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Black Diamond

Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Ultralight Trekking Poles

$274.80 $309.99
11% off
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Description

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z is a fixed-length, three-section folding trekking pole for fast-and-light hiking, trail running and ski touring. A pair in 110 cm weighs 264 g and folds down to 37 cm, short enough to stow inside a running vest. Choose your length at purchase, because these poles do not adjust.

Who it's for

Built for people counting grams: fastpackers, trail and ultra runners, and ski tourers who want a pole that disappears into a pack between sections. The fixed length suits a rider who walks mostly on consistent ground and knows their sizing.

If you would rather shorten the poles on a climb and lengthen them for the descent, or share one pair between people of different heights, the Distance Carbon FLZ is this same pole with a FlickLock+ top section - we stock it alongside these.

Key features

  • 100% carbon shafts keep a pair at 264-280 g across the sizes Black Diamond publish, so they sit near the light end of the folding-pole market.
  • Three-section fold with SpeedCone deployment - the sections pull into line and lock in one movement, which matters when you are stowing and redeploying repeatedly on a run.
  • EVA Lite foam grip runs well down the shaft, so you can choke down on a steep pitch without shortening the pole.
  • Recycled nylon and polyester strap, breathable against bare skin on long days.
  • Interchangeable carbide Tech Tips bite on rock and hardpack and can be replaced when they wear rather than retiring the pole.
  • Removable EVA trekking basket, and the poles take Black Diamond Z-Pole snow baskets for winter use.

How it compares

Against the Distance Carbon FLZ, the Carbon Z trades adjustability for weight. A 110 cm Carbon Z pair is 264 g; the closest FLZ (110-125 cm) is 336 g. That is 72 g saved, in exchange for committing to one length. Both fold to roughly the same packed size, so the decision is genuinely about adjustability versus mass, not about packability.

Choosing your length

Stand with the pole tip on the ground and your hand on the grip: your elbow should sit at about a right angle. Because the Carbon Z does not adjust, it is worth checking this before ordering. Sizes stocked here run 110, 115, 120, 125 and 130 cm, and each step up adds about 2 cm to the folded length.

Weight

Size Per pair Per pole
110cm 264 g 132 g
115cm 272 g 136 g
120cm 280 g 140 g

Specifications
  • Material
    Shaft: carbon. Grip: EVA Lite foam. Strap: recycled nylon and polyester. Z-mechanism: polyurethane, aluminium, Kevlar and nylon. Tip: carbide and steel.
  • Weight
    110cm - 264 g per pair (132 g per pole); 115cm - 272 g per pair (136 g per pole); 120cm - 280 g per pair (140 g per pole)
  • Size Range
    110-130 cm
  • Locking Type
    None - fixed length, speed-cone deployment
  • Pole Grip
    EVA Lite foam
  • Pole Tip
    Carbide and steel, interchangeable Tech Tips
  • Collapsed Length
    110cm: 37 cm, 115cm: 38 cm, 120cm: 40 cm, 125cm: 42 cm, 130cm: 44 cm
  • Extended Length
    110, 115, 120, 125 or 130 cm (fixed, not adjustable)

Sizing Guide

Additional Information
  • 100% carbon fiber shafts
  • Z-pole fixed length construction with speed-cone deployment
  • Ultralight recycled nylon wrist straps
  • Lightweight EVA foam grip and grip extension with breathable, moisture wicking strap made from recycled materials
  • Optimized joint support and stiffness for increased durability
  • Interchangeable tech tip compatible with both carbide and rubber tech tips included
  • Removable low-profile baskets for versatility
  • Z-Pole Snow Basket compatible

FAQ's

Do the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z poles adjust in length?
No. The Distance Carbon Z is a fixed-length pole, sized at purchase. It folds into three sections for carrying but always deploys to the same length. If you want to change length on the move, or share poles between people of different heights, the adjustable Distance Carbon FLZ is the model to choose instead.

How small do the Distance Carbon Z poles pack down?
Folded length depends on the size: 37 cm for the 110 cm pole, 38 cm for 115 cm, 40 cm for 120 cm, 42 cm for 125 cm and 44 cm for 130 cm. That is short enough for most running vest pole holders and to sit inside a 30 litre pack rather than strapped outside it.

How much do the Distance Carbon Z poles weigh?
Weights are quoted per pair and rise with length: 264 g at 110 cm, 272 g at 115 cm, 280 g at 120 cm, 288 g at 125 cm and 296 g at 130 cm. The step between sizes is 8 g, so choosing the correct length costs you almost nothing in weight.

Can the Distance Carbon Z be used for ski touring or in snow?
Yes. The Distance Carbon Z accepts Black Diamond Z-Pole snow baskets in place of the standard trekking basket, which stops the tip punching through soft snow. The carbide tips also hold on firm, icy ground. Snow baskets are sold separately and are not included with the poles.

Are the tips on the Distance Carbon Z replaceable?
Yes. The poles use Black Diamond's interchangeable Tech Tips in carbide and steel, so a worn tip can be swapped rather than retiring the pole. The EVA trekking basket is removable as well, which is how you fit a snow basket for winter use.

What is the difference between the Distance Carbon Z and the Distance Carbon FLZ?
The Carbon Z is fixed length and lighter; the Carbon FLZ adjusts and is heavier. A 110 cm Carbon Z pair weighs 264 g, while the 110-125 cm Carbon FLZ pair weighs 336 g. Choose the Z if you know your length and want the lowest weight, and the FLZ if you want to adjust on varied terrain.

Are carbon trekking poles durable enough for rough terrain?
Carbon shafts are strong in line with the pole but less tolerant of sideways loading than aluminium, so the main risk is levering a jammed pole out of rocks rather than normal walking loads. The Distance Carbon Z suits trail and alpine walking; for heavy pack loads and scrambling, an aluminium shaft is more forgiving.

How much do they weigh - is that per pole or the pair?
Per size: 110cm - 264 g the pair (132 g per pole); 115cm - 272 g the pair (136 g per pole); 120cm - 280 g the pair (140 g per pole).

Which size should I get?
Elbow at 90 degrees, measure floor to hand, round to the nearest size. Between sizes and mostly climbing? Take the shorter.

Why choose this over the Distance Carbon FLZ?
The Carbon Z is lighter and packs smaller because it carries no adjustment hardware. The FLZ adjusts through a 15 cm band. If you already know your length, take the Z and enjoy carrying less; if you want to change length on the hill, take the FLZ.

How short do they fold?
37 cm at 110 cm, up to 44 cm at 130 cm - short enough to stow inside most packs.

Are carbon poles fragile?
Carbon poles are very strong in line with the shaft, which is how a trekking pole is loaded. Plant and push rather than lever them sideways and they last well. The Tech Tips are replaceable when the carbide finally wears down.