Taking care of your poles

Poles are great for providing balance and stability and reducing stress on your body and joints. As with all your outdoor gear, if you look after them they will last longer and serve you well.

It's important to understand the differences between materials, and how this affects the durability of your poles. The strength of aluminum and carbon fiber is compromised by dents, gouges, scratches, fractures, and chipping which may result in structural failure.

Lightweight trekking poles are made to be lightweight, and will not withstand excessive forces if previously damaged or if the forces are applied beyond structural limits.

Ultralight carbon fiber poles are more susceptible to damage than other poles and require frequent inspection.

Before and after each use

Make sure nothing is deformed or broken, If the trekking pole has suffered any impact, carefully inspect its surface for these signs of damage.
Check to see that the adjustment mechanisms open and close smoothly and are tensioned properly (refer below).
If difficult to open or close: apply a drop of oil on the lever pin and another underneath the lever where it rotates on the housing.
If the poles get wet during use: release the tension cord (with the push button), collapse the pole and allow to dry completely before storage.

Store the FlickLock mechanisms for long periods with the tension released.

To clean cork grips:
1. Use fine, waterproof sandpaper and ordinary hand soap.
2. Wet the grip and sand thoroughly.
3. Apply soap to the sandpaper and gently rub the grip.
4. Rinse and let dry

Photo Credit: Dave Greig

The inner cord that connects Z-Pole shaft sections may require adjustment before use and will require adjustment over time as the inner cord stretches in the uppermost shaft section. This play can be removed by increasing the inner cord tension.
1. Press the push-button release, and pull ONLY the lowest joint apart.
2. Hold both ends of the tensioner (located between the middle and lower shafts) and turn it clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise to loosen.
3. Turn the tensioner one-half to one full turn, and re-deploy the pole to check that you’ve removed the play

If you cannot deploy the pole (the button won’t pop back out), you have over-tightened it. Loosen slightly and try again.

When tension is adjusted correctly, the pole should lock easily yet have no play in the shafts.

• Avoid damage to the pole shaft around the pin by keeping cord tension to a minimum
• Inspect your poles prior to each use around the pin-hole. Damaged poles should not be used.
• NEVER loosen the tensioner completely unless replacing a lower section.

Photo Credit: GODZone

BASKETS
To attach a basket: Push the basket and turn clockwise until secured against the upper stop, spinning freely.
To remove a basket: Pull the basket and twist it counterclockwise.

CHANGING TECH TIPS
Z-Poles come with rubber tips installed and optional carbide tips. Rubber tips should be replaced once any part of the metal core starts to show.
To remove:
1Using fingers or pliers, twist forcefully counterclockwise and unscrew until they fall out of the baskets.
To install new tips:
Twist by hand or with pliers, clockwise, for 3-4 clicks until very snug.
Rubber tips should bulge when they are completely tightened.

CHANGING FLEX TIPS refer video
Some models of trekking poles come with Flex Tips.
To remove, the Flex Tip needs to be heated (submerge in boiling water) and pulled off with pliers.
Firmly push the new Flex Tip onto the tip of the pole.

Distance Carbon Z Trekking

The Distance Carbon Z is our lightest Z-Pole engineered for those who travel fast. With 100% carbon construction, the Distance Carbon Z features a three-section foldable design that allows for fast-response deployment.

We’ve slimmed down the diameter of the poles, shaving weight and bulk without sacrificing durability.

Our lightweight and supportive Distance strap is breathable and moisture wicking, the ultralight EVA grip has just the right amount of comfort. Non-scarring rubber Tech Tips round out this piece as the ultimate in lightweight detail-driven pillar of pole technology.

100% carbon fiber shafts
Z-pole fixed length construction with speed-cone deployment
Incredibly lightweight collapsible pole: 140 grams/pole (120cm)
Lightweight EVA foam grip and grip extension with breathable, moisture wicking strap made from recycled materials
Optimized joint support and stiffness for increased durability
Interchangeable tech tip compatible with both carbide and rubber tech tips included
Removable low-profile baskets for versatility
Z-Pole Snow Basket compatible
Available in 110, 115, 120, 125, and 130cm lengths
Men's and Women's versions available

Distance FLZ Trekking/Running

Combining the amazing packability of a Z-Pole with Flicklock® adjustability, the Distance FLZ is an excellent choice for trail runs, steep scrambles and long hikes. The Distance FLZ utilizes our lightweight and supportive Distance strap that’s breathable and moisture wicking, making the Distance FLZ a durable, lightweight trekking machine ready for adventure.

Improved joint support and stiffness
Lightweight EVA foam grip and grip extension with breathable, moisture wicking strap made from recycled materials
Three-section foldable shaft with speed cone deployment and FlickLock® adjustability
Aluminum construction
Interchangeable, non-scarring rubber Tech Tips and carbide Tech Tips
Removable low-profile baskets for versatility
Z-Pole Snow Basket compatible
Available in 110, 125, and 140cm lengths

Pursuit Shock Trekking

Packed with comfort-focused features like ergonomic cork grips and Bloom grip extensions, plus our uniquely designed, streamlined shock, the Pursuit Shock is a premium pole option for any hiker.

BD proprietary grip geometry and shape, with two grip sizes optimized for larger and smaller hands, make for more comfortable hand positions as well as reduces hand fatigue.

.Hidden beneath the grip and the grip extension is a newly designed shock system that dampens vibrations to help reduce joint pain.

Also included are Solution 2.0 wrist straps, made from post-consumer recycled fibers, and a thoughtfully-designed, soft-touch FlickLock+ for quick and easy adjustments.

Ergonomic grip and grip top designed to improve comfort and reduce hand fatigue
Grip extensions made from Bloom, an algae infused foam, for additional hand positions
Natural cork grips provide comfort and manage moisture
Streamlined shock for vibration dampening and to reduce joint pain
4-Season flex tips with trekking baskets (snow baskets included)
Interchangeable carbide tech tip