Black Diamond Distance FLZ Review

Overview

The Distance FLZ is Black Diamond’s aluminum answer to the carbon Z-fold pole: three sections that snap together on a cord, plus a FlickLock upper section that lets the pole change length on the move. It is built for trail runners, fastpackers and ultralight hikers who want a pole that disappears into a pack or vest. The trade-off is straightforward. It weighs a few ounces more than the carbon version, and in return it bends where carbon would snap.

Key Specs

Spec	Detail
Weight	447.9 g per pair
Shaft	7075 aluminum, 30% pre-consumer recycled content
Sections	3, Z-fold with speed-cone deployment
Adjustment	FlickLock on the upper section; sold in 95–110, 110–125 and 125–140 cm sizes
Grip	EVA foam with grip extension
Strap	Distance strap, breathable and moisture-wicking, made from recycled materials
Tips	Interchangeable carbide and rubber Tech Tips
Baskets	Removable low-profile baskets included
Packed length	About 36.8 cm (14.5 in) for the longest segment, per Section Hiker
Sold as	Pair
Made in	Taiwan

Performance

Weight and feel. Section Hiker clocked its test poles at 7.4 oz (209 g) each, and described them as light but stiff, with a solid feel under load. Backpackers Mentality measured the middle size at 420 g a pair, roughly 80 g more than the carbon FLZ in the same size. Exploring Wild put the gap at about 2.8 oz per pair. That is a small penalty in the hand, but it is a real one on a swing-weight-sensitive run.

Packability. This is the pole’s reason to exist. Folded, the longest segment runs under 37 cm, short enough to slide into a running vest, strap to the side of a 20-liter pack, or sit in carry-on luggage. Deployment is a pull on the cord and a click of the speed cone. Section Hiker found that the lower two sections lock with a pin that is easy to depress when it is time to fold up. Owners who are new to Z-poles sometimes report a small learning curve in seating the joints fully. One reviewer admitted needing a YouTube video to get the poles put together securely.

Adjustability. The FlickLock on the upper section gives roughly 15 cm of travel, depending on size. That is not a full telescoping range, but it covers the jobs that matter: shortening for a steep climb, lengthening for a long descent, and fine-tuning the height for a pole-supported shelter. Backpackers Mentality calls the lever lock secure and easy to tweak with gloves or wet hands. Hikers between sizes can also use the range to dial in a fit.

Durability. Aluminum is where the FLZ pulls ahead of its carbon sibling. Reviewers who have tested both note that aluminum tolerates sudden side loads and rock-wedged falls better than a thin carbon shaft, which can snap. A bent aluminum pole can often be coaxed straight enough to finish the trip. The caveat is the format. A three-section Z-pole has more joints and a thinner shaft than a two-piece telescoping design, so it is not the choice for a heavy pack or for using the poles as a crutch on rough descents.

Grip and straps. The EVA foam grips are contoured and moderately sized, with a ridge at the bottom to stop a sweaty palm from sliding, and a rounded top that works as a pommel on descents. Outdoor Gear Lab’s testers found the carbon version’s grips on the small side, and reported that larger hands could feel pressure points on long days. The same grip shape is used here. The Distance strap is thin and breathable. Exploring Wild calls it unusually supportive for a pole this light.

Tips and baskets. Both carbide and rubber Tech Tips come in the box, along with low-profile baskets. Rubber tips grip better on slickrock and bare stone. Carbide tips bite better on dirt and hardpack. Testers of the carbon sibling report that changing tips can take pliers. Section Hiker’s one gripe is that snow baskets are sold separately. The poles accept Z-Pole snow baskets.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Folds to under 37 cm, smaller than any telescoping pole of similar length
• FlickLock section allows on-trail length changes and shelter fine-tuning
• Aluminum shafts tolerate impacts that can break carbon
• Costs roughly $160–170 at retail, about 30% less than the carbon FLZ
• Carbide and rubber tips and baskets are included
• Shafts use 30% recycled aluminum

Cons

• A few ounces heavier per pair than the carbon FLZ
• Adjustment range is short, so it won’t fit every pole-supported shelter
• Slim grips and a thin strap can be uncomfortable for large hands over long days
• Thin shaft and extra joints make it a poor fit for heavy loads
• Snow baskets sold separately

Who Should Buy This

The FLZ suits trail runners, fastpackers and ultralight backpackers who want a pole that packs small, adjusts a little, and doesn’t flinch at a tumble on rocky ground. It is also a sensible travel pole for anyone who flies with carry-on only. Hikers carrying heavy loads, anyone who leans hard on poles for stream crossings or steep descents, and people with large hands who want a cushioned grip should look at a sturdier telescoping pole. Anyone who wants the very lightest option and is willing to pay for it should step up to the carbon FLZ.

Verdict

The Distance FLZ is the pragmatic choice in Black Diamond’s Z-fold line. It gives up a little weight to the carbon version and gets a tougher shaft and a lower price in return. For fast-and-light use, it is a well-made pole that earns a place in a pack.