Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles Review

JUMP TO: SPECS  |  PROS & CONS  |  HOW IT PERFORMED  |  FEATURES  |  SUMMARY

Author: Steve Edgerton | Updated: Oct 5, 2023
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Although I have long relied on trekking poles for backpacking trips and more arduous mountain hikes, I never really bothered with them as I dove headfirst into trail and ultrarunning over the last few years. When running, I take the “less is more” approach, preferring to be minimally unencumbered by gear to fully embrace the simple freedom of running on trails.

But running with the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles forced me to reconsider my trail running trekking pole ambivalence. Lighter than any trekking poles I had previously hiked with, these poles were, surprisingly to me, nothing but a joy to run and hike with. Comfortable and extremely light, they hardly detracted from that unencumbered freedom I seek on the trails while adding so much value, including greater stability and efficiency for moving fast through technical terrain.

The Distance Carbon Z Poles may lack the versatility of adjustable poles and the durability of burlier aluminum poles I often hike with, but those sacrifices are precisely what make these poles so special. For technical mountain runs, leg-destroying ultramarathons, and ultralight hiking, they set the standard that every alternative is measured against.

SPECS

HOW IT PERFORMED

WEIGHT: A pair of 120 cm Distance Carbon Z Poles weighs in at a hair over 10 oz. Very few trekking poles are lighter than this. When deployed, the poles have an airy feel: they swing effortlessly and do not get tiresome to use, even after hours on the trail. It actually took me some time to fully trust that they would support me while running steep downhills. The fact that poles so light can be so strong relative to their weight simply defies intuition.

COMFORT: The EVA foam handles are ergonomic and feature a soft, pleasant texture. The featherlight weight of the poles makes them even more comfortable, as you hardly need to grip the handles to maintain control: just a light grip with your thumb and forefinger is all that is needed. 

DURABILITY: There is no getting around the fact that carbon fiber is not the most durable material. If you run or hike frequently enough on technical terrain, you will likely snap a pole sooner or later.

That said, it is not like the Carbon Z poles are dainty collectibles just waiting to be broken. They were designed with things like ultrarunning in mind, which is basically synonymous with durability. Although carbon fiber poles are not the best choice for intense bushwacking or remote international treks, these poles are reliably durable for most trail adventures.

VERSATILITY: If the Distance Carbon Z poles have a weak point, it is versatility. Their fixed length eliminates any adjustability for variable terrain, and shorter sizes will not be compatible with many trekking pole shelters. No extended grip also means it is not really possible to choke up on the poles to adapt to steep uphill climbs.

These design decisions are unavoidable if you’re seeking the lightest trekking poles possible. However, as long as you pick the right size (the poles come in 100 cm, 110 cm, 120 cm, and 120 cm lengths), the simplicity of fixed-length poles is more often a virtue than a limitation. 

But if versatility is a top priority, consider the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Poles. For a few extra dollars and ounces, the FLZ version adds one telescoping shaft at the top of each pole. The telescoping shaft offers 15 cm of adjustability without sacrificing the effortless deployment that makes Black Diamond’s Distance Carbon poles so great.

PACKABILITY: Black Diamond’s Z-style design results in an impressively packable pole. The 120 cm poles fold down to 16 in. They are easy to secure onto a running vest, stash in a water bottle pocket, and can even fit in the inner compartment of most daypacks and trail running vests. I’ve run with them packed in the back of my running vest and secured along the shoulder straps, and they always remain impressively unobtrusive.

NOTABLE FEATURES

LOCKING SYSTEM: The Distance Carbon Z Poles feature a single push-lock button to both deploy and stow away the poles. The button, located just below the pole handle, reliably locks the poles in place in concert with Black Diamond’s speed cone technology that guides each shaft component into place and is dead simple to use.

EVA FOAM HANDLES: The EVA foam handles are lightweight, comfortable, and water-resistant. The handles have a slim profile compared to some trekking poles, with subtle notches providing multiple grip options.

100% CARBON FIBER SHAFTS: The carbon fiber shafts are about as light as possible. The latest iteration of the Distance Carbon Z Poles is slimmer than past versions, featuring stiffer carbon fiber material and added joint support to preserve durability while cutting additional weight.

ADJUSTABLE WRIST STRAPS: The slim wrist straps are minimal but comfortable. They adjust via a Velcro strap, making it easy to tune in a perfect grip, with most of the impact force distributed through the wrist while facilitating a loose grip on the pole’s handles.

INTERCHANGEABLE BASKETS/TIPS: The poles come with carbide tips and small baskets installed. Rubber tips and a spare set of baskets are also included. Larger Black Diamond snow baskets (not included) can also be installed for snowy or muddy trails. 

The carbide tips provide more traction on most trail surfaces, but their sharp points can snag on gear, scar natural surfaces, and are louder. Rubber tips don’t offer as much bite, but they are quieter and often a better choice for environmentally sensitive terrain, like alpine meadows.

SUMMARY

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles are not cheap. If a comfortable, reliable, and durable trekking pole is all you’re after, you can find multiple high-quality options for half the price of these things.

Although the Carbon Z poles are comfortable, reliable, and durable, they are also extremely lightweight, packable, and easy to use. The extra investment is 100% worth it for hikers, trail runners, and fastpackers alike–there is a reason they earned the top spot in our review of the best ultralight trekking poles.

While some may see the fixed length as a lack of versatility, to me it is a selling point. The less fiddling the better, and these poles require next to no fiddling–whether you are getting them into your pack or deploying them in your hands. They are just a genuine pleasure to use, one of those glorious pieces of gear that add to the quality of my trail experience, never detracting from it. 

While I was trekking pole agnostic at best, at least when it came to trail running, the Distance Carbon Z Poles converted me into a believer. They are fun, light, and super functional–truly ultralight trekking poles at their finest.

DISCLOSURE

Black Diamond provided me with a free sample for this review – but the views expressed here are all my own. The review might also contain affiliate links, which help us keep churning out more content.

MORE INFORMATION

Looking for more information on hiking, backpacking, or trail running? Be sure to check out some of our other tips and gear reviews:

• Best Ultralight Trekking Poles

• Best Trail & Ultrarunning Vests

• Ultimate Guide to Getting Started with Trail Running

• Ultimate Fastpacking Gear List

• Best Hiking Watches

• Ultimate Guide to Carrying Water Whilst Backpacking

Or check out our entire Gear Reviews Page, our Knowledge Base Articles, or Destination Guides for more hiking, backpacking, running, and outdoors related content.

Happy hiking and take care out there in the wild!