I’ve read where people have replaced the tips with another brand (I can’t remember if it was Leki, Black Diamond, or Komperdell) and I think I’m going to try that. Not adjustable, which is the biggest drawback, but once I settled on the right length, my Carbon-Z poles can’t be beat. I am starting to add trails. The friction fit on my Alps seems to allow the straps to lengthen from my setting.Do you know if Black Diamond is officially getting rid of (or seriously reducing the use of) the Flicklock Pro? And if they are lower in price, get ’em. The Carbon Cork shafts are thicker in diameter, and therefore stronger. If they are slipping, you may need to tighten the screw, but so long as that’s done they will not slip.The Z-Poles and the Carbon Corks are different beasts. Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles - Carbon Fiber Strong Adjustable Hiking or Walking Sticks - Lightweight Quick Adjust Locks I have been on four 400+ mile Caminos with these poles and they are still going strong. 4.5 out of 5 stars 33 ratings | 7 answered ... Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trek Poles 4.9 out of 5 stars 12. The Alpine Ergo Cork features an angled wicking cork grip for maximized comfort, and also features a durable padded wrist strap. They apparently weigh the same (1lb2oz) even though the Trail Ergo’s are 100% aluminum. Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles by Black Diamond. I was under the impression that the metal Pros were a worthwhile upgrade, so I’m a bit surprised that BD seems to be going back a generation.Uncertain. The lever-action Flicklocks were made of plastic, and the grips were the “trigger” style.The latest generation was released in spring 2019, and come in a pleasant matte forest green. I, too, was interested in your dislike of straps, as I’ve found that they’re key to sparing some stress on my knees although transferring it to my forearms. The Alpine Ergo Cork features an angled wicking cork grip for maximized comfort, and also features a durable padded wrist strap and a non-slip EVA extension for quick choke-ups on steep terrain. I’m not sure about the “Ergo” part but I assume you know what you’re doing there.So what is it that makes the Alpine a better pole in your opinion? After many years of hiking without them, a friend urged me to try poles, and I’m hooked! Customer Reviews One thing that I found, is that I’d want a pole that holds the straps securely in place.

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