Black Diamond Distance FLZ: What makes these poles stand out?

Trekking poles are essential when on day or multi-day hikes! They help when carrying heavy backpacks, balancing and protecting your knees on descents. For years, I used a pair of Leki Makalu Telescopic poles with great energy absorption, but they weren’t the best for trekking due to their weight and long packed length. A Trekking Pole that collapses easily is a huge advantage when backpacking. And that’s why I chose the Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles when I moved to Canada. This review covers all the technical specs, my experience hiking, trekking and running with them, as well as a kit rating.

Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking Poles: Introduction

The Black Diamond Distance FLZ Trekking/Running Poles are durable, packable aluminium trekking poles with great affordability and versatility. They are part of Black Diamond’s distance series, which is designed for longer distance performance, whether trail running or trekking. The Distance FLZ poles have multiple options, with the Carbon FLZ being the top of the range and the more affordable Aluminium Distance FLZ poles. The choice is price vs weight between these 2 popular pairs of running/trekking poles. The Distance Carbon FLZ weigh 340g for the 110-125cm length and costs £140 ($185 USD). In comparison, the Distance FLZ (Aluminium) weigh 420g for £40 less at £100 ($135) to save 80. There is also a Women’s version available with 2 shorter lengths and a lovely blue colour for the Carbon FLZ (not for the standard Aluminium.

The Distance FLZ uses a 3-section Z-fold system for quick collapsing and maximum packability, all essential when trekking and backpacking. To secure these sections to the desired length, a flick-lock telescopic adjustment is deployed. The Aluminium material is durable and can take a sudden load without breaking. What makes these poles so popular is the rapid deployment and adjustable length, which makes the FLZs incredibly versatile for dayhiking, trail running and backpacking. At first, the flexible cable joints between sections seem almost alien, but they work a treat, and there is a low risk of them coming unattached on a trail. These are perfect for tackling steep scrambles or inclines, keeping balance when trail running or taking some load when descending on a hike. If you’re not bothered about paying a premium for carbon fibre, then the Black Diamond Distance FLZ are an excellent choice for most outdoor mountainous activities.

Technical Specs

• Sizes: 95cm-110cm / 105cm-125cm /120cm-140cm)
• Weight: 390g / 420g / 450g
• Best for: Backpacking, Day Hiking, Trekking
• Locking mechanism: FlickLock + Folding
• Material: Aluminium
• Sections: 3
• Packed length: 34cm / 37cm / 41cm

Key Features

• Z Pole Design: The standout feature is the 3-section Z pole structure with the speed cones that allow for fast and easy assembly/disassembly. The blue cable structure allows flexibility between joints and feels strong when collapsing the poles.
• Flicklock Locking system: On top of the 3-section design with Z-fold, the FLZs use a flick/lever style adjustment for final length. This allows you to customise the lengths to the right terrain as well as offer better packability due to the telescopic design. The Flick-lock system has been very reliable in testing so far in clamping and preventing the shafts from slipping.
• Grip / Baskets / Tips: These poles feature interchangeable rubber Tech Tips and carbide Tech Tips. I primarily use the carbide tips for accuracy, but the rubber has a softening advantage. There are small baskets at the bottom as a default, with the larger baskets that can be easily screwed on.
• Strap & Grip: The Distance FLZ uses a lightweight, mesh-like strap that allows breathability and moisture wicking with decent comfort around the wrist. The grips are made out of lightweight EVA with extensions along the shaft to use on steep terrain.
• Recycled material: The aluminium (alloy) shafts use 30% recycled content, a plus for environmental credentials.

My Experience

The Black Diamond Distance FLZs were an opportunistic buy as I left my much-loved Leki Makalu poles in the UK when moving to Vancouver. Since I started hiking, I’ve always used shock-absorbing poles for the added comfort, especially when trekking. Yet when I saw these poles for half price in MEC, as a single pole was used once, it was too good an offer to pass up. Initially, these poles were used for hiking in mind, with Roisin and me taking a single pole each.

I was first impressed with how lightweight they are and how easy to fit into my Osprey Hikelite 18. The grip was lightly cushioned, and the strap didn’t itch or rub against my wrist despite not being a soft material. I fully appreciated these when backpacking and carrying a fully loaded Osprey Atmos 50 with my tent and camping gear inside. When climbing up to backcountry campsites and descending the next day, the Distance FLZ poles gave great support on rocky terrain and confidence to keep my balance. The Black Diamond Poles are soon to be added to an updated Hiking Packing List!

Black Diamond Distance FLZ: Strengths

• Very packable: The Z-fold design collapses to a short length (34–41 cm), which is perfect to fit inside a daypack. Or when backpacking, these won’t be an issue trying to store inside a larger backpack when flying as hold luggage. I’ve even used them with my Salomon Running Vest collapsed, hanging from the outside.
• Durability / Confidence: The Aluminium shaft is more impact-tolerant than carbon, which serves rocky alpine terrain better. Despite the cheaper price tag, the Aluminium version is arguably more robust than the Carbon version, yet both are excellent high-performing poles.
• Good value: A rugged, packable pole for almost 30% cheaper compared to the carbon alternative. There is a modest weight penalty to the carbon, and the Distance FLZs can be found on discount as well!
• Adjustability: The Flick/lever locks allow quick length tweaks, which is useful on long ascents/descents. The Flick-Lock system is very secure and allows fine-tuning adjustments easily.
• Lightweight: For the 110-125cm version, the 420g weight is competitive and only 80g off the carbon pair. These feel much lighter than other Leki poles or cheaper alternatives.

Black Diamond Distance FLZ: Weaknesses

• Heavier than carbon alternatives: As mentioned, there is a weight difference versus carbon Z-fold or high-end telescoping carbon poles (Leki//Lighter Black Diamond carbon models). That matters if absolute grams are your obsession, but in reality, it’s not noticeable.
• Slightly more vibration: Aluminium transmits shock differently to carbon, so you might notice more fatigue in the hands and arms on long days.

Who should buy the Black Diamond Distance FLZ Poles?

Pick the Black Diamond Distance FLZ if you want a durable, compact and lightweight pole that tolerates knocks and is very packable. It trades some grams for a lower price tag and better durability than the carbon cousin. It’s great for a wide variety of mountain adventures, from day hiking to trail running to trekking. It would work well for backpacking abroad, where weight and size for travel are greatly considered. It excels on alpine approaches and scrambles from experience and would work great for fast packing when moving fast and longer distances. The Z collapsibility means that if they’re not needed, then it’s convenient to store them away on a hike or run.

On the other hand, while the FLZ nails its purpose of packability, durability and affordability, it loses on lightness and vibration absorption. If you are worried about every gram, then pay the premium price tag for the Distance Carbon FLZ poles. Additionally, there are great shock-absorbing telescopic hiking poles to choose from to add more comfort when hiking and trekking. But these are less suitable for fast-moving travel or running.

Alternatives

• Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ — The lighter and premium sibling, where the carbon gives you the lightest possible pole if that’s more important than price.
• Black Diamond Distance Z — A very similar family, with aluminium and carbon variants. They feature the same Z folding technology but don’t have the Flick-Lock system for adjustments. A cheaper and still dependable version for everyday adventures instead of longer distance stuff.
• Black Diamond Pursuit Carbon Z Poles – The top-of-the-range trekking pole with a more ergonomic grip for a heftier price tag.
• MSR DynaLock™ Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles – Ultralight carbon fibre poles that combine with ultimate packability for fast-and-light snowshoeing, mountaineering and splitboarding. Very similar in design, with a lower weight, better packability and a similar locking system for adjustments.
• Leki Skytera FX Carbon SL Compact – Ultralight weight at 173g a pole, with a focus on top-end performance and mixed the same Z folding locking system with carbon fibre material. Another premium option, similar to the MSR and Black Diamond Poles, to consider.

Black Diamond Distance FLZ Rating

Final Thoughts

The Black Diamond Distance FLZ Aluminium poles are a rugged, highly packable trekking option that combines a durable aluminium build with a clever Z-fold design for quick stowing. They offer reliable stability, easy on-trail adjustability, and good value for money, making them ideal for hikers and fastpackers who want toughness without going full ultralight. Their main drawbacks are the extra weight compared with carbon poles and slightly harsher vibration. Still, for most users who prioritise durability and packability, the FLZs are a dependable and versatile choice.