The Black Diamond Expedition Ski Poles are first-class all-round poles. They have a wide range of adjustability. The FlickLock® Pro clamp is simple and secure. The strap on the handle is quick and easy to adjust. The handles are ergonomically shaped for comfort. These aluminum telescopic poles combine functionality, robustness and weight in a balanced way. An all-round talent for all backcountry adventures and users, whether skiers, snowboarders or snowshoe hikers.
Some decades have passed since the invention of ski poles, but their purpose in skiing for pushing, straightening, balancing and supporting the movement sequence has hardly changed since their invention. Parallels between ski poles from the 1920s and the Black Diamond Expetition Ski Poles can only be guessed at in the silhouette. In terms of function and material, Black Diamond presents a high-quality technical advancement in this segment with the Expedition Ski Poles. These 3-piece telescopic poles made of aluminum combine functionality, robustness and weight in a balanced way.
Practice
Threading through the webbing on the handle is straightforward and the strap fits snugly over the back of the hand. The grips have an ergonomically comfortable shape and fit very well in the hands. However, I would have liked a longer rubber coating for a shorter hold, especially when touring. The FlickLock® Pro clamp developed by Black Diamond is a very simple, comfortable and quick solution for adjusting the length for any backcountry adventure. It also works perfectly with gloves. Open the clamp - set the desired length - close: done. The clamps are bombproof and have never failed on me, whether freeriding, touring or as a climbing aid when hiking. The "annoying" turning and adjusting is therefore history. With the 100 mm "plates" (powder baskets), skiers are always well equipped for powder descents. I find the flex to be sufficient. The two adjustable points make it possible to reduce the size to approx. 63 cm and extend it to approx. 140 cm. The reduction in size is particularly convenient for attaching to a backpack. Snowboarders can enjoy the powder descent without any worries. A nice feature are the large lips on the handle, which make bending down to lock tech bindings (Dynafit) superfluous - works perfectly in practice.
Conclusion
The functions of the Black Diamond Expedition Ski Pole such as adjusting the length with the FlickLock® Pro clamp, adjusting the webbing, ergonomics of the handles and the powder baskets are very well thought out and absolutely user-friendly. However, those who focus exclusively on weight are better served with carbon poles. The Ski Poles are no lightweight (approx. 662 g per pair), but in practical use they have convinced me with their functionality and robustness. A first-class all-round talent.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ FlickLock® Pro clamp
+ 100 mm powder baskets
+ Ergonomic grips and rubber coating
+ Webbing on the grips
+ Adjustment range: min. 63 cm - max. 140 cm
+ No bending down to lock tech bindings á la Dynafit
+ Flex of the ski poles
- Only hand-sized rubber coating for shortening
- Not a lightweight among the telescopic poles (own weighing: approx. 662 g per pair / according to BD: approx. 620 g per pair)
Details
- Made entirely from aluminum
- Specially designed handle including strap for low weight and high durability
- 100 mm powder plate
- Dual FlickLock® Pro for perfect adjustability and high safety
- Compressible to 57 cm (or 62 cm in the longer size)
Find more information from the manufacturer here...
Here you can buy the Black Diamond Expedition Pole at the PG-Partnershop...
