Black Diamond Ultra Mountain Carbon Trekking Pole

If you want fast and convenient then these guys are the ticket. They weigh almost nothing and break down in a jiffy. You just snap and pull and, viola, your pole is ready. No fuss with the adjustments at all. Worlds better than the older Lekki poles I've used.Some people like the poles whose length you can adjust, but with all the elevation changes I think it's easier to just go with one length and adjust your poling than to be changing the length all the time. If you have more trouble going up than down, get the poles slightly shorter. If you have more trouble going down get them a little longer.They are slightly heavier and sturdier than the original ones Black Diamond made. Those would be better for trail running. These are light enough that I'm willing to make the trade-off of a few ounces for greater durability buy YMMV. Also note that these are not adjustable in length. That's another trade-off you make for ease of use and light weight.

Used this on a 60k snowshoe race called #Frigus up in Vermont. I believe this is two 'steps' down from top of the line, but IMO the biggest bang for the buck. They come "stored" and folded, but are ready to go unless you want to swap the baskets on the tips. They whip from a three-piece to solid rod with a click and pull. The grips are comfy and I had no hand cramps or soreness after 37 miles. I've used other poles on both shorter and longer treks but didn't enjoy the feel as much. Even with cold hands or gloved, I could break the poles down on straight-aways and store in pack or just carry. I had a couple falls (from getting shoes crossed in rough passages) and even fell ON the right pole once. No issues. Worth a look for beginner or veteran.

Broke within 225 of Appalachian Trail hike during NH. I suggest purchasing the trail running Black Diamond Distance Z-Pole, which weighs less, has more durable handle design, and smaller basket to maintain forward momentum. The Ultra Mountain has an inch gap above the actual pole upon which the handle sits and tears off during use. The basket at the bottom of the pole catches vegetation, bog muck, and rock cracks as it is pulled forward to maintain momentum and balance, I suggest molding the handle to the top of the pole and design it to clip the Z sections of collapsed pole, which allows you to reduce or remove the basket.

I really wanted to like this trekking poles. The poles are high quality but the turn off was the lack of adjustability. I like to adjust the poles depending on the terrain. In the end I returned them for the Black Diamond Ultra Mountain FL Z poles instead.

Took my pole for it's first hike over the weekend. It was super light and helped me from a couple of slippery falls. So far, I'm very happy with this product.

super lite and stable.collapse nicely for carrying on my pack.hand straps are just right for my large, adult, male hands.I am 72 inches tall with average (34" shirt sleeves) length arms. I am 200 lbs.I have only used these a couple of months so far…..maybe 20 miles of trails, nothing challenging this winter.

Made a huge difference during a 30KM (back and forth total) hike to Panama's highest peak (approx. 3400m above sea level). Very comfortable hand grips and the 130cm was correct height for my about 6.1 foot body. Just hope they can endure more trips!

Outstanding. Far superior to telescoping poles. I was on the edge of going to a 130 based on my height (5'11") and the Black Diamond recommendation. I'm glad I got the 120cm! 130cm would have been too long. Esp for climbing uphill.