Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Pole - 2009 BCS

I scored these guys off of SAC and right out of the box they seem to be good to go! The construction appears to be solid and how could you go wrong with carbon fiber? I have yet to take these on a serious trek but will update this posting when I get some more miles on them.

These poles have performed very well for me. I have put them to the test on everything from scree to snow, dirt trails to grassy meadows. They are both light and sturdy and collapse very small.

I've probably got something like 500 miles on these so far and they're still in good shape, though not as pretty as they once were because the shafts are a bit scratched up from rocks and brush.
The cork handles get more comfortable with age. I'm missing a small chunk from one where I took a spill and smashed it on a rock, but that has since smoothed out. The cork is a definite bonus over rubber or foam because it doesn't get slippery with sweat.
In my opinion, BD's FlickLock is far superior to the twist locks other manufacturers use. It seems like there is no way to break it.
The poles are light and sturdy. The carbon subdues the ringing you get with aluminum poles when striking rock. Also, it doesn't bend or dent like aluminum will.
The baskets are easy to change out, thanks to the treading on the tips.
I've had to replace the tips once (I wore both tips out on the John Muir Trail last summer). Replacing the tips was easy once I got back. It might be a good idea to carry a spare tip on really long hikes, just in case, because the poles aren't nearly as effective without the carbide tips.

These things are wicked light but seem to be strong as well. Time will tell but so far so good. No issues at all. I only had to loosen the flicklocks somewhat (they were way tight) and still have no slippage at all. Now if you are gear-heavy you may want to consider another pole. They are carbon and will break if subjected to heavy side loads, but so will aluminum. I,m happy with them for sure.

These poles are comfy and sexy. Always been a fan of carbon fiber and love how cork feels in my hands(cheap foam be gone!!). Be cautious though as the cork can chip if tossed onto rocks. Foam extensions below the hand grips make winter rock scrambles warm(not grabbing the cold pole) and are a nice touch. After having my twist locks repeatedly loosen while snowshoeing or freezing, the flick locks on these are very nice to use. The carbon does scratch, but so does the paint/anodizing on other poles. I haven't noticed the "vibrations" that I have read about on other site's reviews that make people tired. For buddies who have borrowed these, they simply say "wow".

As a bonus, snow baskets are included.

After reading a number of reviews on thes trekking poles decided to take the plunge and invest in a set. Best thing I ever did. I have been developing back and knee problems over the past couple of years and was concerned that my walking days were numbered. With these light weight poles I reckon I will have years in me yet (once I sort the back problems). They take the stress of the knees when going down hill and are an absolute bonus when tackling the up hill climbs.

Don't think I could walk without them now. Good for both desert and alpine conditions and also easy to store nd clean

Got these, use these, love these. However I should caution... compare the weight of these to other trekking poles because you're not gaining any weight savings by buying carbon. The only reason I bought carbon is because I want to know I have some of the best gear I can get.