Head-to-head · Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles vs Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles is best for: generalist backpackers. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

4.1

3 sources$229.95as of Oct 11

Reviewers rate the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork poles for durable construction, comfortable cork grips, and a FlickLock Pro mechanism that holds. They handle a wide range of hiking conditions and stand up to extended backpacking, but they're heavy and they're expensive. Serious hikers who log enough rugged miles to justify the price are the target; anyone after light weight or a compact pack size is not. One reviewer called them ideal for 'heavy packs and rough conditions' and reported years of use without failure.

Strengths

— Comfortable cork grips that mold to the user's hands over time
— Durable construction with thick carbon fiber shafts that absorb impacts well
— Robust FlickLock Pro mechanism that is secure and reliable

Watch-outs

— Expensive at $229.95 MSRP with no frequent discounts
— Not as lightweight or packable as other trekking poles

$229.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Trekking Poles

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

4.5

3 sources$125.97as of Sep 25

Black Diamond's Pursuit poles earned their reputation on durability and comfort, with reviewers reporting they survived demanding 2,000-mile routes like the Continental Divide. The cork grips draw praise for comfort and for how they adapt to the hand, and an integrated hex tool keeps maintenance simple. Two gripes recur: the measurement markings rub off fast, and the FlickLock+ mechanism can pop open mid-hike. Generalist hikers and backpackers who want reliable, comfortable poles are the right fit. Gram-counters chasing minimum weight are not.

Strengths

— Comfortable cork grips with ergonomic shape that mold to hands over time
— Durable aluminum construction that survived over 2,000 miles on the Continental Divide Trail
— Integrated hex tool for in-field adjustments without carrying a separate tool

Watch-outs

— Measurement markings on the pole wear out quickly
— Locking mechanisms can catch on clothing and tree limbs, and may unlatch during use

$125.97 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles combine carbon fiber shafts with cork grips, while the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles use aluminum shafts with cork grips and cost much less. At 17.1 oz they are within half an ounce of the Pursuit's 1 lb 1.4 oz. They collapse to 24 inches, far longer than the 14.2-inch packed length of the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles pair aluminum shafts with cork grips, where the Black Diamond Trail Back uses rough EVA foam grips that do not wick moisture well. They collapse to 24.4 inches, against 14.2 inches for the folding MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles. They cost less than the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, which have carbon fiber shafts, and the Pursuit's FlickLock+ levers may unlatch during use.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles	Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles
Shaft Material	Carbon fiber	Aluminum
Grip Material	Cork with foam extension	Cork with foam extension
Locking Mechanism	FlickLock Pro	FlickLock+
Weight	17.1 oz (486 g)	1 lb. 1.4 oz.
Pole Length	39.4-51.1 in.	49.2 in.
Collapsed Length	24 in	24.4 in
Type	Three-section telescoping	Telescoping
Dimensions	61-130cm	62 x 100-125 cm

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