Fizan (drop) Trekking Poles Woes.

I’ve used my Fizan Massdrop poles for about 5 seasons, probably close to 400 miles, no issues. Other than some scratches, they still are 100% serviceable. Used them on granite in the Sierras and many trips in the Ozarks and Ouachitas, including the Eagle Rock Loop.

I’m about 175#, 56 y/o with a 12-15 pack weight, so maybe not comparing apples to oranges here.

I do disassemble and clean them after each trip.

Ive used fizan for over 2000 mi.

A few casualties.

My son, slipped , feet slid out from under him on mossy wet  rock on AT. All wt came straight down on pole….lower section snapped in 2. He landed on butt.

I did similar on ozark highlands trail…same result.  It’s actually a reason I carry a one pole tarp..

At about 1500 mi, carbide tips fell out of both…30 mi apart , right near end of Colorado trail…. Finished on plastic nubbs.

The two real casualties were due to overloading the poles they are ultra light poles.

that said, I think there’s a reasonable compromise between lightweight and durability here and price.  I like them. For the mass drop price I really really really like them.

however based on the carbide tips falling out I would not expect a pair to last a major thru-hike without incident.  I’ve been meaning to buy some more tips and glue them on but haven’t got around to it yet.  it’s kind of hard we can get a whole set of poles for 60 bucks to spend 20 bucks on tips

So I bought several sets but I’m still using my original upper sections. I prefer their handle and straps to the mass drop ones, or other replacement I bought from UK. And the teeth marks from my cat chewing on foam grips are kind of endearing.

the scary thing about the brittle hard aluminum breaking, is if you were to land on that sharp jagged broken aluminum piece that’s jammed in the ground, you could really cut yourself up badly

I also had one midsection crack at the bottom and start to develop a split it never failed but I carry a small hose clamp in my spare parts kit that I can fasten around 1 if it should

If we say on pole plant per 5 ft

Round off 1000 per mile

Thats 1.5 million pole plants  -ish.

I used these poles for about 15 miles before deciding they weren’t even worth including in our trekking pole gear guide.

Disclosure: Drop is an affiliate of ours. 😂 Ah well, can’t have it all.

I like them as a a budget pole. Have ~1500 miles on a pair. Adjusters are quite good for internal adjusters. Strength is what you’d expect from a super light aluminum pole (e.g. fine for normal use but easily broken in a mishap). Don’t like the plastic top cap.

I use Cascade Mountain Tech poles and they are surprisingly good. $29 from Costco. I don’t even reach for my Gossamer Gear poles anymore. I figure that these are light enough, really inexpensive, and super durable. No problems whatsoever.

I’ve used them when I needed an adjustable pole vs the fixed length BD ones I otherwise use. No issue.

Id say they are less easily broken than some other more popular ul poles…..

My budget is not a factor…..if there was any other pole that had the combination of durability, weight, 3 piece collapsing ht (great for hitching, etc), …id buy them.  There isnt….so ive had 5 prs of these between me and son….ive got lots of spare parts.

The twist locks are excellent as well..not prone to slip.

I have these poles for several years. Ended up buying them for the whole family. Very satisfied! I do also have LocusGear carbon poles and Fizans way more sturdy. They hold up my shelters (Duplex and Ultamid 4). Survived many hikes in Alps, Israel deserts, Iceland. Other than loosing three poles I had no issues with them. Don’t know what could be a reason to spend much more money on poles! And I have some expensive gear.

Ryan: “I used these poles [Fizan] for about 15 miles before deciding they weren’t even worth including in our trekking pole gear guide.”

Can you say more about why? I’m seeing a lot of positive comments here and on related threads. I was curious about why you and Andrew had not included them in your gear guide.

I’m in the market for a new set of poles, preferably adjustable, definitely fold up short for air travel (21 inches of less). On paper, I like the weight and cost of the Fizan 4 poles.

We had three pair of Compacts (the 3-section model) as we were starting this gear guide. Both carbide tips fell out of the first pair on the first hike I took them on (one tip on each of the other two pairs fell out eventually as well). Second pair suffered a bent lower shaft while hiking in steep downhill terrain off-trail (the tubes have very thin walls). Third pair – compression nuts wouldn’t stay secure in the cold (winter) conditions.

Yep… I bought a pair, as well… Bent pole of first trip… Fortunately, it was @ 1/2 mile away from the trail head.  Went back to some BD lightweight aluminum poles…and have been very happy I did

I have more than 6000 miles on my Black Diamond Ergo Cork poles and it is still going strong. On trail, off trail talus. No bends/breaks. I did change the carbide tips 500 miles back…..why buy anything else? :-)

Ryan, oof! Thanks for the details. Helpful.