Black Diamond Equipment Alpine Carbon Cork
A trekking pole that's easy to adjust on the fly.
Brand: Black Diamond Equipment
Model: Alpine Carbon Cork
VERDICT
I rarely bother to change my pole length while hiking, because I find even the simplest locking mechanisms too fiddly—but the SureLock eases on-the-fly adjustments. A unique trigger system lets you adjust this three-section aluminum pole with one hand: Holding and squeezing the handle like a syringe releases the lock and allows you to push (or pull) on the middle segment to adjust the length in five-centimeter increments. The collapsible bottom segment locks into one fixed length with a push-button mechanism. Dings: The relatively heavy swing weight gave it a sluggish feel when I was skiing downhill and the plastic grip gets slippery with sweat or rain.
BEST FOR
Hiking on terrain with frequent elevation changes
TESTER DATA
> Kelly Bastone (other tester: Kristin Hostetter)
> Duration Jan. to March
> Locales/conditions CO; 20℉ to 70℉; dry, muddy, and snowy trails
> “Just 23 inches when stowed, the TR-3 fits tidily onto a pack.”
THE SPECS
> Weight 19 oz./pair
> Price $150
> Infomsrgear.com
Ultra compact, lightweight, natural cork grip. Also includes FlickLock which provides visual confirmation that your pole is locked.