Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles | A Long Term Review

Trekking poles have become an essential item for my hiking adventures. They are invaluable for support, energy conservation and stability on challenging terrain. But I learnt the hard way that not all hiking poles are built to withstand rugged paths and swift rivers.

After nearly slipping due to blunt tips, losing part of the shaft in mud and almost snapping my poles in a knee-deep river, I realised it was time to upgrade to a more durable and trustworthy set of trekking poles. Following plenty of research and careful consideration, I chose the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles.

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles have been my reliable companions on countless trails through New Zealand and Nepal, never missing a beat. With that said, there are a few components that I would like to see improved.

In this review of the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles, you’ll find detailed explanations of each feature and my honest, unbiased review of all aspects of these hiking poles.

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My Honest Review Of The Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Quick Info On The Trail Cork Trekking Poles

Price: $230 AUD ($207 AUD from Wildfire Sports)
Type: Telescoping
Shaft Material: 7075 Aluminium
Grip: Cork & EVA Foam
Sizes: Unisex | Women’s
Weight: Unisex: 243 g per pole | Women’s: 240 g per pole
Collapsed Length: Unisex: 64 cm | Women’s: 62 cm
Usable Length: Unisex: 100 – 140 cm | Women’s: 100 – 125 cm
Lock: Lever
Sustainability: N/A

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Positives:

• Extremely durable for rugged terrain
• Comfortable grip for all-day use
• A wide usable length that suits a range of heights
• Interchangeable tips

Negatives:

• Slightly longer collapsed length than some other alternatives
• Need a tool for tightening locking mechanisms on the go
• No tip protectors included, which are super handy when travelling

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles are designed with durability, comfort and affordability in mind. These telescoping poles feature Black Diamond’s user-friendly FlickLock adjustability and offer a versatile usable length range of 100 to 140 cm to accommodate various heights.

While there are a few non-essential features that could be handy, it’s difficult to truly find fault in the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles. Sure, lighter options exist, and some collapse to a shorter length, but given the durability the Trail Cork provides, these are trade-offs I’m more than willing to accept.

Who Are The Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles For?

If you’re transitioning from groomed trails to more challenging terrain and need a set of hiking poles that you can trust, the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles are perfect for you. They offer an upgrade from basic poles at a reasonable price, providing durability and comfort comparable to top-tier options without a significant investment.

However, if you prioritise ultralight gear, then a carbon fibre set, such as the Distance Carbon FLZ, will suit you better. But keep in mind that these will not be as durable for rough trails and river crossings.

Locking & Adjustability

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles are a telescoping pole composed of three sections. Each pole features dual FlickLock locking mechanisms, which allow for individual customisation of both shafts and easy adjustments on the move – even with thick gloves or mittens on.

I find the dual adjustability highly beneficial, as I prefer keeping the lowest shaft shorter than the middle one to minimise vibration. As for the FlickLock adjustments, I’ve experienced no issues with them coming undone or snagging on bushes or other obstacles while hiking.

My only gripe with the FlickLock adjustments is the need for a Phillips head screwdriver to tighten them. While it’s not that difficult to throw one in our backpack, it would be more convenient if they could be tightened without using an additional tool.

Size & Weight

The unisex Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles weigh 486 g per pair, with an adjustable height from 100 to 140 cm. This height range is one of the widest on the market, making these especially beneficial for taller hikers.

The women’s Trail Cork trekking poles weigh 480 g per pair and feature an adjustable height range of 100 to 125 cm. If you don’t require the additional height, these are a better, more compact option.

We’ve read some reviews that complain about the weight of the Trail Cork, but the difference is seriously negligible. Most of the top-rated trekking poles with similar durability and features fall between 460 g and 500 g – with some burly four-season options pushing to 560 g.

Packed Size

The Trail Cork trekking poles have a packed (aka collapsible) size of 64 cm, which stacks them in the middle of the competition. For me, this length was slightly inconvenient while travelling as they barely fit inside my Osprey Ariel Plus backpack!

The women’s version is 2 cm shorter when collapsed, and if I had known this before purchasing, I would have chosen it since I don’t need the extra 15 cm of height.

Trail Cork Grip Comfort

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking pole features an ergonomic grip, meaning that it has a subtle 15-degree forward angle that replicates the natural position of your hands. I love this feature as it notably alleviates wrist pain and fatigue after a long day on the trail.

You can purchase the Black Diamond Trail trekking poles with a cork grip or a soft EVA foam grip. Which you choose is primarily based on preference, but there are benefits to both.

Even though I mostly hike in wet and cold climates, I still prefer the comfort of a cork grip. I consistently feel confident that my hands won’t slip, even in wet conditions, and the personalised comfort is well worth the extra $20 in price! 

That being said, I do have to agree that the EVA foam grip is more durable. I have already begun to notice some wear, while Dylan’s Expedition 3 trekking poles, which have an EVA foam grip, still look brand new.

Build Quality and Durability Of The Black Diamond Trail Cork

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles are constructed with 7075 aluminium alloy, one of the toughest grades you can find. This alloy is considered the aircraft grade due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio.

The shaft diameter of the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles is 16 mm for the upper, 14 mm for the middle and 12 mm for the lower shaft. These diameters are common for everyday trekking poles and will be more than enough for most hikers.

Regarding the build quality of the Trail Cork trekking poles, each component has performed without any faults. The FlickLock adjustments hold steady, even on rough terrain, and the tips feel just as sharp as they did out of the box.

Overall, I have been thoroughly impressed by the build quality and durability of the Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles. They have accompanied me on countless hikes, enduring some serious abuse from rocks, deep snow, ice and mud.

Aside from the inevitable paint scratches on the shaft and some minor wear on the cork grip, these trekking poles feel brand new. Even after using them for backcountry snowshoeing and on dusty trails in Nepal, they telescope smoothly and show no signs of wear or damage at the joins.

Features Of The Black Diamond Trail Cork

Removable Tips

The Trail Cork trekking poles come with carbide tech tips, which are highly durable and offer exceptional bite on slippery surfaces. These tips are interchangeable and can be replaced with rubber tech tips (sold separately). The rubber tech tips, which I don’t yet own, are beneficial for hard surfaces or rocky trails.

Another benefit of having removable tips is the ability to purchase replacement tips if the original ones become blunt. Many trekking poles lack this feature, rendering them unusable once the tips wear out, which is usually one of the first parts to fail.

Interchangeable Baskets

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles come with two interchangeable baskets, one for hiking and one for snow. The trekking basket does its job well on soft surfaces while remaining small and inconspicuous, allowing you to easily keep it on at all times – even while travelling. 

Extended Grip

Below the cork grip, you’ll find an extended EVA foam grip that provides an additional handhold further down the pole. This feature is incredibly handy while tackling steep climbs, allowing you to lower your grip height without stopping to adjust the pole’s length.

The extended EVA foam grip is also invaluable when you’re traversing a steep slope, where one side demands a considerably shorter pole.

Fusion Comfort Strap

The fusion comfort strap is designed with breathable padding that rests against the back of your hand to enhance comfort and prevent chafing. I love this feature, as I constantly use the straps and they are very comfortable against bare skin.

However, at times I have had a small amount of discomfort on my thumb because the padding seam rests directly on its inside. It would be a simple fix if both straps were adjustable, but unfortunately, only one strap can be moved, and it’s not the one I need to adjust. With that said, the seam has softened over time and I rarely notice it anymore.

As with most trekking poles, the straps are adjustable and easy to modify on the go. I found that the strap offers plenty of length to comfortably fit over snow gloves or mittens.

Sustainability

Sadly, the construction of trekking poles is not very sustainable. The only components that brands can really make more eco-friendly are the straps and grip. This hasn’t been done on the Trail Cork, but the Black Diamond Pursuit trekking poles feature an algae-infused grip extension and wrist straps made with recycled material.

In general, cork grips are more sustainable compared to rubber or foam as cork is a natural, biodegradable material – though it does deteriorate quicker.

Instead of looking at the material used, other ways you can ensure you’re being as sustainable as possible with your trekking pole choice is by picking a brand that values sustainability and longevity.

If you can keep the same set of trekking poles for decades, that is just as good as buying something sustainably made as you’re not adding to over-consumption and waste.

Value

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles are competitively priced, offering all the bells and whistles without hiking the price tag. You’ll certainly find cheaper poles on the market, but not of the same quality.

As I mentioned previously, you can save $20 AUD by choosing the EVA foam grip over the cork option for the Trail trekking poles, which may actually be a better fit for some hikers.

I honestly think that the Trail Cork trekking poles offer the best value for money without foregoing durability and comfort. Another popular trekking pole brand is Leki, but it seems that you miss out on some important features at the same price point.

My Experience

Why I Chose The Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles

I chose the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles for several reasons. I needed poles capable of enduring rugged trails, crossing swift New Zealand rivers, and providing comfort for hours on end – but I didn’t want to pay a fortune.

I decided on aluminium over carbon because carbon is known to snap under pressure, which is very problematic when you’re on a multi-day trek. And to be honest, a bit of flexibility and bend in the shaft is beneficial when you’re trying to cross rivers or tackle rocky terrain.

The Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles were recommended to me by multiple shop assistants and it ticked all my boxes, especially the price point, comfort and durability. 

How They Perform

For the most part, I have been incredibly impressed with the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles. The tips grip most surfaces effortlessly, providing confidence on challenging trails, and the shaft has endured significant bending in rocky terrains without any damage.

On some days, I’ve spent over 8 hours on the trail, while at other times, I’ve trekked for two weeks straight. Throughout these grand adventures, the Trail Cork trekking poles have consistently provided comfort and reliability.

Where Do I Take My Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles?

The Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles come on every adventure with me, whether that be snowshoeing in Kosciuszko National Park, traversing the Himalayas in Nepal, or summiting challenging peaks in New Zealand.

They have endured dust, snow, severely rocky and rough terrain and countless hours on monotonous dirt tracks. Throughout all the kilometres, they’ve remained comfortable and supportive of my bad knees. I trust these poles to take me on my upcoming mountaineering adventures and believe they will be with me for years to come.

Final Thoughts On The Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles

As you may have guessed, I am extremely happy with the Black Diamond Trail Cork trekking poles and can wholeheartedly recommend them – whether you’re just transitioning to more challenging trails or for seasoned hikers who need a reliable companion for upcoming expeditions.

With that said, If I were to upgrade my set of trekking poles, I would likely go for the Black Diamond Pursuit. The Pursuit offers a sustainable design, an upgraded FlickLock+ system, and a convenient hex-bit tool integrated into the shaft for on-the-go maintenance.

I hope that this review has helped you decide whether the Trail Cork is the right trekking poles for you. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions, we are always eager to help!

Happy Hiking 🙂