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Black Diamond Carbon Fiber FlickLock Poles
Long Term Report - April 12, 2005
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: April 12, 2005
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
Description [return to top]
The Carbon Fiber FlickLock Poles are a 2-section trekking pole, with an aluminum upper section and a longer carbon fiber lower section with replaceable tip. Each lower section has a male-threaded stud at the top (hidden) end that is – 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. The lever is flicked open, the pole is adjusted to the desired length, and the lever is flicked closed. If there is any slippage, or if the lever is too hard to move, the tension may be adjusted by turning a small screw.
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, 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 nylon webbing, wider wherever they would come in contact with the user’s hands.
The baskets normally included with the poles are a ¾-basket made of a semi-rigid black plastic. A pair of BD Powder Baskets was also included. These are made of a rubbery grey plastic.
For a more detailed description, and photos, please see my Initial Report.
Field Testing [return to top]
Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly. Almost all of these outings included a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures from lows around 30 ºF (-1 ºC) to highs around 95 ºF (35 ºC). Elevations ranged from sea level to approximately 2,000’ (610 m).
My experiences with the poles echo those found in my Field Report.
I have been using the poles with the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo tent, and have been very pleased with both the broad surface of the grip (doesn’t sink readily into soft ground) and the FlickLock adjustment (which lets me slide the pole to the appropriate length and just lock it in place with no twisting). The tips fit nicely into the grommet on the tent (unlike my department store poles) with no slippage.
I intend to continue using these poles for quite some time, thanks to their light weight and multi-functionality. If only they made a 3-section version...
Things I was 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?
- Packability. Do they fit in places I would normally pack poles for travel or flat-ground hiking?
- Multi-use. Are they long enough to pitch a tarp for shelter?
My findings:
- Adjustability. Once I got the hang of the FlickLocks, I was able to adjust – or at least release and close – them without looking. They stay where they are set. The FlickLock mechanism does make it easier to adjust the height when using the poles to pitch a tarp, or the Lunar Solo.
- Comfort. The poles don’t seem to make much noise, but I can feel a noticeable ‘twang’ as the poles strike the ground. I find it somewhat disconcerting, as my first poles did not do this, but I am getting used to it.
- Grips. Just plain nice. No abnormal sweating of my hands.
- Straps. Also very nice. Adjustable and comfortable.
- Durability. I haven’t noticed any wear, but under normal heavy usage (remember, I am not a small person) they do flex a bit.
- Packability. As opposed to my other 3-section poles, the 2-section design results in a longer packed size. They (just) fit in my travel footlocker, and extend nearly to the top of my head when attached to the back of my Deuter Futura 32.
- Multi-use. See note above about the Lunar Solo.
Things I like [return to top]
- Light weight.
- Color (hey, I like red).
- They work with the Lunar Solo.
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.
- A bit of ‘vibration’/flexing during use. I am getting used to it.
Additional Resources [return to top]
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]
My family started car/trailer camping when I was about 5. I spent 17 years in the Army Reserve fine-tuning my packing methodology – when I got out, I was down to a fairly respectable 75-80 lb (34-36 kg) load in my ALICE pack. Advancing age, arthritic knees and a car accident have led me to seriously rethink my gear choices, experiment with tarps and hammocks, make some of my own gear, and take a closer look at my ‘toys’ with an eye for multi-use and light weight. I now have a sub-30 lb (14 kg) 3-season load, and should be able to reduce it to 20 lb (9 kg) – before food, fuel and water – without much more effort.
Thank you for your time.
Chuck Kime
a.k.a. Fuzzy
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