The lightest pole we've ever produced, the Distance Carbon poles weigh in at 89 grams per pole (120cm), designed in collaboration with BD athlete Joe Grant.
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Overall rating: 4.5925927 / 5 from 27 reviews.
The Distance Carbon Running Poles, engineered for ultralight performance, weigh only 89 grams per pole. They feature minimal touchpoints for balance and grip, with ultralight EVA grips and removable low-profile baskets for versatility. Opinions vary on the straps, with some finding them super light and comfortable, while others feel they are too heavy.
Review topics: [weight, straps, feel, poles, light, trail, option, features, length].
"There's no time when I'm on the trail and don't poles, so fixed length is great. They are considerably lighter than a handheld bottle. I have thwacked plenty of rocks by mistake cutting bushes, and they hold up. Great item. Personally I remove the straps so I can quickly release if falling."
"I didn't realize these didn't break down and BD won't let me return them."
"These poles are very light and provide carbon fiber toughness."
"These are super light and have stood up to some tougher trails. I like the tactile cue on the balance point, making it easier to run with them in my hands. I really don't use the straps at all, so they kind of just get in the way, but that is also because taking them on and off felt like a waste of energy. I am using them for ultra trail running, so any way that I can save energy is great. I had accidentally bought these as I was planning to purchase z-poles. While I would like the option to store them, the light weight makes them easy enough to handle without being able to stash them anywhere."
"As a Nordic ski racer, I’m a little snobby about poles – these were given to me as a gift and I already had the collapsible version. Despite myself, I really like these. Super light, both overall and swing weight, comfortable straps that don’t weigh much and the solid construction actually makes them feel a lot more positive than the collapsible version."
"Strsight, simple, super light!"
"105 CM. Glad for the shorter option for this 6' tall runner."
"The carbon running poles are very lightweight, but I have yet to use them b/c I’m having trouble changing the tips. I’ve seen a YouTube video someone posted, but I don’t have one of the required tools (I only have the pliers). I really want to change the tips out so I can use them. Grrrr… I suppose they will be just as good as the other Black Diamond poles that I have (carbon distance z), which are great."
"These poles are perfect if you are looking for fixed length poles. They are super light as described."
"Love the light weight of these poles. They are my go to poles now. However the straps won't stay adjusted. As you use the poles the (very) light weight straps will loosen. This is something you would expect. Try to tighten the strap tab and it slides right back. You still have the same loose fitting strap The only way I've found to keep the strap adjustment I like is get out needle and thread and stitch the strap tab in place. That means I've had to get another pair of poles and adjust (stitch) the straps for a thicker gloved hand. I believe Black Diamond could do better."
| Height | Suggested Length (CM) |
|---|---|
| Under 5'1" Under 155 cm | 100 – 105 |
| 5'1" – 5'7" 155 – 170 cm | 110 – 115 |
| 5'8" – 5'11" 171 – 182 cm | 120 – 125 |
| 6'0"+ 183 cm+ | 130 – 140 |
On flat ground the top of the trekking pole handle should be at waist or hip level and your elbow at 90 degrees (see illustration).
