@@DaveOffGrid they did great skiing today. The cork grips are a bit bigger than my others and that worked well with mittens. They were nice and lite too. 👍🏻👍🏻
I would send them back and get what you love. Maybe you could watch for a sale to help with cost. Or maybe your coworker should help with the purchase. 😬 I'm not a fan of carbon fiber so I'd be nervous about breakage.
I have a set of two section Cascade fiber poles that I absolutely love. That being said, I don’t use poles that often , that also being said I don’t hike often, that and that being said I should probably change my channel name LOL
I love my Costco trekking poles. Now mine are not the z folding style, but are the telescoping style. My friend Monica has a Leki z fold that has held up great, which may be worth taking a look at.
I think the telescoping poles are a great bet. Plastic twist locks in any pole seems tragic. I’d have to see if I get a Leki discount. I have a BD pro deal. It’s still too much. They were cheaper last time I bought them…ugh lol
Not sure why anyone would carry such heavy poles? Fizan makes 5.5oz aluminum poles (not Z-fold), $70/pr. Not sure why you're married to Z-fold though? Is there some magical property about Z-fold? This author's had a single pair of Gossamer Gear carbon poles (5oz ea.) for five-years without a single problem. Worn through four-sets of tips. One possible reason is not using wrist-straps. Many breakages occur when pole gets locked in a crevice and the user can't release fast enough.
Traveling with the poles and I use them for skiing patrol. The ability to stash poles and travel with them inside a checked pack is why I like them. To each their own!
Bummer about your old poles. I picked up some used/new BD Alpine Carbon Z poles from Amazon. I like them a lot but they're not adjustable. I've been using the aluminum twist lock Fizan Compact 3's when using a tarp or trekking pole tent. I like the lighter weight. It's not as sturdy feeling but at least it doesn't vibrate as much as my ultralight Cascade Mountain Tech poles. I'd probably return them and try to find your old poles used or on sale.
All good info here. I really love the FLZ poles. Kinda the best of everything. I think I’m going to try them skiing today. I like believing in the underdog, but those plastic twist locks…😖
I used to get a brand called Hiker Hunger but too many of them splintered and broke (carbon fiber). I use the non-z fold Cascade Mtn Tech ones (aluminum) and they are good but heavy. Surprised your Black Diamond ones don't have a lifetime warranty. My friend left one of hers in my car and my puppy chewed the handle. They sent a replacement right away, no questions asked. Maybe not all BD poles have that warranty? I might be willing to risk it if I only relied on them for one purpose (I've seen folks find creative ways around the broken pole tent setup), but if you hike with them AND need them for your tent, I don't think I would take the chance.
So with the pro deal I get I don’t always get a lifetime warranty since pro deal consumers generally beat the crap out of their gear. They had a two year warranty. I’m not sure if that was the case or otherwise. The Z fold poles are not repairable and can break easier as was the case with someone stepping on the pole snapping the inner locking sleeve. Oh well… I’m going to bring them skiing today to see how they do. I really want these to be decent. It’s almost worth it to keep to see how long they last…I just don’t know. Those plastic twist locks 😶
So I’m just getting started using trekking poles and I’m looking at the Montem ultra strong aluminum poles. No more money, but maybe worth it in the end. So what did you decide on?
So I think I’ve decided these will be great to use for easy hikes or skiing, but not up for the job of rugged hikes on the Adirondacks or Whites of NH. They are light and comfortable to use but they will shatter if they get stuck and I fall forward. They do come loose sometimes. This would not happen in the traditional flick lock poles I’m sure. I will probably get another set of aluminum BD poles as soon as I can…
I picked up the orange quick-lock aluminum ones w/cork handles (Cascade Mountain) June of '22 and I haven't used them a bunch, but what little I did, I liked them and I haven't had any issues with them yet. I usually use a single pole or a wood hiking staff, but I needed a pair of poles for a trekking pole tent that I got. I have no experience with the folding version.
The plastic twist locks have me the most concerned. I’m such a fan of budget gear I want them to work well 😂 I’m taking them skiing in the morning. No one said I couldn’t return them used if I hate them or they break…lol
I dont have any experience with those. I am with you on carbon fiber trekking poles- don't like them! I have a pair of Foxelli aluminum, and I really don't need anything fancier. I'd return those if you have hesitations. 😬👊
Wait, you trip??? No way! Yeah, that carbon fiber can splinter and be really hard to see.. And you do NOT want a sliver to stick you. My arrows are carbon and I got a sliver from one and what a PITA to get out! Anyway, happy bday (late)..
😂😂😂 Thanks! I still see Francis riding around! At least I think it’s him. Sure looks like it, but it doesn’t seem possible unless he was way younger get than he looked eons ago…
Based on the price I'd say give them a run Mel! I have a set of their flip-lock Monopods and enjoy the construction.
I like rooting for the little guy. Those plastic twist locks just look like they will break…😬
@@UnlikelyHiker The Z poles almost always look more stable then the other styles. Ya never know!
@@DaveOffGrid they did great skiing today. The cork grips are a bit bigger than my others and that worked well with mittens. They were nice and lite too. 👍🏻👍🏻
I would send them back and get what you love. Maybe you could watch for a sale to help with cost. Or maybe your coworker should help with the purchase. 😬 I'm not a fan of carbon fiber so I'd be nervous about breakage.
I do get an industry discount at Black Diamond. $111 would be with the discount. I just spent $1800 on my car so there’s nothing left over 😂
I have a set of two section Cascade fiber poles that I absolutely love. That being said, I don’t use poles that often , that also being said I don’t hike often, that and that being said I should probably change my channel name LOL
🤣🤣🤣
That being said, you’re still fun to hang out with! Own the name lol
I love my Costco trekking poles. Now mine are not the z folding style, but are the telescoping style.
My friend Monica has a Leki z fold that has held up great, which may be worth taking a look at.
I think the telescoping poles are a great bet. Plastic twist locks in any pole seems tragic. I’d have to see if I get a Leki discount. I have a BD pro deal. It’s still too much. They were cheaper last time I bought them…ugh lol
Not sure why anyone would carry such heavy poles? Fizan makes 5.5oz aluminum poles (not Z-fold), $70/pr. Not sure why you're married to Z-fold though? Is there some magical property about Z-fold? This author's had a single pair of Gossamer Gear carbon poles (5oz ea.) for five-years without a single problem. Worn through four-sets of tips. One possible reason is not using wrist-straps. Many breakages occur when pole gets locked in a crevice and the user can't release fast enough.
Traveling with the poles and I use them for skiing patrol. The ability to stash poles and travel with them inside a checked pack is why I like them. To each their own!
Bummer about your old poles. I picked up some used/new BD Alpine Carbon Z poles from Amazon. I like them a lot but they're not adjustable. I've been using the aluminum twist lock Fizan Compact 3's when using a tarp or trekking pole tent. I like the lighter weight. It's not as sturdy feeling but at least it doesn't vibrate as much as my ultralight Cascade Mountain Tech poles.
I'd probably return them and try to find your old poles used or on sale.
All good info here. I really love the FLZ poles. Kinda the best of everything. I think I’m going to try them skiing today. I like believing in the underdog, but those plastic twist locks…😖
I used to get a brand called Hiker Hunger but too many of them splintered and broke (carbon fiber). I use the non-z fold Cascade Mtn Tech ones (aluminum) and they are good but heavy. Surprised your Black Diamond ones don't have a lifetime warranty. My friend left one of hers in my car and my puppy chewed the handle. They sent a replacement right away, no questions asked. Maybe not all BD poles have that warranty? I might be willing to risk it if I only relied on them for one purpose (I've seen folks find creative ways around the broken pole tent setup), but if you hike with them AND need them for your tent, I don't think I would take the chance.
So with the pro deal I get I don’t always get a lifetime warranty since pro deal consumers generally beat the crap out of their gear. They had a two year warranty. I’m not sure if that was the case or otherwise. The Z fold poles are not repairable and can break easier as was the case with someone stepping on the pole snapping the inner locking sleeve. Oh well…
I’m going to bring them skiing today to see how they do. I really want these to be decent. It’s almost worth it to keep to see how long they last…I just don’t know. Those plastic twist locks 😶
@@UnlikelyHiker I hear you. Not a fan of the twist locks. Hope you're pleasantly surprised!
So I’m just getting started using trekking poles and I’m looking at the Montem ultra strong aluminum poles. No more money, but maybe worth it in the end. So what did you decide on?
So I think I’ve decided these will be great to use for easy hikes or skiing, but not up for the job of rugged hikes on the Adirondacks or Whites of NH. They are light and comfortable to use but they will shatter if they get stuck and I fall forward. They do come loose sometimes. This would not happen in the traditional flick lock poles I’m sure. I will probably get another set of aluminum BD poles as soon as I can…
I picked up the orange quick-lock aluminum ones w/cork handles (Cascade Mountain) June of '22 and I haven't used them a bunch, but what little I did, I liked them and I haven't had any issues with them yet. I usually use a single pole or a wood hiking staff, but I needed a pair of poles for a trekking pole tent that I got. I have no experience with the folding version.
Keep or return? If you are not happy with them, return them or else it will keep eating at you.
The plastic twist locks have me the most concerned. I’m such a fan of budget gear I want them to work well 😂
I’m taking them skiing in the morning. No one said I couldn’t return them used if I hate them or they break…lol
They will vibrate to some degree when striking the ground.
Because they are carbon fiber? I have no experience with carbon fiber poles unfortunately. Thanks for letting me know!
I can affirm what Senior Hiker 77 is saying. Mine are aluminum and sometimes vibrate like crazy when I hit the ground just right. 🦑
I think it's because CMT poles are thinner or more hollow.
I dont have any experience with those. I am with you on carbon fiber trekking poles- don't like them! I have a pair of Foxelli aluminum, and I really don't need anything fancier. I'd return those if you have hesitations. 😬👊
I’ve used them to ski and they were great for that!
Wait, you trip??? No way! Yeah, that carbon fiber can splinter and be really hard to see.. And you do NOT want a sliver to stick you. My arrows are carbon and I got a sliver from one and what a PITA to get out!
Anyway, happy bday (late)..
😂😂😂
Thanks! I still see Francis riding around! At least I think it’s him. Sure looks like it, but it doesn’t seem possible unless he was way younger get than he looked eons ago…
@@UnlikelyHiker He still his per Fakebook!
@@pensnut08 I just saw him again today! I swear he looks the same as he did 35 years ago 😂
You could get a 120 dollar poles and break them 1 mile into your hike. Run with um ..
I never actually thought about it that way 😂
They survived a day skiing in the powder in VT today, so that’s a plus 😂