Black Diamond's trusted Traverse Ski Pole is still the go-to workhorse for backcountry ski touring, but now it has a more secure FlipLock Pro length adjustment system. Large baskets and lightweight materials keep you moving quick through deep snow, and Black Diamond even designed a grip specifically for the gram-counters to keep things light.
- Aluminum shaft material keeps weight low without sacrificing durability
- 16mm upper with a 14mm lower offer plenty of stiffness
- Touring Series grips have a fluted interior to shave weight and a longer strap tab for easy strap length adjustment with gloves on
- Grip extension extends down the shafts of the poles and below the grips so you can get a quick, secure hold on your pole when you choke up on steep slopes
- FlickLock Pro allows you to adjust pole length with a simple flip of a tab which unlocks the lower shaft
- FlickLock Pro improves on the FlipLock design with a full stainless steel construction and lower profile shape, and the dual-axle design offers increased clamping leverage for security
- 100mm powder baskets help you easily push through deep days
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Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
Black Diamond Traverse Ski Poles
? Share a...
Spring skiing with the traverse!
Blake Carley
Member since
dual purpose poles
riotgrrl74
Member since
i have found that these are durable enough to use not only for skiing, but i also took them down the Tanner Trail in the Grand Canyon too. These are the most solid trekking poles i have ever used. BarNone. Easily adjustable length, comfy grip, and just all 'round bomber.
Weak and flimsy
mmartino031467518
Member since
I purchased a pair of these for everyday resort and backcountry use. The second day I used them, one pole bent enough so it could no longer collapsed. I returned the poles and got a new pair. The new pair bent within a few days as well. I continued to use them despite the bend. A few months later, the pole snapped about an inch above the basket while I pole planted to get off a chairlift. Black Diamond makes a good product, but these are very disappointing. I've never owned such a flimsy set of ski poles. They're also not cheap, making it more frustrating. I've since gone back to a traditional carbon alpine pole.
On the plus side, I did like the grips, big powder baskets and Flip Lock adjuster.
Meh.
Thomas Faraday
Member since
These are pretty standard poles. The fliplock is great, but they have a few problems.
1. When collapsed, they're still a bit long to comfortably stash on a backpack.
2. If they're extended more than normal (for a tall person, or for snowshoeing) they seem flimsy. The lower bit isn't solidly connected to the main shaft.
A decent workhorse, but not ideal.
BD Traverse
Christopher Columbus
Member since
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Full disclosure - I have the old version of these poles, without the secondary grip and releasable straps. Love them though, and the new updates look even better. A little long when collapsed on an alpine pack, but still prefer a two piece for weight savings and fewer moving parts. Easy, smooth adjustability and the fliplock is super solid. Dig them.
Black Diamond Traverse ski poles
pet2528512
Member since
Great poles - light enough, Flick Lock holds well, straps are easily detachable. No complaints. Better than my older BD carbon poles.
great purchase!
grep413018
Member since
Perhaps these are not the lightest poles out there, but they feel light and easy to tour with. I like the single extension with the flick-lock - takes no time to adjust the height, and I can do it with mittens on. The powder baskets are reasonably floaty, and the lower rubber grips are also a nice feature that are surprisingly useful. Highly recommended.
Is it worth getting the pure carbon instead...
Marcel
Member since
Is it worth getting the pure carbon instead of this one? They are about the same weight if you go for the smaller size it will even be lighter than the pure carbon. What I'm getting with the pure carbon? Maybe just a stronger pole?
Angus Bohanon
Member since
It's definitely a lot stronger, but for my money I'd go with this one. Just not worth the extra cash for me.
Bomber Poles at a nice price
Jeff Blackston
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I've beat on these for a couple of years, and they are still going strong. Flip locks work and hold nicely. Baskets are perfectly sized, the handle and choke grips are like new, and the finish is still perfect. I would definitely recommend these poles.
Highly recommend
chrp340364
Member since
- Gender: Female
Easy to adjust FlipLock with a good basket size.
Comfy grip - grip extension is nice too.
Light enough and durable. Great pole for the $.
Scottie Battle
sco139173232
Member since
Combined with the flick loc snow saw these poles work well. Seem pretty durable. I have had the flick loc open ( got cuaght on a tree branch) but other than that they are pretty bomber. I also wish the straps were removable. (other than drilling/banging out the pin)
First Backcountry Pole!
Nathan Maus
Member since
I just started out in the backcountry and this pole has been great! It's flicklock system is a breeze and very durable. I wish I got the 3 tier poles because I am a snowboarder so when I'm not hiking they are strapped to my back and a little longer than my pack. Other than that it is a great pole
Great backcountry pole
Will S.
Member since
- Gender: Male
This is just a really solid backcountry ski pole. Not the lightest, but durable. Very easy to adjust length. I'm 6', and prefer the smaller size so that I can make it short for steep boot packs.
Only thing missing is a whippet ...
Used them for alpine and nordic skiing
mno3751438
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Very happy with them, I'm a big guy and I needed a strong pole to lean on after I crash nordic skiing. I tried to get away with a trekking pole but bought these after I saw them bow big time after weighting them. Used these all last season and I am totally happy with them. Feel super bomber, no worries about bending them.
Love these Poles!
Devin Dwyer
Member since
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I love these poles! I've used the poles to snowshoe in deep powder and skied a few times since I got them. They're lightweight; the flip lock has worked great for me and is easy to re-adjust if necessary. Good sized powder basket helps stay on top of the snow. I would highly recommend these poles.
These claim to be lighter than the carbon...
Noah Singer
Member since
These claim to be lighter than the carbon version, 1lb 5oz vs. 1lb 9oz. Is that true? http://www.backcountry.com/Store/catalog/productLanding.jsp?productId=BLD3408
Good but...
Dane B
Member since
Nice light weight semi affordable pole. I did get the snow saw that is supposed to attach, the only issue is when you attach it to the saw it doesn't lock in place so I'm not sure how i'm going to use it if it doesn't actually lock?
The flick lock is pretty cool but i will say this, I was skiing trees and the lock hit a bush and opened. Then next pole plant I was missing half my pole! EEK! I slammed on the brakes and went back for it... not cool though. What if I was in a "no-fall" zone? ya know? Anyway, other than that it seems cool. I've only skied it a handful of times. If my feelings change I'll update this.
chrp340364
Member since
Too bad about that. Maybe yours got overlooked in the Quality Ctrl dept? Haven't had any issues with mine in deep powder or thick trees/brush.
10 Years Strong
Ryan Gibbs
Member since
- Gender: Male
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Yes my model is older, but the statement speaks for itself. My BD traverse poles are 10 years old and finally starting to feel the test of time. The lowers in my poles are just starting to go. They have been a great touring, snowshoeing, hiking pole. The older model was not very lightweight, but these new ones, which I plan on getting, are much nicer. The choke up grip is a bonus. These have seen a lot of abuse and held up much better than I ever anticipated. Top notch product.

Dane B
Member since