Black Diamond Z-Pole Trekking Poles

Warnings

Trekking Poles and Z-poles are for hiking and trekking use only. The strength of aluminum and carbon fiber is compromised by dents, gouges, scratches, fractures, and chipping which may result in catastrophic structural failure. If the trekking pole has suffered any impact, carefully inspect its surface for these signs of damage. Lightweight trekking poles are made to be lightweight, and will not withstand excessive forces if previously damaged or if the forces are applied beyond structural limits. Ultralight carbon fiber poles are more susceptible to damage than other poles and require frequent inspection. Failure to follow these warnings may result in catastrophic failure of the trekking poles, causing serious injury or death.

Instructions for Use

Keep instructions for future reference.

Rapid Deployment System

The Rapid Deployment System is linked to a concealed inner cord and speed cone within each shaft section in a foldable trekking pole. The push-button locking mechanism is located just below the grip on fixed length models and below the numbered FlickLock adjustment section on FlickLock models.

Deploying

Ensure the basket is unclipped from any other shafts.

1. Grab the grip and the first shaft section, and pull them away from each other. The pole will snap into place and lock.
2. Check that the push-button has snapped completely out and the pole is locked without gaps at the joints.

Collapsing

1. Press the button and slide the grip toward the pole tip.
2. Pull the shafts apart at each joint, located at the seam between each shaft section.
3. Fold the poles into a compact "Z" shape.
4. Snap the lower shaft's basket clip onto the upper or middle shaft for secure storage.

If the pole has a FlickLock, open the lever arm and fully collapse the pole to minimize its folded length.

Adjusting Tension (Inner Cord)

The inner cord that connects Z-Pole shaft sections may require adjustment before use and will require adjustment over time as the inner cord stretches in the uppermost shaft section. This play can be removed by increasing the inner cord tension.

1. Press the push-button release, and pull ONLY the lowest joint apart.
2. Hold both ends of the tensioner (located between the middle and lower shafts) and turn it clockwise to tighten or counter-clockwise to loosen.
3. Turn the tensioner one-half to one full turn, and re-deploy the pole to check that you've removed the play.

NOTE: If you cannot deploy the pole (the button won't pop back out), you have over-tightened it. Loosen slightly and try again. When tension is adjusted correctly, the pole should lock easily yet have no play in the shafts.

• Avoid damage to the pole shaft around the pin by keeping cord tension to a minimum.
• Inspect your poles prior to each use around the pin-hole. Damaged poles should not be used.
• NEVER loosen the tensioner completely unless replacing a lower section.

FlickLock®

The patented FlickLock is an external camming mechanism which, when closed, squeezes the pole shafts together to form a joint stronger than the tubing itself. To open:

1. Hold the pole above the FlickLock to prevent the pole from rotating while pushing the cam lever open with your thumb.
2. Adjust pole to the desired length.
3. "Snap" close the lever firmly.

Adjusting Tension (FlickLock)

The FlickLock requires correct tensioning to perform properly. If slipping of the lower section occurs then open the lever and tighten the adjustment screw about a quarter to a half turn or until the mechanism does not allow the shaft to slip once the lever is closed. If the lever becomes too difficult to snap shut, loosen the screw.

Changing Tech Tips

Z-Poles come with rubber tips installed and optional carbide tips. Rubber tips should be replaced once any part of the metal core starts to show.

To remove:

1. Using fingers or pliers, twist forcefully counter-clockwise and un-screw until they fall out of the baskets.

To install new tips:

1. Twist by hand or with pliers, clockwise, for 3-4 clicks and very snug. Rubber tips should bulge when they are completely tightened.

Some models of trekking poles come with Flex Tips. To remove, the Flex Tip needs to be heated (submerge in boiling water) and pulled off with pliers. Firmly push the new Flex Tip onto the tip of the pole.

Baskets

To attach a basket: Push the basket and turn clockwise until secured against the upper stop, spinning freely.

To remove a basket: Pull the basket and twist counterclockwise.

Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Cork Grips

1. Use fine, waterproof sandpaper and ordinary hand soap.
2. Wet the grip and sand thoroughly.
3. Apply soap to the sandpaper and gently rub the grip.
4. Rinse and let dry.

Inspection & Storage

Before and after each use:

• Make sure nothing is deformed or broken.
• Check to see that the adjustment mechanisms open and close smoothly and are tensioned properly.
• If difficult to open or close: apply a drop of oil on the lever pin and another underneath the lever where it rotates on the housing.
• If the poles get wet during use: release the tension cord (with the push button), collapse the pole and allow to dry completely before storage.

NOTE: Store the FlickLock mechanisms for long periods with the tension released. Replacement parts may be obtained from your local Black Diamond dealer or directly from Blackdiamondequipment.com.

Limited Warranty

For 2 years following purchase or delivery unless otherwise indicated by law, we will warrant to the original retail buyer that our products are free from defects in materials and workmanship as originally sold. The Product will be repaired or replaced at our discretion. We do not warrant products which show normal wear and tear or that have been used or maintained improperly, modified or altered, or damaged in any manner. We reserve the right to require proof of purchase or delivery for all warranty claims.