Black Diamond Spire Trekking Poles

These are my first trekking poles I have ever purchased and I am glad I bought some. I bought these because of the reviews, really. They are light, compact well, and sturdy enough for my 6'3" 250 lb. body. I hike and snowshoe a lot and have found these to help out a lot (powder baskets are a must in snow).

I actually forgot them for one hike I did recently and was sore the next day! I guess that's a good thing and a bad thing. Good because they help make the hike more comfortable but, bad because my body seems to rely on them now. Oh well...

I do have to say, I didn't collapse the bottom part of the poles for a good 3 or so months and when I needed to collapse that bottom part to stick them on my pack, it actually took some time and hurt my hands to get them to go in. But now they work fine. So, I collapse them all the way at least once a week to keep the parts working well.

Also, when they get really, really wet from rain or sweat, it can be harder to grip them, which doesn't happen too often. And, the adjustable strap comes loose while on long hikes if I apply too much pressure. But they tighten with a quick pull so, again, not a huge deal.

Bottom line: Solid poles that make for a more enjoyable hike.

The best feature of the Spires is their FlickLock. The lock holds the pole in place and you know it's closed; no turning and wondering if the lock is holding like other poles. The lock does need minimal maintenance, however. The screw that holds the lock's latch needs to be checked after and before every trip. It is a standard Phillips screw, and can be turned easily with a penny, knife blade or fingernail. I consider this minimal maintenance just part of taking care of one's toys, so it is not a detractor.

For their weight, these are the best trekking poles around. The straps are a easily adjustable and large enough to accommodate gloves (but not big mitts) and have a 3D mesh to wick away moisture. Should you break a part, you can get replacement parts from Black Diamond.

I've put a 400 or so miles on mine, and they look good-as-new. They hold just as well, too.

Last summer the water was high in the Virgin River. Although my wife and I have completed such civilized hikes as the Camino de Santiago, we were new to long hikes in the backcountry. The Narrows are beautiful, but the steep walls left us confused about time of daylight left. We kept going too long. The light faded as we waded. My wife was swept away by the river and I pushed into the water after her. She made it to safety. I fetched against a rock and was being pulled under by water pressure on my pack. Black Diamond Contours allowed me to lever off without the poles slipping. Spires are stronger yet. And they don't boing as much. Great poles!

I have used trekking poles for the past few years and until recently had been a devotee of the LEKI Super Makalu's. When I recently went to my local outfitters and found the new Black Diamond Spire, I knew I had to have a pair. The locking mechanisms and the elliptical design were what really caught my eye. They, in my opinion, are far superior to anything else on the market. The extended handle is also a major plus. I am glad I went with the new Spire and would encourage you to do the same. You won't be disappointed.

These are the very first poles that i have owned and they definately made an excellent first impression. The price was reasonable and they are very sturdy not to mention the fact that they are very lightweight. I was on an 9 hour long hike in germany on various terrain ranging from rocks to dirt, uphill, downhill and they felt comfortable in the hands as well as a sense of security as far as balance goes. These poles were absolutely lightweight yet so sturdy you hardly notice they're there. two thumbs up great buy.

As a novice hiker, I felt somewhat dorky using trekking poles at first, but the difference is like night and day. With these, I was able to hike for hours, and felt absolutely no fatigue aches in my knees nor back whatsoever.

I was completely happy with my choice of Spires. Absolutely no slippage with the elliptical design and locking mechanism; the wrist straps were very comfortable; and the angle of the handles allow them to swing out naturally, further cutting down on fatigue.

I'm new to the world of trekking poles. My knees have been bothering me while hiking and out of desperation I decided to shell out some money on some poles. What a difference they make! These poles are very light weight and are ideal for a woman's height and hand size. Also, the locking system is easy to operate (the first few times it's hard to flip the locking switch). I would highly recommend these poles.

Living in Hawaii and new to backpacking; my goal was to backpack into the Grand Canyon and stay at Phantom Ranch. Researched the Grand Canyon and backpacking equipment and selected Black Diamond Spire Trekking Poles with the flintlock and binary locking system. Spire compared to other trekking poles is far superior with it solid feel when used on those switchbacks (Devils Screw), great for crossing streams and life saver on the ice and snow.

believe the reviews...they are top of the line...the eliptical design gives them more linear stability...they are lightweight (dont weigh much more than the CF models) and the FlickLock design is unique on these...most have two FlickLock adjustment points...this only has one...the lower section extends and is fixed in place while the upper portion has the FlickLock allowing you adjust the length...angled handles are very comfortable and absorb sweat well

Just got back from the Chugach Mtns in AK,very steep and rough! I've never used poles before but now would never be with out them. After 2wks in AK my poles look a little rough. After all the abuse all the working parts still work like new. My guides poles had the twist type lock and he had to readjust alot, mine never moved once.Great poles,would highly recommend.