Black Diamond Traverse: Full Breakdown
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The quick verdict: The default backcountry pole for good reason: adjustable, nearly indestructible aluminum with clever touring features, at a price that leaves room for a beacon. ~$90
Overview
Ask around any skin track and you will find Traverses everywhere. Black Diamond’s two-piece aluminum pole adjusts with the FlickLock clamp, an external lever design with a long record of holding its setting even under body weight, so you can run poles long for the climb and short for the descent.
The details are what sell it. The grip head has a flat edge for scraping ice off topsheets, plus a utility hook that flips heel risers so you do not have to bend down mid-climb. The 16mm aluminum shafts bend rather than shatter when a rock wins, and the whole package costs less than many fixed-length resort poles.
Where It Shines
- FlickLock holds its length setting reliably, climb after climb
- Grip-head scraper and riser hook are daily-use touring features
- Aluminum durability record is excellent
- Strong value; often found well under $100
Tradeoffs to Know
- Heavier than carbon touring poles
- Two-piece design has more swing weight than a fixed pole
- Basic strap, no release system
Who It’s For
Backcountry skiers and splitboarders who want reliable, adjustable poles without spending carbon money. If you want one premium pole for both resort and touring, step up to the Razor Carbon Pro.
How It Compares
See how it stacks up in our full guide: The Best Ski Poles of 2025-26. Other picks from that list: Leki Detect S · Line Grip Stick · Leki Spitfire 3D · Black Diamond Razor Carbon Pro · Black Crows Duos Freebird.