How to store Z poles

[deniseketcham]

I have two pairs of Black Diamond Women’s z poles. The documentation that came with the poles consists of cartoons only and I can’t decode instructions that answer my question.

Should I be collapsing my poles when they are not being used? Am I in any way potentially damaging them by leaving them extended and adjusted? When the weather is good I use one pair quite regularly for near daily walks. Thanks.

 

[J Willhaus]

I have two pairs of Black Diamond Women’s z poles. The documentation that came with the poles consists of cartoons only and I can’t decode instructions that answer my question.

Should I be collapsing my poles when they are not being used? Am I in any way potentially damaging them by leaving them extended and adjusted? When the weather is good I use one pair quite regularly for near daily walks. Thanks.

We store ours in the little mesh bag in the closet when not in use or for travel. Easy to pop them out when we need to use them. If you are at the albergue, folding them in your pack rather than sticking them in the pole bin may reduce chance of theft or damage. I don't think it hurts them to leave them extended though.

 

[Steve900Hiker]

In my experience leaving the poles extended over time can make them difficult or near impossible to collapse when you need to. Long term extension also keeps the flexible connectors stretched and that may affect elasticity. My advice is to regularly collapse them to avoid these problems.

 

[henrythedog]

I keep mine loose (i.e. untensioned) but straightish. They’re just hanging up in the barn in a dry dark corner.

My logic; which may have no basis in fact - is that storing them folded might promote some memory in the flexible linkage and sunlight can lead to UV degradation.

I’ve also got a ton of space in the barn.

 

[dougfitz]

Black Diamond recommend long term storage with the tension released ( https://blackdiamond-web.cdn.prismi...23-f496cc4f03bd_M10644_GWEB+Z-Pole+IS-WEB.pdf).

 

[Former member 92300]

I always collapse them when they aren't going to be used for prolonged periods of time. Less chance of wear on the parts that allow you to assemble/disassemble. On the Camino - I also collapse whatever poles I may be using and attach them to my pack for storage before going into albergues. Doing this - most albergues haven't "forced" (asked) me to store my poles in the pole storage area near the boot storage area. But a few albergues will ask that they be removed and placed in the pole storage area. I do this because I do leave in the morning and while I am never going to forget my boots - I can easily see myself forgetting to grab my poles before leaving. And since I often leave between 6-7am... in some places I risk getting locked out of the building until others are exiting. If you are carrying your poles when you enter the building, they almost always ask you to leave them in the pole storage area.

 

[debigetsout]

Very helpful replies, as I have just bought my second set. They are lovely poles to use, but not durable. I am keeping my first set, which has damage to the coating protecting the interior cables (sorry, not a tech precise description). However, I cannot really collapse the first set anymore, so I am keeping them in a full fixed position and only using them for local walks as full poles. My next step may be to add duct tape, if needed. Mostly, I find it a real drag that the poles cannot be repaired. It should be a simple matter.