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Black Diamond Women's Distance FL

rated 4.5 of 5 stars

The Women's Distance FL has been discontinued. It was replaced by the Black Diamond Distance FLZ.

photo: Black Diamond Women's Distance FL rigid trekking pole

Your knees will thank you for this welcome addition to your hiking adventures!

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Compact
  • Extend quickly and easily
  • Comfortable grips

Cons

  • Strap disconnected
  • Limited sizing options

I had knee surgery almost two years ago, and since that time have been under strict instruction by my orthopedic surgeon to only return to hiking under one condition: always use trekking poles. Although I began the experience as a necessary concession, I have come to truly appreciate my poles.


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The Black Diamond Women's Distance FL poles have been wonderful hiking companions. The Z-Pole design allows them to fold up into a compact length that fits easily into your pack on mild sections of the trail. A storage bag is included, which prevents risk of tearing your pack or other materials you may be carrying.

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The poles are lined with internal cables and include rubber cones at the point of connection, which allow them to lock into full length quickly and easily (see above photo). Using the FlickLock Pro technology, you can adjust the length of the pole as you hike. In the photos below, you can see how the FlickLock operates. It's simple and straightforward, which I appreciate when I'm on the trail. 

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The grips are comfortable and the straps adjust easily. While I've had to wear gloves with other poles I've used in order to avoid blisters and chafing, there have been no such issues with the Distance FL. The one problem I've had, however, is that the strap on one of the poles completely disconnected the first time I used them — mid hike! It seems as though this was a manufacturing error, which I hope is uncommon. Black Diamond allowed me to exchange them for a new set and I've had no issues since. 


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Selecting the appropriate size was somewhat of a challenge for me. I'm 5'4"- pretty average height. I generally set my poles at a length ranging from 100-115cm. This poses a problem when the two sizing options are 95-110cm or 105-125cm. This may be an easy choice for people who are either petite or tall. However, I found myself caught in the middle. As I primarily use my poles during the descent, I opted for the longer version. They have worked out well, but it is a judgement call worth considering for those like me, whose height may place them somewhat between sizes. 

I've really enjoyed using these poles. They are lightweight, which is much appreciated by my arms and shoulders. I have found that using trekking poles has completely changed the way I hike as they reduce downhill impact, placing less pressure on my knees. As an added bonus, river crossings are much easier than they were during my pre-trekking poles days! 


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Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $130

rated 4 of 5 stars All Distance FL versions

In addition to the 1 women's review above, there are 4 reviews for other versions of the Distance FL. Read all reviews »

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Specs

Price Historic Range: $64.95-$129.95
Reviewers Paid: $130.00
Product Details from Black Diamond »

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