- Time of past OR future Camino
- Norte - May 2022
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Hmm! I thought the Tinker clans preferred hawthorn for their cudgels and not some old bean pole fit for pilgiesAluminium tube poles will bend under sufficient pressure and the tubing will kink. It can be reformed around an appropriate shaped tapered former by someone in possession of the appropriate shaped former and a blow-torch. Not common baggage items for your average peregrino; or stock in those places in the sticks that hammer bent tractors back into functional shape.
Carbon fibre poles can indeed de-structure under sufficient pressure and the broken weave is irreparable. It takes a huge amount of pressure to achieve that under normal usage - pole-vaulting is not advised - full bodyweight in a stumble or tumble should not be a problem. Slamming one end in a car door or continuing forward when the pole foot has slipped down a storm-drain grating is not advised.
I just cut a suitable stick from a hedgerow and recycle as necessary. Please note this may not be possible on the Camino Frances because the Tinkers (and the guys in every pueblo who sell walking sticks have cut every suitable twig).
Tubes are strong in one direction only, longitudinally. Apply a force at 90 degrees to that and initially they will bend, which is reversible, then they will buckle and kink, which is not.I'm doing my first Camino this April/May (El Norte), and researching which poles to purchase. Obviously lots of info on this Forum, which has been very helpful! I've pretty much decided on the Black Diamond FLZ poles, but cannot decide whether to spend the extra money to get carbon vs aluminum. I like the fact that the carbon is a bit lighter (11.7 oz vs 16 oz for aluminum), but I've read that the carbon can snap or break under pressure, whereas aluminum will only bend, and can usually be bent back into place. What I can't seem to find are any actual examples of someone's carbon pole breaking while on a Camino. Would be a real bummer, especially after having paid more money - but if it's very unlikely to happen with the hiking I'll be doing, I might be willing to spend more on something that's lighter weight. Anyone had it happen?
Thanks
Ann
I have used BD carbon poles on the camino for 10 years on different caminos and my one of my first pair from 2011 broke last year. It did not actually break but the system of collapsing did not work any longer. At home I have used the FLZ poles, a bit heavier, for years as well. I do a couple of hours tour at home in the hills with poles all the year. Only change when the snow becomes too heavy or when I go skiiing with longer poles. It is up to you with the weight difference. My concern on the camino is thunder. Do not think carbon is better in a heavy lightening situation.The best with both mine is that you can collaps them and bring them with you anywhere. You do not have to leave them outside or in a common box at the albergues. My suggestion is , if you want the carbon, buy them if you are going to use them after your camino, if not , keep to yhe FZL, they are lighter than most other poles anywayI'm doing my first Camino this April/May (El Norte), and researching which poles to purchase. Obviously lots of info on this Forum, which has been very helpful! I've pretty much decided on the Black Diamond FLZ poles, but cannot decide whether to spend the extra money to get carbon vs aluminum. I like the fact that the carbon is a bit lighter (11.7 oz vs 16 oz for aluminum), but I've read that the carbon can snap or break under pressure, whereas aluminum will only bend, and can usually be bent back into place. What I can't seem to find are any actual examples of someone's carbon pole breaking while on a Camino. Would be a real bummer, especially after having paid more money - but if it's very unlikely to happen with the hiking I'll be doing, I might be willing to spend more on something that's lighter weight. Anyone had it happen?
Thanks
Ann
I’ve walked with the Black Diamond Z pole since my first Camino and love it. Bought it in 2014, it folds and is aluminum. There have been some issues with expensive poles walking away. As I enter the town I plan to stop in, I fold mine up and put them in my pack. Never leave them with the pile at the door. Have a terrific Camino!I'm doing my first Camino this April/May (El Norte), and researching which poles to purchase. Obviously lots of info on this Forum, which has been very helpful! I've pretty much decided on the Black Diamond FLZ poles, but cannot decide whether to spend the extra money to get carbon vs aluminum. I like the fact that the carbon is a bit lighter (11.7 oz vs 16 oz for aluminum), but I've read that the carbon can snap or break under pressure, whereas aluminum will only bend, and can usually be bent back into place. What I can't seem to find are any actual examples of someone's carbon pole breaking while on a Camino. Would be a real bummer, especially after having paid more money - but if it's very unlikely to happen with the hiking I'll be doing, I might be willing to spend more on something that's lighter weight. Anyone had it happen?
Thanks
Ann
I’ve used the same pair of aluminum Black Diamond poles for more than 6,000 miles (Appalachian Trail, Via Francigena, Paris-Norte-Primitivo) and will use them this spring Gibraltar-Santiago. Several people on the AT told me their carbon fiber poles snapped towards the bottom within a month or so (granted, the AT is far more rugged than any Camino). Each abrasion against a rock cuts through some fibers. Do this repeatedly and the pole weakens enough to snap. The difference in weight is immaterial. Think of it as toning the upper body.I'm doing my first Camino this April/May (El Norte), and researching which poles to purchase. Obviously lots of info on this Forum, which has been very helpful! I've pretty much decided on the Black Diamond FLZ poles, but cannot decide whether to spend the extra money to get carbon vs aluminum. I like the fact that the carbon is a bit lighter (11.7 oz vs 16 oz for aluminum), but I've read that the carbon can snap or break under pressure, whereas aluminum will only bend, and can usually be bent back into place. What I can't seem to find are any actual examples of someone's carbon pole breaking while on a Camino. Would be a real bummer, especially after having paid more money - but if it's very unlikely to happen with the hiking I'll be doing, I might be willing to spend more on something that's lighter weight. Anyone had it happen?
Thanks
Ann
Had no issues with my Black Diamond aluminum poles on the Camino Frances, but I would definitely take extra rubber tips!! Street grates have been known to swallow the tips !! Decathelon had a nice selection of rubber tips!!I'm doing my first Camino this April/May (El Norte), and researching which poles to purchase. Obviously lots of info on this Forum, which has been very helpful! I've pretty much decided on the Black Diamond FLZ poles, but cannot decide whether to spend the extra money to get carbon vs aluminum. I like the fact that the carbon is a bit lighter (11.7 oz vs 16 oz for aluminum), but I've read that the carbon can snap or break under pressure, whereas aluminum will only bend, and can usually be bent back into place. What I can't seem to find are any actual examples of someone's carbon pole breaking while on a Camino. Would be a real bummer, especially after having paid more money - but if it's very unlikely to happen with the hiking I'll be doing, I might be willing to spend more on something that's lighter weight. Anyone had it happen?
Thanks
Ann
Wynrich, which tips do you use? I’ve read here that it can be difficult to get ones that stay on the BD poles, and can be removed easily.I've used the same Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z carbon poles on several caminos with no problems. I'd suggest don't forget to buy rubber tips for the poles. They protect your tips and cut down on annoying noise when you are walking on pavement. (Annoying to yourself and others.) They are easy to slip on and off and I find myself doing that a lot. I keep them in the little zipper pockets on my backpack waist strap.
I used the Black Diamond Rubber Tips, but Decathelon sold rubber tips that fit and they were larger than the Black Diamond Tips. And I agree that non-tipped poles make a very annoying sound for the other Pilgrims waking nearby.Wynrich, which tips do you use? I’ve read here that it can be difficult to get ones that stay on the BD poles, and can be removed easily.
Also: take very small pliers to loosen your carbon tips, or even the hard rubber tips (when you wear them out and need to put on new ones). I did not have pliers on my second camino and I had to ask the help of one of those bicycle support vehicles to loosen them!!!I've used the same Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z carbon poles on several caminos with no problems. I'd suggest don't forget to buy rubber tips for the poles. They protect your tips and cut down on annoying noise when you are walking on pavement. (Annoying to yourself and others.) They are easy to slip on and off and I find myself doing that a lot. I keep them in the little zipper pockets on my backpack waist strap.
Annmte, you know I'm not 100% sure. It's been a while since I bought them. But I think they were the Black Diamond brand tips. They never came off on their own, but I was careful not to use them in rocky areas and to avoid grates. I agree with others above that it's a good idea to take an extra pair along. I've never done that but think I'll do it on the next camino.Wynrich, which tips do you use? I’ve read here that it can be difficult to get ones that stay on the BD poles, and can be removed easily.
I had a carbon pole snap. I left my poles leaning against a cafe table and my friend didn't see them as she was leaving our table and step on my pole and snapped it in two. The cafe owner went out to his shed and jammed the poles together, so I was able to use it for the rest of the camino but it wouldn't collapse for storage. When I got back home I took it to REI and they replaced them for me, no questions asked.I'm doing my first Camino this April/May (El Norte), and researching which poles to purchase. Obviously lots of info on this Forum, which has been very helpful! I've pretty much decided on the Black Diamond FLZ poles, but cannot decide whether to spend the extra money to get carbon vs aluminum. I like the fact that the carbon is a bit lighter (11.7 oz vs 16 oz for aluminum), but I've read that the carbon can snap or break under pressure, whereas aluminum will only bend, and can usually be bent back into place. What I can't seem to find are any actual examples of someone's carbon pole breaking while on a Camino. Would be a real bummer, especially after having paid more money - but if it's very unlikely to happen with the hiking I'll be doing, I might be willing to spend more on something that's lighter weight. Anyone had it happen?
Thanks
Ann
a stave can carry weight if you use it like a Chinese coolie would i.e. a weight on either end of the stave, perhaps the Ox bridge on one end and the argument on the other.@malingerer, it’s long been suggested that a Hawthorn stock can bring an argument to a conclusion far more concisely than an Oxbridge education. I’m still inclined to carry a stave to lean on rather than bear the weight of an incontrovertible argument
The inner plastic connectors of the Black Diamond FLZ poles can and do break, as it did for me on the Norte. They are great poles that have served me well but you should be aware that it is inherent in the design.I'm doing my first Camino this April/May (El Norte), and researching which poles to purchase. Obviously lots of info on this Forum, which has been very helpful! I've pretty much decided on the Black Diamond FLZ poles, but cannot decide whether to spend the extra money to get carbon vs aluminum. I like the fact that the carbon is a bit lighter (11.7 oz vs 16 oz for aluminum), but I've read that the carbon can snap or break under pressure, whereas aluminum will only bend, and can usually be bent back into place. What I can't seem to find are any actual examples of someone's carbon pole breaking while on a Camino. Would be a real bummer, especially after having paid more money - but if it's very unlikely to happen with the hiking I'll be doing, I might be willing to spend more on something that's lighter weight. Anyone had it happen?
Thanks
Ann
Do you mean the flexible nylon cords? They are casing for the aeronautical steel cables inside the poles and I’ve never known them to actually tear, crack etc. But they do detatch.The inner plastic connectors of the Black Diamond FLZ poles can and do break, as it did for me on the Norte. They are great poles that have served me well but you should be aware that it is inherent in the design.
Black diamond sells rubber tips on their site. I think they’re $6 or $7 per pair.Wynrich, which tips do you use? I’ve read here that it can be difficult to get ones that stay on the BD poles, and can be removed easily.
Black diamond sells rubber tips on their site. I think they’re $6 or $7 per pair.
That's exactly my experience, too,My solution has been to put the “carbide tips” on the poles and cover them with a standard rubber tip. The last time I went looking for them, Black Diamond did not make any that fit their FLZ poles. Most standard rubber tips were a bit loose on the BD poles, so I had to pad the pole shaft with duct tape. Not elegant, but worked fine. Once or twice I had to change the duct tape, but no big deal.
So does this mean that you always walk with those rubber tips? I would think that there were some stretches on the Mozárabe where you would very much have liked to have something that could dig into the ground to give you some stability. I know that on the Salvador this year, I was very glad I could pull off the rubber tips.My current tips are so fused onto the pole (with duct tape under them) that I don't know if I'll be able to get them off!) I am afraid to take the heroic measures to remove them until they need to be changed.
The only time I have wanted to remove the rubber tips was at home on ice last week. That is how I discovered they were so firmly attached!So does this mean that you always walk with those rubber tips?
Crossed the Alps this year in a guided group. As it was necessary to bring poles we had a chat with our guide over poles. He is a full time hiking guide with jobs in Finland, Austria, Italy, Greece, France, Germany, Spain, Madagascar.Anyone had it happen?
And when it isn't complicated enough, we (I) make it more so! See my correction in post #31.Who ever thought a simple issue like rubber tips on hiking sticks could be so complicated?
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