Reviews > Trekking Poles > Poles > Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Poles > Ben Neilson > Long Term Report

Long Term Review:  Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Poles

Date: 03 Sept 2006

Reviewer Information:

Name: Ben Neilson      

Age: 30

Gender: Male

Height: 6’ 1” (185 cm)

Weight: 170 pounds (77 kg)

Email address: djbenno (at) hotmail (dot) com

City, State, Country: Seattle, Washington State, USA

Reviewers Background:

I have been backpacking since a young boy with my family, and as I grew up, I learnt with the Boy Scouts how to pack a 50-pound (23 kg) load for an overnight trip.  Now, many years later I have made the jump to lightweight backpacking with my current weekend (3-day) load averaging 15 pounds (6.8 kg).   Most backpacking trips are solo high-mileage trips (with 20-30 miles [30-50 km] per day common) with high-elevation gains. Trips cover elevations from sea level to 14,000+ ft (0-4400 m) all seasons and variable weather conditions.  I am also an active climber, snowboarder, backcountry and alpine skier, and snowshoer, with preferences toward off-trail route finding and scrambling/peak bagging.

Backpacking information specifically related to this test:

I have used trekking poles whilst hiking for 10 years and have owned both aluminum and carbon fibre trekking poles from Life-Link, Komperdell, Leki, Black Diamond, and others.  I use trekking poles hard.  I do not abuse my poles, but I’ve broken many pole sections, tips, baskets, and handles.

Product Information:

Manufacturer:  Black Diamond

Year of Manufacture: Not Specified

URL:  http://www.bdel.com

Listed Weight: 18 oz/pair (510 g)

Weight as Delivered: 17.90 oz (507 g) with small trekking baskets, 17.60 oz (499 g) without baskets

Stowed Length: 24.8 inches (63 cm)

Extended Length: 55 inches (140 cm)

Color:  Orange Rust

MSRP: $110.00 US Dollars

Warranty:  1 Year

Long Term Report:

Conclusion:

For the past 6 months, I have used the Enduro CF poles for most of my hiking/climbing.  All together, I have used the poles over 100 hours.  This has been mostly in the Central Cascades of Washington State.  Since my field report, I have continued to use the poles hard on 8 additional trips, with summer temperatures generally mild, around 60-70 degrees F (15-20 degrees C).  During this phase, the Black Diamond Enduro CF trekking poles have performed admirably. 

Since my Field Test, I discovered another unforeseen advantage of these poles, the use as a wildlife warning device.  By clacking the poles together, mountain goats and bears take off running, rather than being startled and charging me, a definite plus.

Likes:

+ Ease of adjusting the FlickLock mechanism.

+ They stay put at whatever length you set, and don’t slip in the least.

+ Comfort of the padded webbing wrist strap.

+ Effectiveness of wrist straps while using wrist-mounted GPS device (also did not interfere with wristwatch).

+ Benefit of extended foam grip while side-hilling (keeps one from having to constantly readjust pole length).

            + Durability, particularly when used as a downhill or cross-country ski pole.

Dislikes:

   - Difficulty of adjusting wrist straps in colder weather while wearing gloves.

               - Concern over bowing and vibration when poles are fully extended.

               - Limited range of wrist strap size.

   - Bent middle pole section (albeit under harsh-use conditions).

The Details:

I originally set out to answer some key questions as listed below.  The questions and my answers after 6 months of testing go something like this:

*First, and most importantly, are the Enduro CF’s sexy?

Yes, most certainly.  Spongy foam grip, nice color choices, definitely sexy.

*Tip design, and how much it flexes before reaching it’s intended breaking point.  This can translate to a serious personal injury if not properly designed.  I’ve broken several tips on rough terrain and the break away design has saved my bacon. 

After testing, the tips held up fine and I did not manage to break them.

*Balance/Swing Weight of the pole.  Does the design and weight distribution lend itself to efficient strides and accurate pole placement?  This is a crucial element for long distance use. 

While testing, the markings on the pole made it necessary to adjust both upper and lower pole sections when changing the length.  This required more effort, but helped maintain a good balance of the pole.  I also adjusted only the upper, and at times, only the lower to see what effect it would have on the balance, and any differences were barely perceptible.

* Confirming the traditional ease of use associated with Black Diamond’s proprietary Flick-Lock mechanism, with and without gloved hands, and its ability to hold securely the adjustable pole section with minimal pole slip.

Flick-Locks performed incredibly well both with and without gloves on.  They never slipped or required retightening, and were a consistent and reliable performer on the poles, even in cold conditions.  I was never able to test these poles in harsh winter conditions, where icing may pose a concern.  The Flick-Locks stuck out farther than any other poles I’ve used in the past and I was concerned they may snag on clothing or foliage, but this never became a problem. 

*Durability of carbon fibre sections, specifically in rocky terrain such as approach trails to Cascade volcanoes.  This situation has proved particularly challenging to previous carbon fibre trekking poles.

Carbon fibre lower sections held up well to my test use.  Some minor scarring occurred, but it was mostly cosmetic.  Keeping these poles out of the rocks on scrambles and volcanic approaches will help extend the lifetime of the carbon sections.

*Vibration damping of the Enduro CF’s carbon fibre material on rough and rocky terrain.  This has been an issue for other manufacturers in the past.

Yes, they vibrate.  This is on par with other poles I’ve used.  This could stand some improvement, perhaps by utilizing oval pole sections.

*Ability to change baskets for multi-season use (larger baskets for winter use, and smaller baskets in non-snow conditions).

For my personal use, I needed larger baskets then the miniature trekking baskets standard on the Enduro CFs.  I was pleased to find the baskets easily available at several local retailers, and easy to change via the plastic threads on the pole tip.  With all vestiges of winter rapidly fading, I opted for the ¾ Snow Baskets rather than the larger (and slightly heavier) Powder Baskets.  The biggest advantage these have over the full-diameter baskets is while skinning/climbing up hills in the snow; the outside diameter of the regular snow basket can act as a pivot point on the snow surface and pry the tips out from under the pole.  The ¾ basket’s cut-away design allows for more clearance on steeper slopes, while maintaining the solidity of your pole placement.  During summer use, I used the poles without any basket, so I never did test the summer basket that is included standard with the poles.

*Whether the Enduro CF extends long enough to be useful as a backcountry ski pole, (and a snowshoe pole) and durability questions specifically related to use with downhill snow skis, as well as the ability to use the pole as a makeshift avalanche probe in emergency situations.

The Enduro CF poles most definitely work as a backcountry ski pole.  The pole cannot perform as well in the role of makeshift avalanche probe, but it was certainly durable enough to use year-round.

*Handgrip size and comfort during steep, high-energy uphill pursuits (a situation when the maximum amount of force is applied to the handle/grip). 

Handgrips were comfortable during steep descents and high intensity uphill pursuits.   The extended grip on the poles made it particularly useful while traversing uneven slopes, so it is not necessary to stop as often to change pole lengths.

*Grip factor when hands are sweaty, or gloved.

Handgrips offered excellent friction for sweaty hands and winter gloves alike.   Never a concern here, even in temperature extremes.

*Effectiveness and comfort of the Enduro CF’s wrist strap design whilst descending steep terrain (and exerting maximum downward force on the wrist straps).  Do they slip, bind, hurt, etc.

No slipping, binding, or the like from the straps. I was even able to wear a wristwatch, as well as a wrist-mounted GPS with no interference from the straps.   The strap adjustment mechanism was stiff and difficult, and it was difficult to know which end of the strap needed to be tugged on to tighten/loosen the straps without stopping and focusing full attention on the grip.  Not really an issue for hiking, but if you’re climbing, or competing in a randonnée or adventure race, this could be an issue.

*Usefulness as a substitute for tent pole in a camping setting with a tarp, as well as using as a ridgepole for a traditional tent.

The Enduro CF poles work  very well for this (for tents designed to incorporate this feature).

*Bulkiness (or lack thereof) when in a stowed form factor and lashed to the exterior of a backpack or inside a travel duffel.

Stowed, the Enduro CF poles are compact and travel well attached to the outside of a pack.

*Availability of replacement parts, and Black Diamond’s product support.

During the testing process, I managed to bend the middle pole section of one pole, albeit under relatively harsh conditions.  With just one email to Black Diamond’s Customer Service, I promptly received a replacement pole section on my doorstep in just two days’ time.  Incredible customer service!  The section was easily replaced, and the poles performed like new.  Other Black Diamond parts and pieces (such as tips, baskets, etc.) have been easy to locate at area retailers.

I would earnestly like to thank Black Diamond and Backpackergeartest.org for the opportunity to give these poles a work out.  I would not hesitate to pay full retail for these trekking poles as they are.  Additionally, I look forward to further improvement in material and design by Black Diamond to make this product even better.

Reviews > Trekking Poles > Poles > Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Poles > Ben Neilson > Long Term Report