View Full Version : Lighten BD poles
swjohnsey
10-31-2011, 20:42
I talked to the BD representative at Tail Days and he suggested we could shave a few ounces by cutting off the unused portion of the poles. Leave about two inches on each section beyond your longest setting. I saved about two ounces.
Have you tried the BD "Z" poles? They are pretty specially light already.
swjohnsey
10-31-2011, 22:00
Mine are the cheap BD trail, I think. Very basic. I busted my ass and fell on one of my poles bending the lower section. Same guy replaced the lower section at Trail Days, no charge.
Hmm - didn't know Black Diamond made a "cheap pole" - try out the "Z" pole if you are a serious backpacker - I think they retail at about $105.
Wise Old Owl
10-31-2011, 23:00
Those shock springs I can do without.
Trailbender
10-31-2011, 23:36
I like a cut down wooden closet rod as my hiking pole. It is stout enough that I can put my weight with my pack on it in any position and it won't break.
I've got the BD Trail poles. Gonna have to take a peak and see how much extra pole can be trimmed.
Thanks!
konradchen
01-08-2013, 17:04
Wow, that's pretty cool that the rep would advocate cutting the pole down. I once talked to an MSR rep about cutting down my ridgerest foam pad and all he kept telling me was that it would void the warranty.
try out the "Z" pole if you are a serious backpacker - I think they retail at about $105.
If you plan to use these both for hiking, and for holding up a tent, check that the adjustable range is good for both. None of them worked for me.
LDawg
http://bit.ly/LDawg