anyone have any experience w/ the BD Ultra distance poles (or any of their z poles)

I've had the distance z-poles (aluminum, 120cm) for about a year now, and I've brought them with on every trip since I got them, so they've seen a fair amount of use. As trekking poles they work well, straps are good, handles are comfortable, light swing weight, and strength of the poles is decent (I haven't broken or bent them yet). That said, they aren't as strong as heavier poles – they'll flex some if I put all my weight on a single pole – but they can take a fair bit of abuse, and the design is such that, short of a catastrophic failure, they'll never inadvertently collapse on you. The inability to shorten them makes their use as shelter supports less than ideal at times (although it is possible to shorten them a few inches without completely collapsing the poles). It really depends on the shelter you are using them with – they work very well with my poncho tarp, just okay with my MLD Trailstar. The carbide tips are still going strong and bite hard. One other thing: you can't use snow baskets with them – you're stuck with the tiny stock baskets (although the baskets that come stock are replaceable).

I don't have experience with the carbon version, but overall I've been happy with the aluminum version.

thanks :) I've found a few reviews around (couple on youtube), seems folks are pretty pleased w/ them overall

funny they don't use a common basket w/ other BD poles, I'd definitely be hanging onto my carbon corks if for no the reason than for snowshoeing- these would be strictly a three season pole so no snow baskets wouldn't be a deal breaker

our crew took 3 sets of z poles (2 cf and one aluminum) for 26 days in grand canyon last month. overall – they are awesome, and everyone had great impressions. however, they are not very strong. there's a lot of off trail down there, and while heading up a more rugged redwall break, i weighted the left carbon z pole and it snapped in two (at the aluminum junction, the carbon was fine) and as a result took a pretty nasty tumble down a limestone scree slope – not pretty.

odd as it sounds, i'd get them again and still recommend them. they are wonderful, but they are not as robust as the corks, which i also use extensivley. i'd recommend them for lightweight 3 season use in alpine areas. more rugged off trail travel i'd be hesitant.

Dan- thanks for the review, I figured they wouldn't be as bombproof as the "corks", but sounds like they would do well for what I envision

We just got back from the Grand Canyon and was one of the reasons I was looking into these- I figured these might come in handy for running in certain terrain

Did you have the pole replaced under warranty?- I hear they are pretty good on honoring their warranty

Mike

haven't tried to replace it yet, reminds me i need to find the broken one now.

forgot to mention how impressive their breakdown size is too. it's ridiculous how small they pack, they disappear when you don't want them, which is alot of the time for me.

My wife and I both use carbon z-pole. We like them. It is not very strong but very light.

One thing I'd like to mention is that it does not have snow basket. So for winter you probably still need Cork.

yeah- most definitely want to give them a call :)

Yang- thanks, I'll hang onto the corks regardless

I've got the 120cm aluminum ones. They're light, strong (I don't understand others' comments to the contrary), and they fold and unfold easily. Now for the gripes:

1) The grips are too thin. Maybe it's not a problem for others but I have long fingers and there's just not enough there to wrap around. I had to augment mine with some foam rubber handle thingies I pulled off a couple of $3 ice scrapers.

2) The tiny little baskets are of minimal benefit on soft ground or snow, but are tenacious about hanging in brush. I mean unbelievably tenacious. Not just brush–they'll hang on sticks and logs and rocks, too. Honestly, it's like hiking with fish hooks on the poles. And they're not removable.

3) The over-designed right/left straps are unbelievably hard to get on and off over gloves. I mean unbelievably hard. So hard that I usually just let the poles hang on my wrists if I need to do anything with my hands (like take a picture). Without gloves, they slide on and off without any trouble.

I've used mine for about 1.5 years, and will keep using them for now, but I wouldn't buy them again.

Todd- thanks- I want to hear the good and the bad :) my hands are small/medium so it's possible 1&3 won't apply

again funny they went to entirely new basket for the z poles instead of the interchangeable setup they already (and well proven to boot)

Mike

I've been using the aluminum Z poles for over a year (Sierras, Grand Canyon etc.). I bought them for plane travel primarily but find myself often using them for local trips here in So. Cal. I do have a pair of the old BPL Stix that are lighter but not near as handy as the BD's. I haven't experienced the same issue with the baskets as described by Todd but that may be a matter of style and local. The baskets on mine are pretty well worn down. I did put a slight bend in both poles using them to self-arrest on hard snow once but overall I've found them to be strong enough for my use.
I believe the tips/basket could be removed and replaced with a standard configuration if one thought that was necessary. I would advise replacement of the tiny "rubber tips" with the carbide tips that as I remember come with the poles. Those rubber tips wear out very quick and before you know it you could be down to the shaft.

I found a steal on a pair of the UD z poles, so ordered a pair. Very light in hand compared to my "Corks", the grip is a little narrower than most trekking poles I've tried- if you have large hands, could possibly be an issue. I didn't have any issues w/ the straps (tried both w/ gloves and gloveless)- there is an adjustment to make the strap loop larger or smaller

Just playing around w/ them they feel very solid and are quick/easy to extend. They do fold up small which will be handy when attaching to a pack. I also noticed that you do have a little room for adjustment in using them for a shelter, probably 4-5"- by collapsing the upper shaft.

Anywho, at least initially, I'm pleased w/ them :)

had a few questions on the grips compared to the “corks”, figured a pic would show the difference best

side view

top view

Perfect. Thanks Mike.