Why does no one talk about these poles?

They are five ounces or 50% heavier than my Black Diamond Ultra distance poles. The BD poles are themselves too heavy to be included in the most recent BPL article on UL trekking poles.

Edited to correct math error: 50% not 33%

The reasons might be that they are:

1. Not very "stowable" – a minimum size of >41 inches is huge; compare with BD Ultra Distance minimum size of <16 inches for the 120 size; and

2. Quite heavy. Compare to BD Ultra Distance 10.2 oz/pair for the 120 size.

these are more durable four season poles, unlike the BD Ultra-Distance poles, and are comparable in weight to the BD Ultra-Mountain poles (4-season Ultra Distance equivalent), while being cheaper.

That said, none of that really matters for the vast majority of backpacking.

The collapsed length of the MSR poles is 28.7 inches. The minimum length is probably during operation (most likely you can't lock the poles at a length less than 41" but they will collapse smaller).

The BD Ultra Mountains are actually heavier per pair than the MSRs (assuming the listed weight is per pair, not per pole) at 15oz vs 21oz (18oz for carbon).

Still the biggest drawback of the MSR is they look like twist locks, hence the "no freeze" marketing. Sure it may not freeze up, but twist lock has other issues like weaker locking and difficult operation with oversized mitts.

Actually not a terrible pole to look at for the price.

Your BD ultradistance aren't adjustable, but they are very compact. Usable length is 41", but collapsed length is 28.7" (as pointed out by Dustin). Because they're aluminum, all you need is a drill and suitable drill bit to add some custom locking points. They're not twist or flip locks.. they use good ol fashioned push button and hole technology, dubbed "SureLock" .. so very freeze resistant and reliable indeed. Compare them to the other 2 and 3 section adjustables and they stack up pretty competitively.

Agreed, they are stupid heavy when compared to my DIY poles @ 7oz/pair, but I'm finding myself limited in flexibility (using a MLD Trailstar and Yama Bug 1.25). The price and weight sure make these seem like a really viable option, compared to some others.

Some examples (per pair):

BD Alpine Carbon – $160/18oz
BD Trail Ergo Cork – $109/18oz
Leki Carbonlite Aergon XL – $220/15.9oz
Leki Carbonlite Aergon Speedlock- $140/16.8oz
Leki Corklite Antishock Speedlock – $160/19.3oz

The BPL article that came up on search did not include the lighter adjustable ones often talked about here. http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/trekking_poles_review_summary_and_gear_guide.html#.UoBNmC4o75o

Those include the Helinox (from Big Agnes), the Fizans, the LT4s, and the Locus CP3s.
Or maybe there is an article, and I've trouble with the BPL search function. If not, an article on these adjustable light poles would be great.

Well, I just bought a pair. :P

I posted the following earlier this summer. I have the UL-3 poles. MSR makes some really good stuff and this is no exception. Happy trails.

I purchased the MSR UL-3 after years of the Leki twist lock system. Too many failures on the latter. The MSR is relatively light, and most importantly to me, they are bomber. The push button locking mechanism is extremely reliable. I use them on approaches when climbing Cascade volcanoes and they have endured repeated beatings. The grips are comfortable and use a material that minimizes conductive heat loss. They are pricey, but considering the construction and MSR warranty they may be my last set of poles.

Edited by spindrifter on 06/13/2013 09:39:13 MDT.

Well, they are up around 8 oz each, and there are quite a few that compete with that, and have flick-locks to avoid slippage. I especially like the new stainless flick-locks that are more streamlined. If I had to choose between an MSR or Black Diamond at around 8 oz with similar features, would go with the BD in a heartbeat. Just because of the totally different experiences I've had with those companies, although I've no connection with either.

Also have had and observed others with problems with many brands of pushbuttons. One is that over time, the buttons wear at the holes they project through, and the pole section become loose. This is only very irritating at first, but develops eventually into wobbling in the pole structure that can make the pole undependable.

and flip locks don't suffer any problems over time? I think not. All of the locking mechanisms suffer after miles on the trail. Some are more progressive and others less so. Like many things it's a personal choice. MSR has been good to me and they continue to produce quality gear.

Your BD ultradistance aren't adjustable, but they are very compact. Usable length is 41", but collapsed length is 28.7" (as pointed out by Dustin). Because they're aluminum, all you need is a drill and suitable drill bit to add some custom locking points. "

When you extend the poles fully to engage the lock, you are also pulling the internal cord tight. Trying to shorten the poles will leve the cord loose and I think it will leave the sections loose and seriously weaken the pole. There are similar poles with an adjustable top section.

Flick locks are great. They are easy to adjust and you have a full view of the mechanism. The new models have metal reinforcements on the locks to make them even more foolproof.

I think you misquoted me a bit there. I was talking about shortening the MSR poles, whose packable length is shorter than the advertised usable length. I want to add an extra hole for a shorter usable length when putting my Trailstar into storm mode. The MSRs have no internal cordage like the BD ultra distance.

got my pair of flight 2 poles in today and these things are awesome. for my needs, the right choice was made.

The Helinox Ridgeline FL135 is a twistlock, it's 13.9oz a pair, collapse to 60cm (23 1/2"), extends to 135cm (53") and is $120.

Greg C

Re: "and flip locks don't suffer any problems over time? I think not."

Time is infinite, and nothing lasts forever. But the flick locks, especially the ones from BD, and especially their new slim SS ones, are infinitely better than twist locks. This is the feeling of multitudes of long distance trekkers I've talked to, so I'm wondering why you are contesting this point. BTW, there is a tangle of twistlocks in my cellar storage room that you can have free if you pay the shipping. They fail at the very worst of times. There oughta be a law against them. And BD is not running around in court trying to put other flick-lock pole makers out of business. Yvon C. is my hero. MSR, NOT!

"But the flick locks, especially the ones from BD, and especially their new slim SS ones, are infinitely better than twist locks. This is the feeling of multitudes of long distance trekkers I've talked to, so I'm wondering why you are contesting this point."

The poles I referenced MSR UL-3 are pushbutton.

"1. Not very "stowable" – a minimum size of >41 inches is huge; compare with BD Ultra Distance minimum size of <16 inches for the 120 size; and

2. Quite heavy. Compare to BD Ultra Distance 10.2 oz/pair for the 120 size."

All well and good, but the BD Ultra's are not adjustable, a major limitation in many situations.

"1. Not very "stowable" – a minimum size of >41 inches is huge; compare with BD Ultra Distance minimum size of <16 inches for the 120 size; and

2. Quite heavy. Compare to BD Ultra Distance 10.2 oz/pair for the 120 size."

"All well and good, but the BD Ultra's are not adjustable, a major limitation in many situations."

It would seem people are making comments without even going to the link or actually reading details or doing the slightest bit of research. minimum usable (e.g. locked) length is 41", but they collapse to 28" for storing.. not that bad at all, and the 3-section poles collapse even smaller. and they're 5oz/pair heavier than the quoted BD poles. 2.5oz/pole extra is not "quite heavy".

I just transitioned from using my fixed length diy poles at 7.5oz/pair and the weight difference was marginally noticed. the trade off is that I get improved flexibility with my Trailstar, stupid low fiddle factor, reliable no-slip locking, and a sub-1lb pair of poles for right around $100. There are definitely other options, i was just curious why these (or previous iterations) never seem to be mentioned.

Greg,
Hate being repetitious, but …
"Also have had and observed others with problems with many brands of pushbuttons. One is that over time, the buttons wear at the holes they project through, and the pole section become loose. This is only very irritating at first, but develops eventually into wobbling in the pole structure that can make the pole undependable."

The above was based on over half a dozen different pushbuttons that I used or provided to a friend to use. Same result in every case.

For $100, I'll be happy if I can just get a couple or three years out of them. I can always contact MSR if it becomes a problem and see what they can do, seeing as how they have handled tent fly delamination years later, sleeping pad issues, etc

Just doesn't seem to be as big of an issue as you're making it out to be.

I would not worry. I have a pair of Chouinard (yes pre Black Diamond CHOUINARD) poles that have been used for skiing, hiking, climbing, ect. top section is twist lock, bottom is a push button – still going strong! These poles are about 25 years old!!!

Good on you guys, but my experience has been totally the opposite. If only I had back the money that was spent on the buckets full of tangled poles in the basement. At least there are flick-locks now that can be relied upon if not made overly cheaply.
(You can see at MYOG that we are experimenting with $15 Walmart flicklocks).