Poles for XCd, D, and Telemark

[phoenix]

"I use aluminum because durability is more important to me than weight in the back country. I would love to have a carbon pair for "inbounds" use."

I've been using the same pair of BD aluminum adjustables for more than 20 years; don't recall for sure but may have replaced one lower section. I'd like to find a carbon pole as an upgrade, but the weights all seem to be just about the same as aluminum. I'd welcome a nicer swing weight, if I find a pair that has that quality. Looked at the BCA's and I do like the poles, but no weight savings in the carbon model, and I doubt the swing weight would improve as the carbon is used on the top section. I don't think the added stiffness of the carbon would really be noticeable, for me.

[satanas]

I think you want the Leki guide light 2 carbon. It’s the only widely adjustable pole with a good directional basket I’ve seen.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention! I've been looking for something like this for ages. Now to see if I can find some locally here in Oz, or with tolerable shipping from elsewhere...

[JohnSKepler]

Received the BCA poles. Been out on them once. Perfectly happy with their performance. I don't see that they are an improvement over the Asnes but they pretty much do the same thing. I do prefer the grips and wrist straps on the Asnes but it is probably what I'm used to. The Asnes grips are more anatomical and the Asnes straps have a lot more adjustability. The BCA straps are not adjustable for length, only for the size of the opening, and the adjust is just Velcro, which works well but may not last as long as a more traditional system. The swing weight of the Asnes was lower as they are carbon fiber but it isn't really noticeable.

In fact, the Asnes carbon fiber lowers fit the BCA uppers perfectly. Should Asnes not deliver the parts to fix the Nansen poles I will move the carbon fiber lowers over to the BCA uppers.

All in all, despite my nit picks, they seem to be a lightweight, sturdy, inexpensive choice in a great color scheme.

[Lhartley]

Just get aluminum traverse next time, they are a perfect product

[fisheater]

@Lhartley i have a half a set of Traverse that are about 13 years old, my second set are still going strong. I got a fancy set of Black Crows adjustable, carbons, I use for trail skiing. I wouldn’t trust the carbon ones if I was going into the BC where I was far away from a road, but they are light and fun on local loops.

[satanas]

IME the Traverse poles seemed (at least in the past) to use a more easily bent alloy than BD's more upmarket poles; sadly nothing is perfect. (I also dislike Alpine grips.)

[fisheater]

IME the Traverse poles seemed (at least in the past) to use a more easily bent alloy than BD's more upmarket poles; sadly nothing is perfect. (I also dislike Alpine grips.)

I get not liking alpine grips @satanas I’m used to alpine grips

[satanas]

I get not liking alpine grips @satanas I’m used to alpine grips

My background is from XC skiing, not alpine, hence the grip preference.

Later,
Stephen