If you turn up at most trail races or look at a lot of trail runners’ social accounts, you’ll probably notice that most of them are using fixed-length Leki running poles. But maybe this is going to change, because Black Diamond has now released their FKT Distance Carbon Z Pole – a new kid on the block.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles are ultra-light folding poles designed for moving fast and efficiently through mountainous terrain. For the 125cm length poles I used, they weigh just 160g each, and the collapsed length is 41cm.
These are fixed-length poles, so you need to get the one that is right for you. They range from 105cm up to 130cm in 5cm increments. If you put your arm by your side and have your elbow at a right angle, the height from your hand to the ground gives you an idea of what length you need.
I would normally go up a size if you’re between two and are unsure. Slightly too long is probably better than too small. Different lengths have different weights and fold lengths, all of which are listed on the Taunton Leisure website.
The grip at the top is made from Polycarbonate, ABS and TPR. The strap is made from Polyester and Nylon. The main shaft is Carbon. The Z-Mechanism uses Polyurethane, aluminium, Kevlar and nylon. The Flex Tip and basket are made from nylon and EVA plastic. Plus, there is a carbide steel tip on the end (they also come with two interchangeable plastic tips and some larger snow baskets).
The locking mechanism is quick and very easy to use. Simply hold the pole by the handle and pull the next top section down until it clicks and locks into place.
To collapse them, you just push the locking button to release the tension in the pole and fold them up.
The real unique selling point of these poles, and what really makes them stand out, is the mesh glove strap system with a magnetic quick-connect interface.
What’s the point of a glove strap system, you might ask? This allows you to transfer upper-body power directly to the pole without needing a tight grip.
The magnetic connection is very easy to use and can be done quickly with minimal fuss. There is a small magnet on the glove that sits between your thumb and index finger, which you simply slide over the top of the handle and slot into the groove with a satisfying click.
To release the glove, you press the front end of the handle down and the little magnet simply pops out. I found this a lot easier to use than the Leki glove system, which locks with a small loop of string on the glove that, over time, gets harder to get on and off.
Lakeland 3000s
On the 9th of July, I got the chance to put the poles to the test by attempting the Lakeland 3000s.
It’s a simple concept: climb all four of the Lake District’s peaks over 3,000 feet in one continuous route in under 24 hours. Skiddaw, Scafell, Scafell Pike and Helvellyn.
It may be a simple concept, but it’s a pretty tough undertaking. This was my second attempt – I tried and failed back in 2020.
It was the perfect route to test these poles, with some very long climbs and technical descents. Having such a lightweight pole on that sort of terrain makes all the difference (up to 20% to 30% more efficient by redistributing the workload from your lower body to your upper body).
Having the magnetic locking system on the glove was definitely the most useful feature. On this route, I had some long flat(ish) valley sections, plus some steep scrambling parts where I didn’t need them.
Being able to unclip them from the glove and collapse them down with no effort before stowing them away in my running belt was a godsend.
Sadly, over the course of the day, I developed some stomach issues, and combined with the intense heat of around 30°C, I didn’t manage the last peak of Helvellyn.
But I still managed just over 70km with 3,000 metres of ascent, which I would have only achieved half of if it wasn’t for the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles.
So, at some point, I’ll have to return to the Lakes for a third attempt, and you never know – it could be an FKT.
Big Day Out on Exmoor
On the 2nd of August, I used the poles again for a 53km loop over Exmoor.
This was considerably less ascent than the previous outing and over more familiar ground. On this run, there were long sections where I didn’t need poles and had them stowed away on the back of my running belt.
Now, this is an odd point of view when reviewing something – how good they are when they’re not being used. But because they are so light and slim when folded away and attached to a belt, running vest or quiver, they are much less intrusive.
I found running with them stowed away much easier than with other poles. The ease of the locking system also adds to their overall usability.
Overall, this day out was a lot less strenuous than the Lake District outing, but once again, it was significantly better with the use of the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles.
I only had two negative issues with the poles. The first was that the handles twist around on the pole. This meant that when the ends got stuck between rocks, I would instinctively twist my wrists to get them out. However, all that would happen was the handle would twist around on the pole instead.
I’m sure that, over time, I would develop a new tactic to remove them.
The other issue, which is a bit more personal, is that I would prefer some more interesting colourways. Fancy poles need fancy colours.
If you are looking for a very lightweight pole with a glove system that is incredibly easy to use and collapses down quickly to be stowed away when not needed, then I don’t think you’ll do much better than a pair of Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles.
