Before you buy Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, WATCH THIS VIDEO! In this video we compare the previous model to the current and discuss a major design flaw that may impact your desire to purchase these trekking poles from Black Diamond.
This channel is self-funded. If you would like to support this channel, please use the links below to purchase the gear I recommend and use on trail. DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product with the provided links I may receive a small commission.
TownShirt
Use code: metro
Squak Mountain Company
Use code: metro
Enlightened Equipment
Montbell Peak Shell
Hilltop Packs
Use code: metro
Injinji
Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Glacial Gear
CNOC
Burgeon Outdoors
Just bought these at REI: Allen wrench was taped into the manual as others have described (I actually checked for it before I purchasing at REI–opened it at the checkout counter.) Wrench is small and extremely lightweight. My concern is not the added weight but where to put it in my pack so I can find it easily and not worry about accidental loss.
Mine came with the tool Allen wrench
I was about to make a similar mistake. Black Diamond offered a discount on a new set of poles as my old pair is breaking at the handle.
The issue I have with Durston is the poles come apart so you have four pieces making it difficult to latch to your pack for stowage.
I will keep looking. Thank you.
Wish I had seen your video before purchasing a new set of these poles. They definitely had the issues that you described. One pole failed recently while in Finland. I miss the knurled ring type of poles. Easier to use and they don’t need an Allen key for adjustments.