Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles Review | The Best Four Season Poles
When it comes to outdoor adventures, the list of gear that you need (or want) is endless. So when the opportunity arises to pick one item that offers multiple uses, I jump on it! This was the case when I was searching for trekking poles, knowing that I would also want to use them for mountaineering, backcountry snowshoeing, and skiing.
That’s where the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski pole comes in. While I was trying to find the best four-season trekking pole, a shop assistant suggested I consider this lightweight ski pole.
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski pole met every requirement I needed for trekking and backcountry winter adventures, without the exorbitant price tag that competing four-season trekking poles presented. But as you would expect, there are some trade-offs for such an affordable option.
In this honest review of the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski pole, you’ll find my unbiased thoughts on each component and explanations for all features of these four season poles.
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My Honest Review Of The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles
Quick Info On The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles
Price: $210 AUD
Type: Telescoping
Shaft Material: 100% Aluminium
Grip: EVA Foam
Sizes: 125 cm | 140 cm
Weight: 125 cm: 258 g per pole | 140 cm: 275 g per pole
Collapsed Length: 125 cm: 57 cm | 140 cm: 62 cm
Usable Length: 125 cm: 85-125 cm | 140 cm: 100-140 cm
Lock: Lever
Sustainability: N/A
Positives:
- Extremely durable for rugged terrain
- Two different sizes to suit a range of heights
- Relatively small collapsible length makes travelling easy
- Incredible weight-to-strength ratio
Negatives:
- Need a tool for tightening locking mechanisms on the go
- No tip protectors included, which are beneficial for storage and travel
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 poles are primarily designed for backcountry skiing, focusing on durability and comfort, without sacrificing affordability. These telescoping poles feature Black Diamond’s easy-to-use FlickLock adjustability system and are available in two sizes – 125 cm and 140 cm, making these ski poles versatile and suitable for a wide range of heights.
Although designed primarily for ski touring, these poles have proven to be excellent for trekking in various conditions and terrain. While the Expedition Poles are somewhat heavy when compared with many other sets of trekking poles, their exceptional durability makes the trade-off worthwhile.
Who Are The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles For?
If you want a versatile set of poles that can do it all – from backcountry skiing and snowshoeing to traversing rugged terrain in summer – the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles are an ideal choice. They offer high-end performance and durability without the huge price tag you will find on top models.
However, these ski poles can be overkill for some. If you simply need a set of reliable trekking poles that will perform well on rough and challenging terrain, then the lighter Trail Cork trekking poles will be better suited.
Locking & Adjustability
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 poles are designed with three telescoping sections, each equipped with dual FlickLock mechanisms. These locks enable easy, on-the-go adjustments for each shaft, even when wearing thick gloves or mittens.
I much prefer lever mechanisms over the twist-style locks found on other telescopic poles, which are generally more fiddly and come loose more easily. I couldn’t be happier with the FlickLock levers, which haven’t slipped once or caught on nearby objects.
My only complaint about the FlickLock adjustments is the necessity of a Phillips head screwdriver for tightening. Although I’ve never needed to tighten these screws, it would be far more convenient if the adjustments could be tightened without any additional tools.
Size & Weight
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles are available in two sizes – 125 cm and 140 cm. The 125 cm model weighs 516 g per pair, boasts a small pack-down size of 57 cm and has an operable range of 85 cm to 125 cm. Whereas, the 140 cm model weighs slightly more at 550 g per pair, packs down to a minimum of 62 cm and has an operable range of 100 cm to 140 cm.
I own the 125 cm version, which is perfect for me as I generally hike with my poles set around the 115 – 120 cm range. I’m stoked to reap the benefits that the smaller, lighter poles provide.
Compared to the ski pole competition, the Expedition 3 poles are one of the lightest options you can get (without sacrificing durability). But in regards to trekking poles, they sit on the heavier side. The heavier weight is mainly due to the thicker shaft when compared with trekking poles – which provide exceptional durability, even more so than trekking poles with a higher aluminium alloy grade.
Packed Size
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles feature a collapsible size of 57 cm or 62 cm, depending on the model you choose. Both sizes fall comfortably within the mid-range compared to competitors.
I’ve never found the 57 cm collapsed size to be too big, even when travelling from Australia to Nepal and New Zealand. They easily fit inside my Osprey Aether 85L Backpack during flights and bus journeys. Whereas 62 cm – while still manageable – is slightly cumbersome and will definitely be annoying if you’re travelling with a smaller backpack.
For the reason above, unless you need the extra height, I would highly recommend purchasing the smaller model for its lighter weight and compact size.
Grip Comfort
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 trekking pole features an ergonomic grip that I find very comfortable, even on long hikes. The grip features a subtle 15-degree forward angle that mimics the natural positioning of your hands, effectively reducing wrist fatigue. Additionally, it is thoughtfully designed with a small ledge below the index finger and a contour that fits snugly in your palm, ensuring maximum comfort.
The Expedition 3 poles come with EVA foam grips which strike a great balance between durability, comfort and winter performance.
EVA foam grip benefits:
- Naturally water-resistant, making them a great option for wet climates
- Absorbs shock due to soft, cushioned grip
- More durable compared to cork
- Generally the cheaper option
- Best suited for snow and wet, cold climates
Since I love trekking in winter and often hike through snow, the EVA foam grips are ideal for me. Their durability is impressive, showing minimal wear even after a year of heavy use.
My only gripe with the EVA foam grips is the clammy feeling when my palms sweat excessively. However, I still wouldn’t trade this slight discomfort for the durability they offer.
Build Quality and Durability Of The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Pole
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles are made out of pure aluminium, which has very similar strength characteristics to 6061 grade. Although pure aluminium is less dense and durable than poles made with 7075, like the Trail Cork, the thicker shaft diameter found on the Expedition 3 is what builds this pole up to be one of the most durable 4-season poles on the market.
We’ve performed some tests of Candace’s Trail Cork which features a 7075 aluminium alloy shaft and the Expedition 3, which has 100% aluminium. Due to the thicker shaft, the Expedition 3 had far less flex in comparison which means that they’re stronger overall.
Another benefit to the thicker shaft diameter is the lessened vibrations that you receive. This helps alleviate joint pain, especially in the wrists and knees.
In terms of build quality, I am thoroughly impressed with the craftsmanship of the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles. The FlickLock adjustments remain secure, even on challenging terrain, and the tips have maintained their sharpness – even after enduring harsh conditions involving rocks, deep snow, ice and mud.
Except for some unavoidable paint scratches on the shafts and wear of the painted numbers, the poles still feel brand new after 12+ months of heavy use. The foam grip remains in perfect condition and they continue to telescope smoothly, displaying no signs of wear or damage at the joins.
Features Of The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Pole
Interchangeable Tips
The Expedition 3 ski poles feature carbide tech tips, renowned for their durability and exceptional grip on slippery surfaces. The entire tip is made of aluminium rather than the usual plastic that you’ll find on most trekking poles, ensuring enhanced strength and reliability.
Moreover, these tips are replaceable and interchangeable with rubber tech tips (sold separately), which offers great versatility. The ability to remove the tips allows you to purchase replacements when the tips wear out, which they usually do long before the poles themselves need replacing. Many poles lack this feature, forcing you to replace the entire pole when the tips fail instead.
Interchangeable Baskets
The Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles come with 100 mm powder baskets and provide compatibility for the 3/4 powder baskets. While the description doesn’t state that the trekking baskets are compatible, we tested the ones from the Trail Cork and they fit perfectly.
The trekking baskets work well on soft surfaces while staying compact and unobtrusive. They’re not a necessity, but if you like the added protection from sinking into soft ground, you can purchase the trekking pole baskets separately for $16 AUD from the Black Diamond website.
The only drawback I can find about the baskets is the difficulty in screwing them on and off. This, of course, ensures they remain securely attached. However, positioning them often requires excessive force.
Extended Grip
The EVA foam grip extends beyond the upper lip, offering an additional hold further down the pole. This feature is highly beneficial when you’re ascending steep terrain, as it allows you to lower your grip without pausing to adjust the pole’s length.
The extended grip has an additional ergonomic lip at the bottom, designed to prevent slippage when using the poles without relying on the straps. This is a feature I haven’t seen on many other trekking or ski poles, but one that I highly value.
Vari-Width Strap
The Expedition 3 are equipped with a vari-width strap, which basically means that you can adjust the length of the loop to accommodate gloves. This is a simple design, with no padding, but it suits me well and I’ve had no issues with chafing or discomfort after a long day on the trails.
My only issue is that the straps were initially tough to adjust. Over time, they have loosened up a bit, but in the beginning, I had to use some force to move the strap.
Sustainability
Unfortunately, making trekking poles and ski poles isn’t a sustainable practice due to the material needed to create such a strong and lightweight piece of equipment. The only components that can be constructed with sustainable material are the grip and strap.
Instead of looking for recycled materials, you can ensure you’re selecting the most sustainable ski pole by choosing a brand committed to sustainability and creating products that will last the test of time.
Black Diamond has a strong sustainable focus that starts from the core of their business. But more than that, they create gear that lasts, offer a 2-year warranty on trekking and ski poles, and provide some replacement parts for sale so you don’t need to purchase a whole new pole when only one section breaks.
Value
The Expedition 3 ski poles are priced at the higher end compared to other ski poles, thanks to their lightweight and versatile design that supports year-round use. However, when compared to other trekking poles, it is more affordably priced.
Honestly, I think that the Expedition 3 poles offer a bargain if you’re searching for more burly trekking poles. If you were to gain the same quality and features from a trekking-specific pole, you would easily pay $100 AUD more.
My Experience
Why I Chose The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles
When I purchased the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles, my main priorities were versatility for year-round use, durability and a compact collapsible size to enable ease of travelling.
I actually didn’t know that the Expedition 3 were classed as ski poles, but they ticked all the boxes – offering additional features I didn’t even know I wanted, like the ergonomic extended grip and interchangeable tips.
How They Perform
Overall, I am incredibly impressed with the performance of the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles. They haven’t missed a beat, always delivering confidence-inspiring grip and possessing the durability to tackle even the toughest terrain.
Where Do I Take My Black Diamond Expedition 3 Ski Poles?
Over the past 12 months, the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles have accompanied me on summit hikes in New Zealand, long trekking routes in Nepal, and on snowshoeing adventures in Kosciuszko National Park.
Throughout all the varied terrain and conditions, they have been incredibly comfortable and reliable. I expect to get many years out of the Expedition 3 poles, but if I don’t you can be sure that this review will be updated accordingly.
Final Thoughts
While I didn’t mean to purchase ski poles, I am wholeheartedly glad that I did. They provide increased durability thanks to the thicker shaft diameter without sacrificing on comfort and features needed for trekking.
If you’re looking for a four-season pole that can accompany you on ski trips, mountaineering adventures, and the regular hiking expedition, then I strongly recommend the Expedition 3 poles.
With that said, remember that they are heavier than the average trekking pole. This is unnecessary added weight if you don’t need such a burly pole. In this case, we suggest considering the Trail Cork trekking poles.
I hope that this review has aided you in your decision-making. If you have additional questions about the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles, please feel free to leave a comment below or reach out via Instagram.
Happy Hiking 🙂
