section (similar in size/length to the upper section of some 3-section poles I own) and a longer carbon fiber lower section with replaceable tip. The collapsed length of the poles is limited by the length of the lower section, as – I suppose – is the extended length. I am guessing that the different sizes available are achieved just by using different length lower sections, but I would need to compare the different sizes side-by-side to be sure. Each lower section has a male-threaded stud at the top (hidden) end that seems to have been intended for joining pole sections together, which – according to Mr. Laakso – are an “already available” piece. These studs are conveniently the correct size to screw into the tripod mount on my camera, so I may now be able to steady the occasional shot while I am out with the poles.
The FlickLock name comes from BD’s adjustment/locking mechanism, which is a lever actuated, adjustable-tension system that does not require twisting of the pole sections to achieve a proper fit. The lever is flicked open, the pole is adjusted to the desired length, and the lever is flicked closed. No muss, no fuss. If there is any slippage, or if the lever is too hard to move, the tension may be adjusted by turning a small screw. I found the lock to be reassuringly firm to use.
The poles I received were listed as size 115-140 cm (45¼-55 in). Collapsed, they measure 42½ in (108 cm). Usable length range is marked 115-140 cm (45¼-55 in), in 5 cm increments, and the poles actually measure the same when adjusted according to the marks.
The dual density grips are molded in two colors, with the red inserts being the harder portions and the black having a slightly tackier feel, and have index-finger grooves on the front side. Just under the top lip at the front is a small indentation designed to assist with ski/snowshoe bindings and other cables. The straps are made of 1½ in (4 cm) nylon webbing wherever they would come in contact with the user’s hands, and narrow to ¾ in (2 cm) at the buckles, which are molded into the ends of the lower sections. When I took the poles out of the package the straps had been buckled with a half-twist in each upper strap – one in each direction – just the way I would have attached them myself. There is nothing other than this twist to designate left pole from right pole, and they could very simply be reversed if desired.
The baskets normally included with the poles are a ¾-basket made of a semi-rigid black plastic. They measure about 3½ in (9 cm) at the outer diameter – that goes part way around – with a complete circle about 2 in (5 cm) in the center. I assume the open part of the basket goes towards the user, helping to avoid getting caught. A pair of BD Powder Baskets was also included. These are made of a rubbery grey plastic, softer and thinner than the other baskets, and are just a couple millimeters wider. They also have a circle of the black plastic on the bottom, about 1¾ in (4 cm) in diameter, with downward facing teeth. Now, I haven’t been skiing in about 16 years, but I can imagine conditions that might warrant using these baskets.
First Impressions [return to top]
The poles are exactly what I expected based on the web site. They appear well made and are attractively finished. If I look closely, the carbon fiber sections have a 2-tone black “weave” pattern with a glossy finish that causes much less reflection than silver poles, which is something I like. The FlickLocks are relatively easy to adjust and easy to use – at least when new – but I have strong hands. They fit my hands nicely, especially when tilted slightly forward of vertical.
Field Information [return to top]
Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly. Almost all of these outings include a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures expected to be from lows around 30 ºF (-1 ºC) to highs around 95 ºF (35 ºC). Elevations will range from sea level to approximately 2,000’ (610 m). Our new Scoutmaster is trying to get more hiking into our program, and we may find ourselves on the Pinnacle in Pennsylvania next month. My girlfriend and I, who between us have 3 First Class Boy Scouts (ages 13, 13 and 14), are also looking into additional camping without the scouts, and the possibilities of beginning to do some AT section hikes in Pennsylvania as we recover from a recent car accident.
My son has begun working on the Hiking Merit Badge, which requires the completion of five 10-mile (16 km) hikes and one 20-mile (32 km) hike, and needs a buddy to accompany him on these hikes (i.e. me). These hikes, only one of which has been done so far, will likely be done at relatively low elevations in southeastern Pennsylvania, with a possibility of doing a short section of the Appalachian Trail (in Pennsylvania) for the 20-miler.
Things I am/will be looking for:
- Adjustability. How easily can I adjust them, and how quickly? Do they stay where they are set? Does the FlickLock mechanism make it easier to adjust the height when using the poles to pitch a tarp?
- Comfort. Does the construction effectively dampen vibration (and hopefully sound)?
- Grips. Do they fit my hands comfortably? Is sweating an issue?
- Straps. Are they readily adjustable? Comfortable? Are there any edges or buckles that cause pressure points?
- Durability. Do they wear well? Do they bend when used appropriately?
- Multi-use. Are they long enough to pitch a tarp for shelter?
Things I like [return to top]
- Light weight.
- Color (hey, I like red).
Things I don't like [return to top]
- A bit harder to pack than my 3-section poles (not as compact).
- Only marked every 5 cm.
Additional Resources [return to top]
I started using a single wooden hiking stave two years ago on a Boy Scout day hike. I switched to two adjustable trekking poles (from the camping aisle at a department store) last summer prior to my trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, where I put 15-20 miles (24-32 km) on them throughout the week. I used the same poles on a 15-mile (24 km) round-trip half way up Pikes Peak and back that weekend, then added another 50-75 miles (80-120 km) at summer camp the following week and again this year. I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to climb a very steep trail at summer camp last year as compared to the year before, something I attribute mostly to the use of the poles.
When I first started looking into using two poles, I found Pete’s Pole Pages (try Googling it). These pages, along with pole tests already posted to BGT, gave me information on pole use that I found invaluable when starting to use poles for the first time.
Backpacking Background [return to top]
I started car/trailer camping with the family when I was about 5. I enlisted in the Army Reserve during my first year of college and spent 17 years fine-tuning my packing methodology - by the time I separated from the service, I was down to what I thought was a respectable 75-80 lb (34-36 kg) load. When my son started Cub Scouts, I brought my 60 lb (27 kg) ALICE pack for a weekend. We got to Boy Scouts in the Spring of 2002 and now camp monthly in locations ranging from the Chesapeake Bay area (flat and lightly wooded) to the Pocono Mts (flat spots hard to find and very wooded), in all seasons.
Lightweight (and ultralightweight) web sites, along with a day hike up Pikes Peak in July 2003, have led me to seriously rethink my gear choices. I plan to start doing more hiking/backpacking on our monthly Scout trips, taking along as many scouts as are willing, to a) get in shape (yeah, yeah, I know… round IS a shape), and b) determine what I really need to take along. I am relatively confident that I will be able to reduce my 3-season pack to 20 lb (9 kg), before food, fuel and water, by the time this season is over.
Thank you for your time.
Chuck Kime
a.k.a. Fuzzy
Read more reviews of Black Diamond gear
Read more gear reviews by Chuck Kime
|
