Black Diamond Expedition 3 Pole Review

Black Diamond Expedition 3 Pole 2019 Review by The Good Ride

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Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average rider’s perspective.

How This Review Happened:  We spent our precious Good Ride dollars to buy this and review it.
Size: 100cm – 140cm
Days:  10+
Conditions: Many early morning slackcountry runs with my Drift Boards in all conditions.
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-190lbs), & Grant ( Size 11, 6’0”, 160lbs)

Summer Season Take On The Expedition 3 Poles

How This Review Happened:  Steph and Paige both own these poles.

Testers: Steph & Paige

Weight: 520 g (1 lb 2 oz) They aren’t the lightest pole on the market, but they are very durable and for the price point they are pretty light.

Packability: They compress down to a pretty small size. The collapsed length of the 57-125cm pole is 57cm or 22.2 in. The collapsed length of the 62-140cm poles are 62cm or 24.2 in.

Durability: My Black Diamond Expedition poles are the first generation version. I don’t really remember when I purchased them, but I have hiked a very long way with them over the years. My main uses for these poles are backcountry hiking in the winter, day hiking, and also backpacking. They have held up really well over all the miles and mountains they have explored with me.

Paige also uses hers a lot. She has the most recent version, the Expedition 3 poles. Paige mainly uses them for trail running and is happy with their durability as well. Especially with the improved FlickLocks.

Functionality: The Black Diamond Expedition 3 poles have a lot of great features that have been very much improved on since the first generation. The wrist straps are super comfortable, and easily adjustable. The new FlickLocks work great and stay when the poles are stored and in use. The only difficult part of the Expedition 3 poles would be the baskets. It is a little difficult to attach and remove them. But once you get them all the way on the poles they stay put.

Overall: If you are looking for a 4 season pole that doesn’t break the bank, the Black Diamond Expedition 3 poles might be a good choice for you. These poles are functional and durable and get the job done. They aren’t the lightest poles on the market, but both Paige and I feel like they are well designed and made to last.

Paige’s Perspective

The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Trekking pole will follow you around on any adventure during any time of the year – It’s a great option whether you’re skiing through trees in the backcountry, tagging your next 14'er, enjoying the vistas on your weekend backpacking trip, or approaching your project at the cliff.

Removable trekking and 4-inch powder baskets make this pole usable for whatever season you’re adventuring in. The powder baskets stay put when you are posting up the mountain to snag first tracks on your favorite tree run. I prefer to go basket free when I bring these poles along for a mountain run.

These poles boast FlickLock technology, allowing easy adjustability to find that perfect length for your size and activity. I have tested these poles in the snow, on steep uphills, and rugged downhills – not once have they slipped or collapsed on me.

These poles have a nice extended foam handle for a no-slip grip even on the hottest of days. The wrist strap is pleasantly cushioned and can be easily adjusted to customize your best fit.

These poles are compiled from 100% aluminum, keeping this set lightweight and at a nice price point. They are sturdy enough to handle downhill powder runs but light enough to help you groove down trails. While the BD Expedition 3 isn’t the lightest pole on the market, the set only weighs1 lb 2 oz. Not bad for a pair of telescoping poles. They may not be for the ultralight fast packers out there, but for most of us who want a pole that can do it all, these work great. The Expedition 3 comes in two length options: 57-125 cm and 62-140 cm. Each length collapses down to a manageable 57 cm and 62 cm, respectively, making them easy to stow away in your pack.

These poles boast FlickLock technology, allowing easy adjustability to find that perfect length for your size and activity. I have tested these poles in the snow, on steep uphills, and rugged downhills – not once have they slipped or collapsed on me.  The Black Diamond Expedition 3 Trekking Poles are a great option for anyone seeking a versatile pole that preforms well in a wide array of conditions.