The Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles have clever design additions which will enable you to repair and keep these poles for years to come.

These are high quality telescopic trekking poles with an assortment of premium. While the Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles are not as lightweight as some of the most expensive carbon fibre poles, they are at the light end of the aluminium market and bring the durability of the aluminium construction.

Steph Wetherell’s Best in Test

These telescopic poles are not as lightweight as some – but make up for the weight in quality.
Pros
  • Comfortable grip
  • good locking mechanism
Cons
  • none
Quick specs
Price: $169.95 / £140 (available from Black Diamond)
Weight: 462g (S/M)
Length: S/M 100-125cm (62cm collapsed), M/L 100-140cm (68cm collapsed)
Shaft: Aluminium
Grip: Cork with foam extension
Adjustment: FlickLock+ softtouch
www.blackdiamondequipment.com

The grips are a standout feature of these poles. Black Diamond have recognised that hand sizes varies hugely and the S/M size option comes with a smaller grip size. I have a unisex M hand and am 5’10, and the S/M fit well. The main grip is really well shaped and comfortable to use all day, and I found the cork material was preferable to foam, especially when my hands were sweaty on a hot day or long climb.

The top of the pole is egg shaped and rounded, making it comfortable to use on descents. The extended grip is made from an algae infused foam called Bloom that is more sustainable than standard foam, and the wrist straps are made from a recycled, lightly padded material and were incredibly comfortable to wear.

Steph walking with the Black Diamond pursuit trekking poles. Credit: Steph Wetherell
Steph walking with the Black Diamonds. Credit: Steph Wetherell

The length adjustment flick locks felt incredibly high quality and were very easy to use, and the tightness of the lock can be adjusted using a hex tool that is nestled inside the internal end of one of the poles.

You have to remember which part of which pole has the tool in, but means in-field repairs are easy and the mechanism is less likely to get clogged with mud than a wheel.

They come with a smaller trekking basket and larger snow baskets, both of which are easy to fit and remove, and sit a good distance up the pole. I found them study to use and after regular use they have held up well and show little wear.

A nice detail is that the carbide tip is replaceable, making these a good long term investment.

Testing conditions

Steph tested these trekking poles in all weathers in the Brecon Beacons and the South West of England. She uses trekking poles a lot when walking, and always uses them on ascents and descents, especially steep hills.

This review was first published in the July 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.