Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles

Ultralight. Rapid Deployment. Built to Move Fast & Go Far.

When every gram and every transition matters, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles are built to deliver.

Designed specifically for mountain running, trail racing, ultramarathons and fast-moving adventures, the Distance Carbon Z FKT combines a 100% carbon-fibre construction, rapid-folding Z-Pole design and Black Diamond's innovative FKT magnetic glove-strap system.

The result is an ultralight performance running pole engineered around three things: speed, efficiency and endurance.

Available in fixed lengths from 105cm to 130cm, the Distance Carbon Z FKT weighs from just 294g per pair, while folding down to as little as 35cm for compact storage in or on your running vest.

For trail and ultra runners chasing long climbs, technical mountain terrain or simply greater efficiency over serious distance, this is Black Diamond's premium folding running pole.

FKT Magnetic Quick-Connect Strap System

The biggest innovation is right at your hands.

Black Diamond's FKT ultralight glove strap uses a magnetic, self-centring connection that securely connects to the pole in a single motion. When it's time to disconnect, a quick press releases the pole.

Instead of repeatedly putting traditional wrist straps on and taking them off throughout a race, the lightweight glove straps are designed to remain on your hands during your adventure.

This can make transitions particularly efficient when you're constantly switching between:

RUN → CLIMB → POLES → SCRAMBLE → STOW → RUN

For ultra racing and mountain running, where poles might be deployed and stored repeatedly, those quicker transitions can be a major practical advantage.

100% Carbon Fibre Construction

The Distance Carbon Z FKT uses 100% carbon-fibre shafts, providing the lightweight construction and stiffness demanded by runners moving quickly through mountain terrain.

Weight per pair varies by length:

• 105cm – 294g
• 110cm – 300g
• 115cm – 306g
• 120cm – 312g
• 125cm – 320g
• 130cm – 324g

When you're carrying poles for hours during an ultra, reducing unnecessary weight matters.

And when you're using them, the full carbon construction helps deliver efficient power transfer with every pole plant.

Z-Pole Speed Cone Technology

When the climb arrives, you don't want to waste time fighting with your poles.

Black Diamond's proven Z-Pole construction with Speed Cone technology allows the Distance Carbon Z FKT to deploy rapidly and fold down quickly when it's time to run without them.

The three-section folding design also creates a compact packed size that makes the poles easy to carry with compatible running vests, pole quivers and packs.

Collapsed Length

Pole Length	Collapsed Length
105cm	35cm
110cm	36cm
115cm	38cm
120cm	39cm
125cm	41cm
130cm	42cm

 

For ultra runners, that combination of low weight + compact storage + rapid deployment is exactly what you want from a race-day pole.

Lightweight EVA Foam Grip & Extended Grip

Black Diamond uses a lightweight EVA foam grip and grip extension, giving runners multiple hand positions depending on terrain.

The extended grip is especially useful on rolling or rapidly changing terrain where shortening your effective pole length by simply moving your hand down the grip can be quicker than making mechanical adjustments.

It's simple, light and purpose-built for moving efficiently through the mountains.

Breathable FKT Glove Straps

The FKT glove straps use a lightweight, breathable mesh construction, with reinforcement designed to add strength and durability. A simple Velcro closure allows the glove to be secured around your hand.

The glove size supplied depends on pole length:

• 105–110cm – Small
• 115–120cm – Medium
• 125–130cm – Large

The system is designed to improve power transfer while retaining the fast connection and release that differentiates the FKT from conventional running-pole straps.

Interchangeable Tech Tips

Different surfaces demand different contact points.

The Distance Carbon Z FKT features interchangeable Tech Tips and includes compatibility with rubber Tech Tips, providing additional versatility for different running and hiking environments.

Black Diamond also includes low-profile baskets and snow baskets, extending the poles' usefulness beyond race day into broader mountain and multi-sport adventures.

Key Features

• Premium ultralight trail and mountain running poles
• Designed for racing, trail running and ultramarathons
• 100% carbon-fibre shafts
• Folding Z-Pole construction
• Black Diamond Speed Cone technology
• Innovative FKT magnetic quick-connect glove strap
• Self-centring magnetic connection
• Push-button strap release
• Efficient power transfer
• Lightweight EVA foam grip
• Extended EVA grip for varied hand positions
• Breathable, moisture-wicking strap construction
• Interchangeable Tech Tips
• Rubber Tech Tip compatible
• Low-profile baskets included
• Snow baskets included
• Fixed-length design
• Available from 105–130cm
• From just 294g per pair

Technical Specifications

Size	Weight per Pair	Collapsed Length	FKT Strap
105cm	294g	35cm	Small
110cm	300g	36cm	Small
115cm	306g	38cm	Medium
120cm	312g	39cm	Medium
125cm	320g	41cm	Large
130cm	324g	42cm	Large

Additional Specifications

Feature	Specification
Shaft	100% Carbon Fibre
Construction	Folding Z-Pole
Deployment	Speed Cone Technology
Grip	Lightweight EVA Foam + Extension
Strap	FKT Magnetic Quick-Connect Glove
Tips	Interchangeable Tech Tips
Available Lengths	105–130cm
Best For	Trail Running / Ultras / Mountain Running / Racing

Official specifications from Black Diamond.

Choosing Your Black Diamond Pole Length

Black Diamond recommends choosing running-pole length so that, on flat ground, the handle sits around waist or hip level with your elbow approximately 90 degrees.

Their current sizing guide suggests:

Height	Suggested Pole Length
Approx. 155cm	105cm
Approx. 162.5cm	110cm
Approx. 170cm	115cm
Approx. 178cm	120cm
Approx. 185.5cm	125cm
Approx. 193cm	130cm

For running, Black Diamond recommends sizing down if you're between sizes, as uphill propulsion is generally the priority.

Best For

• Trail running
• Ultramarathons
• Ultra-distance racing
• Mountain running
• Vertical kilometres
• Steep climbing
• Technical trail races
• Fastpacking
• FKT attempts
• Mountain adventures
• Runners prioritising lightweight equipment
• Races requiring frequent pole deployment and storage

Why Use Poles for Trail & Ultra Running?

On steep and sustained climbs, poles allow you to bring your upper body into the movement rather than asking your legs to do everything.

Over ultra distances, they can become particularly useful when the terrain gets steep and fatigue begins to accumulate.

Running poles can help with:

• Uphill propulsion
• Stability on uneven terrain
• Maintaining rhythm during long climbs
• Four-point contact on technical sections
• Efficiency during hiking sections of ultras

But carrying poles also adds equipment, which is why weight, packability and deployment speed become so important.

That's exactly where the Distance Carbon Z FKT is focused.

Distance Carbon Z FKT vs Distance Carbon Z

Both are lightweight, full-carbon folding poles, but the FKT version introduces Black Diamond's magnetic glove-strap system, specifically designed around rapid deployment, storage and efficient power transfer.

Choose the Distance Carbon Z FKT if:

You race ultras, frequently transition between running and using poles, and want Black Diamond's most performance-focused quick-connect system.

Choose the Distance Carbon Z if:

You want an ultralight carbon Z-Pole with a more traditional wrist-strap system.

Why Tribe&Trail?

At Tribe&Trail, we know running poles aren't simply hiking poles carried at a faster pace.

For trail and ultra running, weight, pole length, deployment speed, packability, grip and how the poles integrate with your running vest all matter.

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT is built specifically around those demands.

Our experienced trail and ultra running team can help you choose the right pole length, understand how to use and carry poles efficiently, and match them with the right running vest or pole storage system for your next adventure.

When you shop Black Diamond at Tribe&Trail, you'll get:

• Expert advice from experienced trail and ultra runners
• Help choosing the correct running-pole length
• A curated range of premium trail running equipment
• Advice on pole storage and running-vest compatibility
• Gear selected for trail running, ultras, hiking and fastpacking
• Fast Australian shipping
• Support from Western Australia's dedicated Run | Hike | Walk specialists

Whether you're preparing for a mountain ultra, tackling a course with relentless climbing or chasing your own fastest known time, the Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles are designed to help you move efficiently when the trail points up.

Fast to deploy. Light to carry. Built to go the distance.