Reviews > Trekking Poles > Poles > Black Diamond Terra CF Trekking Poles > Curt Peterson > Field Report

Black Diamond Terra CF Trekking Poles

- Field Report -
September 2005

Below you will find:

1) Black Diamond Terra CF Specifications
2) Black Diamond Terra CF Field Report and Test Plan
3) Tester Background and Contact Information

1) Black Diamond Terra CF Specifications

• Pair of Black Diamond CF Trekking Poles
• Instruction Manual
• Connector clip for keeping the poles together when not in use
• Trekking baskets

Black Diamond Terra CF Measurements and Features:

2) Black Diamond Terra CF Field Report

For a general description of the Terra CF poles and some background information on my use of trekking poles, please refer to my Initial Report.

Field Report

I have had the opportunity to use the Terra CF poles a number of times - all in Washington's Central Cascades.  They have been used about 8 full days over the past couple months.  Conditions have ranged from long, hot, 90F (32C) dayhikes at the relatively low elevation of 1500ft (460m) to cold and rainy trips up around 7000ft (2130m) with temperatures right around 40F (4C).  I haven't managed to have them on any significant snow yet, but should have plenty of opportunity in my Long Term testing.  Virtually all testing has been on established trails, although this can be anything from bare rock slabs to soft dirt to creek beds.

Following are my Field notes on a feature-by-feature basis:

Carbon Fiber Mid-Section: As far as function goes, the carbon fiber mid-sections on the Terra CF poles have proven just as functional and useful as traditional aluminum sections.  They are not noticeably weaker, more flexible, or less durable.  In fact, if anything, they wear better than aluminum which in my experience is prone to pitting and gouging.   In my Initial Report, I wondered why Black Diamond used the different material as it made virtually no difference to the weight of the poles.  I got an e-mail from Black Diamond, explaining that the use of the carbon mid-section afforded the additional weight of the larger cork grip (see below) at no weight penalty.  They also claim that it is stiffer than the aluminum poles and since the weight of the poles is concentrated higher (in the handle), that they feel much lighter than comparable aluminum poles.  After using them for a couple months, I'd have to verify that all three of these notes are true.  The handles are certainly larger and heavier, they do seem noticeably stiffer, and the swing weight is much less than very comparable aluminum poles.

Noise: After my first couple uses of the Terra CF poles, I didn't think they were any quieter than other poles I've used.  They certainly are not silent.  But on my first trip with a friend who was using all-aluminum poles, I noticed a huge difference.  His poles clanged and banged with every pole plant.  This was amplified because we were on granite rocks for quite a bit, but it was a familiar sound that I've become accustomed to while hiking.  Compared to his traditional poles, the Terra CFs were much quieter. 

Adjustments: The FlickLocks continue to impress me.  Once adjusted properly with a screwdriver - and my experience is that they definitely do need a thorough initial adjustment - they just keep on working with little effort and no problems.  I recently was adjusting my wife's poles with a twist mechanism, and it once again highlighted what a great design the FlickLock is.  The Binary adjustment is equally simple.  There is only one length for this lower section.  It's either locked in place or not.  This makes it an easy proposition to simply extend the section and go.  A reassuring "click" lets me know it's in place.  Lengthen the upper shaft to the desired length, snap the FlickLock shut and the Terra CFs are good to go for days on end.  Just as important, the poles are just as simple to collapse.

Grips: Probably the signature feature of the Terra CFs, the oversized cork grips have been a pleasure to use.  Instead of a slight flare at the top of the handle, Black Diamond has added a "palm grip" knob (see picture).  Not only does the big knob not interfere with normal hand position, but it offers a variety of new options in grasping the poles.  On downhills, palming the knob and pointing the poles downhill provides excellent support and control.  On long trails, shortening the poles a bit and gripping the palms and pushing down on the poles is a refreshing break from hours of the same hand grip position.  The extended foam on the shaft hasn't been of much use to me so far, but I haven't traversed any snow slopes yet, which I imagine is what they are designed for.  Overall, the grips are the highlight of these poles.  I often spend long days with poles in my hands, and the size and variety these grips offer has been a welcome change.

Tips: I haven't noticed anything atypical from the tips.  They function about the same as on any other poles I've used.  The baskets are a nice size for snow-free trekking and the points seem to have the same incredible durability that most modern trekking poles have.

Angle: Black Diamond assured me that the poles do have the 15 degree forward bend, but conceded that it is disguised by the shape of the new grip.  I haven't noticed a difference, but perhaps if the bend weren't there, the poles with these grips would have a definite backward "lean" feel to them.  Regardless, they're exceedingly comfortable and I haven't found myself wishing for a more forward angle.

Shelter Use: I've used the Terra CFs a few nights in my GoLite Hex 3, and I honestly prefer it to the big support pole that came with the shelter.  Not only is a Terra CF pole lighter, but the FlickLock adjustment is easier for me to adjust from my sleeping bag to tighten the fabric by raising the center pole a bit.  Additionally, the huge palm knob sits very nicely in the fabric top of the Hex 3 and spreads out the pressure from the pole.  This is my third pyramid shelter, and used with the GoLite Pole Extender, this combination is a perfect match that creates the best center pole I've used in a shelter of this type.

Test Plan

I will use Terra CF poles in the remaining fall days here in the Northwest, then use them as my ski poles and for winter backpacking once the snows fly.  Most use will be on trails and rock in the sub-alpine and alpine areas of the Cascade Range. Typical trips will range from 1500 feet (460 meters) on valley trails to over 10,000 feet (3050 meters) on Rainier Camp Muir climbs. Temperatures will likely range from the mid teens F (-10 C) to around 60 F (15 C).

They will go on every trip with me - dayhikes, backpacking trips, climbs, and skiing - as well as be used as my shelter support in a GoLite Hex 3.

Questions I Will Answer During Testing

1) Do the poles have the same toughness and build quality of the previous Black Diamond poles I've used? To date, they certainly do.
2) Does the use of a carbon fiber midsection effectively reduce "clanging" and vibrations? Yes, when compared to traditional aluminum poles, but it does not eliminate them.
3) Does carbon fiber and aluminum work well together? I have not seen or heard of many hybrid poles, but by featuring a carbon fiber midsection, the Terra CFs use both.  So far, yes.  No joint wear is evident and they seem to play nice together.
4) Does the new grip improve comfort and use? Is the palm top of the grip too bulky? Effective? Yes!  Definitely a highlight of these poles.
5) Does the nonslip foam extended grip increase versatility? Is it useful for quick terrain changes where a full-on length adjustment isn't warranted, but a shorter pole is temporarily desired?  Not so far, but I haven't used them on snow. 
6) Does the Binary lower pole adjustment mechanism work as well as the bomber FlickLock mechanism?  It's very different mechanically, but seems just as reliable and tough so far.
7) Has the slight change to the FlickLock mechanism improved it? Weakened it?  To be honest, I haven't noticed any difference.  It seems the same to me in all respects, which is just fine because it works!
8) Does the paint chip and peel on the Terra CFs? While there are obvious cosmetic reasons to note this, I've found that chipping paint can affect a pole's ability to smoothly adjust as well.  They do get chipped up a bit - especially the lower section - but still look relatively new and wear as good as any other poles I've used.   They don't have paint on the lowest section, which is perfect.  I've seen many painted lower sections of poles that get so chipped that they cease to function. 
9) How do the Terra CF poles feel? How is "swing weight"? Do they stash quickly and easily? Can they handle multiple tasks on a trip (i.e. go from trekking poles to shelter poles to climbing poles to ski poles all in one trip) and handle them well?  So far, swing weight is noticeably smoother than poles with the exact same weight.  They stow and extend quickly and easily.
10) Are they an effective shelter support? Perfect!  Better than the poles designed for the shelter in my opinion, and lighter as well!

Highlights So Far:

• Fantastic grips - best on any trekking poles I've used
• Ideal shelter support - easy to adjust, solid and grippy handle top
• Great adjustment mechanisms - can't say enough good things about the FlickLock in particular

Could Be Improved:

• Heavy - Especially considering the price, they weigh significantly more than other premium poles
• Noise - Definitely better than all aluminum models, but noise dampening would be an improvement

3) Tester Background and Contact Information

Name: Curt Peterson
Age: 33
Gender: Male
Height: 6'3" (1.91 m)
Weight: 270 (122 kg)
Email address: curt<at>boopants<dot>com
Location: North Bend, Washington, USA

I live in the Cascade foothills, just 20 miles (32 km) from the PCT via footpaths leading right from my backyard. Most of my outdoor time here in Washington is spent on dayhikes, backpacking journeys, climbs, and ski trips everywhere from the Wilderness coast to the rainforest to the massive volcanoes to desert-like steppe.

I played football in college and often evaluate products from a big guy perspective. I tested gear for Seattle's biggest gear retailer in the mid-90s, then guided backpacking tours in Olympic National Park for a few summers. My typical pack load ranges from 12 to 19 lbs (5.4 to 8.6 kgs) and usually includes gear to keep dry in the Pacific Northwest’s incessant dampness.

I'd like to thank Black Diamond and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test the Terra CF Trekking Poles.

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