Black Diamond Ultra Distance Review

Grip & Strap
The asymmetric hand straps are very comfortable and add to the feel of support. The grips are average and feel a bit too featureless compared to the Leki (even if they are far superior to the Raidlight). I would have preferred a better form or texture on the grips, but it’s a small niggle in light of the overall design quality.

Shaft
More and more of my outdoor gear is becoming carbon as the years go on, and for good reason. BD seems to have chosen an ideal diameter and thickness for these poles. They have a solid feel and a pleasant swing weight.

Fold & Lock System
The folding system is space-age compared to either the Leki or Raidlight and lasted an entire summer of use with little sign of wear. The poles lock into hike position with a very solid and reassuring click, and switch back and forth from folded to extended faster and easier than the other poles tested. BD has years of avalanche probe design experience to apply here, and they did a good job of it.

This pole is not adjustable. You need to pick the right length and you are then limited to that.

Tips
Poles come standard with both a rubber and a carbide tip, which is great. I have little use for the rubber tips and switched straight to carbide (pliers needed to make the change) for all applications.

Baskets
The baskets are not interchangeable, which limits the pole’s use to three seasons – plenty for most of us.

Value
These poles are pricey, but they aren't outrageous.

Other Versions
The plain Black Diamond Distance ($100) comes in 10cm increment sizing from 100-130cm and has no range of adjustment. It is $50 less but 33 percent heavier.

The Black Diamond Distance FL Z-Poles ($120) have a FlickLock mechanism and 20cm of adjustment range. They are 50 percent heavier than the Ultra Distance.