• The new Enduro CF has double FlickLocks and a carbon fiber lower shaft, offering easy cold-weather function with gloves and year-round performance. The Enduro CF Compact is our lightest pole in the trekking line. Features:
  • Two FlickLock adjustments
  • Soft foam grip with foam extension
  • Carbon fiber lower shaft
  • Wide padded straps
  • Long Flex Tips.

Description [return to top] The Mountain Series Enduro Poles are the latest member of the FlickLock family from Black Diamond (BD). They are a 3-section trekking pole, with aluminum upper and middle sections and a carbon fiber lower section with replaceable tip and small removable baskets. For a detailed description, including photos, please see my Initial Report.

Field Testing [return to top] Our Boy Scout troop camps monthly, generally in the wooded areas of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. Almost all of these outings included a minimum of 2 nights of camping, with temperatures from lows around 45 ºF (7 ºC) to highs around 105 ºF (41 ºC) during the 4-month test period. Elevations ranged from sea level to approximately 1,500’ (457 m).

Since my Field Report, I spent a week of 10-15 mile (16-24 km) days – just wandering around scout camp – at the end of July. Temperatures for this trip ranged from lows around 65 ºF (18 ºC) to highs around 105 ºF (41 ºC) with fairly high humidity creating a heat index of 115 °F (46 °C), and elevations ranged from about 800’ (244 m) to about 1,200’ (366 m) with a lot of ups and downs.

Things I was looking for: Adjustability. How easily can I adjust them, and how quickly? Do they stay where they are set? If not, can I adjust that easily? Does the FlickLock mechanism make it easier to adjust the height when using the poles to pitch a tarp? Do they fit in my luggage/on my pack when not in use? Comfort. Does the construction effectively dampen vibration (and hopefully sound)? Grips. Do they fit my hands comfortably? Is sweating an issue? Does the foam abrade readily? 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 (I’m not a small guy, and I USE my poles)? Multi-use. Are they long enough to pitch a tarp for shelter?

My findings: Adjustability. They stay where they are set. The FlickLock mechanism makes it easier to adjust the height when using the poles to pitch a tarp, or the Lunar Solo tent. Comfort. Other than the one seam I addressed, I have been very happy. Grips. Just plain nice. No abnormal sweating of my hands. Straps. Also very nice. Adjustable and comfortable. Durability. So far so good. Multi-use. See note above about the Lunar Solo.

Things I like [return to top] Light. Compact. Attractive, in my opinion. Things I don't like [return to top] Reversing the straps is a bit difficult.

Summary [return to top] These poles have replaced the BD Carbon Fiber FlickLocks I previously tested as my poles of choice, at least where packing them for transport is necessary. If I had received the longer version (I am just below the height that BD recommends for the longer poles) I would have an even harder time choosing, as additional length provides additional options for pitching my shelters. The grips are good, the collapsed length is great, the strap adjustment is my only real issue.

Additional Resources [return to top] I started using a single wooden hiking stave in 2002 on a Boy Scout day hike. I switched to two adjustable trekking poles (from the camping aisle at a department store) the following summer prior to my trip to Philmont Scout Ranch, where I put 15-20 miles (24-32 km) on them throughout the week plus a 15-mile (24 km) round-trip half way up Pikes Peak (left photo) and back that weekend, then added another 50-75 miles (80-120 km) at summer camp the following week and again each year since. I noticed a significant improvement in my ability to climb a very steep trail at summer camp as compared to the first year, something I attribute mostly to the use of the poles. When a planned 10-mile (16 km) hike on the Appalachian Trail (right photo) in November of 2005 turned into a 15-mile (24 km) one-day trek, I never could have finished without my 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.

Thank you for your time. Chuck Kime a.k.a. Fuzzy

Reviews > Trekking Poles > Poles > Black Diamond Enduro CF Trekking Poles > Chuck Kime > Long Term Report