Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Review

Bottom Line

Shopping for a trekking pole that is compact, light, and easy to use? The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ might be the perfect fit! 

During testing, we found that these poles packed down smaller than any other model in our lineup of best trekking poles. They aren’t just super packable, they’re also one of the lightest weights per pole. When we timed how long it takes to expand the Distance Carbon poles, it took just six seconds to set one up. With a little bit of practice, the folding design makes it quick and easy to use. We really like some of the minimalistic and streamlined features included in this pole’s design, such as an integrated strap adjuster and small rubber tip covers.

While using these poles in the Superstition Mountains of Arizona, we were surprised at how durable they are. Compared to previous iterations, they have less bend, and we didn’t have any concerns when using them for stability in rocky washes. We probably wouldn’t trust them as much as some of the aluminum models we tested, but for the weight, they perform well.

With one of the most expensive price tags in our lineup, these poles are best suited for those who value lightweight and a small size, such as ultralight backpackers and trail runners. Our major concern is that they have many pieces, so they have a higher chance of breaking if you have a heavy pack and take a big fall.

How We Tested

Our gear tester primarily used these poles while completing a four-day, 50-mile backpacking loop in the eastern Superstition Mountains of Arizona. Trail conditions included desert mountains, rocky terrain, overgrown manzanita on run-down trails, hiking in washes and on roads, as well as nice trail tread on the AZT.

Durability

The Distance Carbon FLZ poles are surprisingly durable given their carbon fiber construction and small diameter. We tested these poles by dropping them and bending them to gauge their strength. Unlike previous versions of these poles, which felt flimsy and easy to snap in half during the bend test, these poles were harder to bend. The resistance of the Distance Carbon poles to bending was similar to some of the aluminum poles we have tested. 

The performance of these poles in the field was another area where they showed impressive durability. We used these poles while hiking off-trail in washes during a trip to the Superstitions in Arizona. Even with the uneven footing, getting wedged in between rocks, and being thrown on the ground, they never showed any signs of breaking. 

There is significant wear in the form of scratches after that trip, but the structural integrity seems unaffected. That said, they are still made of carbon fiber, have three pieces,  and the diameter of these poles is quite small. A large fall or placing excessive weight on these poles is more likely to break them than some of the aluminum poles in our lineup. That said, this iteration of the Distance Carbon FLZ poles has seen huge improvements in durability, particularly given the construction materials.

Weight

Weight is a metric where the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles have a very respectable performance: they are one of the lightest poles on both the scale, on the pack, and in the hand. 

We placed these trekking poles on our kitchen scale to find the trail weight with the baskets and wrist straps. The Distance Carbon poles weigh 6 ounces per pole, making them one of the lightest in our lineup.

In the field, we found the Distance Carbon poles to be very lightweight. We also really appreciated the lightweight when our tester carried them on the side of their pack, as they were hardly noticeable. This is also a huge pro for use on trail runs, as they will not make a trail running vest feel too heavy.

Comfort

One area we would love to see improved in the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles is the size of the grip and the padding on the wrist straps, but the minimalist design also keeps their overall weight down.

Compared to previous models, the ergonomics of the grip have improved slightly, but still leaves room for improvement. Some of the features we like about the Distance Carbon poles include a small amount of padding on the wrist strap and an ergonomic design on the handle. More padding would make the wrist straps more comfortable, and these poles also have very small handles made of foam to save weight. 

In the field, the lack of comfort features wasn’t overly noticeable, but there wasn’t anything positive that stood out either. They were fine to use for several full days of backpacking in a row, but they weren’t our favorite in the lineup of trekking poles that we tested.

Ease of Use

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking poles are easy to set up and use because the folding design pops into place easily, and there is only one telescoping section. 

We timed how long it takes to open up each model in our lineup from a packed-down pole so that it is ready to be used on the trail. The Distance Carbon poles were one of the fastest in our trials: it only took our gear tester six seconds to set up one pole. 

One thing that helps speed up how quickly they are to set up is the inner cord that connects the pole sections. The folding section can be easily dropped and pulled tight without much effort. 

While the Distance Carbon model is primarily a folding pole, it does have a short telescoping section which makes it adjustable for use on hills. The flick lock on the new model is easy to open and close. While there isn’t a built-in tensioner, we found the tension on the lock to be the perfect balance between easy to use and strong enough to keep the pole at the desired length.

Packability

Our favorite thing about the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ poles is how small they pack down. This makes them the perfect pole for traveling or storing in the pack. When measured, the 110 cm Distance Carbon trekking poles were 14.25 inches in length when broken down.

This tidy package was very noticeable when we tested them in the field. They were much easier to fit in our pack, which made dealing with gear while traveling to the trailhead much easier. This could be a huge pro for thru-hikers who are hitching rides to town to resupply.

Their small packed size is also great for trail running, as they will fit into a running vest much easier than any other model we tested. Overall, these poles are a huge standout when choosing a trekking pole that packs down small to save space or fly with.

Features

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking poles have a modest number of features, such as two basket sizes, adjustable wrist straps, rubber tip covers, and replaceable carbide tips.

The Distance Carbon poles had an average number of features compared to the other models in our lineup. We really appreciate that these poles come with two sets of interchangeable baskets, providing added versatility in dry and snowy conditions. One thing to be aware of is that both sets of baskets are smaller than typical hiking baskets (to save weight).

Another feature that we find useful is the wrist strap adjustment system. While most trekking pole wrist straps are adjustable, this pole is the only model we tested that has a built-in holder for the loose end of the strap. The rubber tip covers also have the most streamlined design of all the models in our lineup. 

Thanks to these features, the Distance Carbon poles are lightweight with a streamlined design perfect for fast packing or trail running, but without compromising too much on usability.

Should You Buy The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles?

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ trekking poles are a fantastic choice for hikers who prioritize a lightweight pole in a small package. 

These trekking poles performed well in rugged environments, but are ideal for situations where they will be stashed in your pack throughout the day (save those knees, trail runners!) 

As one of the most expensive models we tested, and due to their smaller circumference, we would not recommend these poles for beginner hikers or those who want a pole suitable for winter sports. If you are rough on your gear or carry heavy packs, we recommend an aluminum pole with fewer pieces.

What Other Trekking Poles Should You Consider?

During our review of the best trekking poles, we found a few other models that might also suit your needs:

Leki Black Series FX Carbon Review: Another folding option, the Leki Black Series trades weight for durability. It was one of our most durable options, weighing about two ounces more than the Distance Carbon model per pole. Although it doesn’t pack down as small, with cork handles and more features, it might be the perfect alternative.

Trekology Trek-Z 2.0 Review: These poles weigh quite a bit more than the Distance Carbon Poles but have similar packability at more than half the price. The Trekology poles also come with a plethora of features, such as multiple baskets and tip covers. If saving space is a priority or you just like folding-style poles, these may be a good option.

Durston Iceline Review: The Iceline trekking poles are feather light, relatively packable, and more durable than expected. We like their unique design, which puts a unique twist on the traditional foldable build. These are a good option for those prioritizing weight savings without sacrificing usability.