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.
Overall rating: 4.368421 / 5 from 57 reviews.
Review topics: ["straps","weight","design","issues","customer service","grip","poles","light","hiking","handles","use","snap","race","upgrade"].
"I wanted to replace my 15+ year old trekking poles, and thought I'd see what the latest and greatest had to offer. One of my brand new poles broke on their first outing. When looking at the break, it was clear that it was caused by a bad design decision; They broke at the point where two holes were drilled into the shaft to secure an internal pin which is most likely used to hold the internal cable in place. Unfortunately, drilling a hole in carbon fiber severely reduces its shear strength. Even a modest impact will cause them to break, such as when catching yourself if you trip or stumble. I would not trust these poles with anything more strenuous than a walk around the neighborhood. If you need poles for trekking, backpacking, trail running, or anything strenuous, then go with another brand or design. I will be going back to my 15+ year old aluminum poles for now."
"April 2026. They were perfect for the journey—lightweight, reliable, and quick to deploy. They helped keep a steady rhythm and took pressure off my knees on long descents. I wouldn’t do another long walk without them."
"I love these poles. They are extremely lightweight. My last pair broke after about 2 years and I had purchased them at the REI resupply store. Black Diamond was so cool and gave me 30% off for new ones since I didn't buy directly. They have a 2 year warranty and are totally worth it to me. The lighter, the letter!"
"Overall these are a great set poles to have. They fold up real short and weigh barely anything. If I dont even plan to use them, I'll still pack them because I dont even notice them. They disappear in the pack. They are simple to use and do the trick. I have not changed the tips or the baskets out. Im sure there wont be a problem there. But one of my poles seems to click every time weight is placed on it. Thats been my only annoyance with these Distance Carbon Z Poles."
"Been using for a couple months and find them to be exceptional tools. I wish I had bought them sooner. Great and effective providing stability during running / hiking. I have never used trekking poles before so I do not have much to compare them too but I presume these are among the very best."
"Absolutely love these Distance Carbon Z Poles! Super lightweight yet incredibly sturdy, perfect for long trail runs and hikes. The foldable design is a game changer; they pack down small and deploy in seconds when needed on climbs. The grip feels comfortable even during longer efforts, and the carbon construction really helps reduce fatigue over distance. I especially noticed the difference on sustained climbs, they give great support without feeling bulky or heavy. Highly recommend for anyone doing trail races, ultras, or hikes where efficiency and weight matter. Worth every penny!"
"These poles are incredibly light and super easy to assemble. Only wish I started hiking with them sooner."
"The carbon z are surprisingly durable for how light they are. They snap into place quickly while you're on the move and then fold back up easily to throw in a pack - I've been using them with a quiver and they fit in easily"
"Great poles, but I’ve broken 3 pairs over the last 5 years. They will replace them once within the year warranty period."
"These poles are a game changer for trail running. Super light and easy to carry. They make the uphills easier and the downhills less scary."
| 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).