THE FINISH IS OVERRATED. THE START IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
But the space between, where the miles and moments become an ocean between the waves, that’s where the magic happens. The experience waits in the distance.
The Distance Carbon Z is our lightest Z-Pole with 100% carbon construction. Engineered for those who travel fast.
Reviewers love how ultralight and compact the Distance Carbon Z is, using it for trail running, ultras, thru-hikes like the AT and the Camino, and daily hikes, with many owning theirs for years. They praise fast deployment and the knee support on descents. The most common critique is the locking button, which some found jams or sticks, especially when the poles are stored wet or dirty. Others note the carbon can snap under hard impacts and that replacement parts can be hard to find.
AI-generated summary of verified customer reviews.
Overall rating: 4.4383564 / 5 from 73 reviews.
Review topics: ["weight","grip","design","issues","straps","customer service","poles","pair","hiking","light","use","snap","handles","race","upgrade"].
"My first set of BD carbon z-poles had issues with the 'button release', which was permanently stuck. BD warranty covered that replacement, but it's an inconvenience when training. My second set of BD z-poles snapped the 'plastic thread' that connects the poles. As an experienced trail runner, I can not recommend Black Diamond Z-Poles."
"I have used these poles extensively over the years. They collapse to a size that fits in your pack and are light enough to keep in the pack while alpine climbing and pull them out for the descent. Highly recommend"
"These poles are ultralight, easy to pack and very comfortable. They come with rubber and metal tips and two basket sizes which is really helpful. This is my second pair as one snapped in a talus field, they are not as strong as heavier hiking/trekking poles, be careful about how you use them."
"Used them for an ultra marathon. Light weight, easy to break down on the run. Hands got chewed up from the material on the handles. I blame most of that on lack of use prior to the race. Overall, amazing product!"
"Always loved these poles, until they broke after 4 years of moderate use. When closing the poles the plastic pin broke in half. Black Diamond offering 30% off on a new pair. Considering they are premium hiking poles I expected them to last longer than this. Never had anything bad to say about them until now though."
"My light weight Black diamond poles are great. They are strong , easy to assemble. . just click, click and CAN be taken on airplane in carry on luggage . Just put them across the bottom middle section of your suitcase. While expensive, they Are so worth . . not like old style heavy clunky poles."
"Really, what more could you want in a pole. They are pricey, but mine have held up exceptionally well."
"These running poles are absolutely perfect for technical trail running. Extremely light, foldable, packable in running pack. Also sturdy even on long rocky descents."
"Lightweight poles. Very easy to use when trail running. They are great to use but delicate. The last pair broke after less than a year and Black Diamond only would give me 40% off a new pair. They would not warranty them."
"These work just like you’d hope. Stash down well, very light in the hands when using them, I love the fixed size, I’ve found my adjustable hiking poles shrinking down when a lot of force applied. Been using these for long mountain trail runs around the CDT and really loving them"
| 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).