Black Diamond Vapor Carbon Ski Poles

Staff Pick:

I have a few pairs of these to pass out like crack at the trailhead. Everyone needs a pair; they are my second "holy grail" item that we sell in the shop. If I think my ski tour will have a fair bit of flat terrain across lakes or in a valley, I will bring adjustable poles. Otherwise, I want these insanely light and simple non adjust poles in my hands all day. The long foam handle lets you grab wherever you need to climb the peak. We often go bare hands while backcountry skiing, which calls for foam. Additionally, you don't have to grip so tightly on a soft foam grip.

The vapor poles are strong as any other pole I know, just don't wack the carbon shaft at your ski edges or boots. I never do that with any poles. Knock your boot snow and ice off with your other boot. 

The BD Vapor poles have the perfect sized basket for ski touring. The strap is minimal, so you are not annoyed. I rarely put my hands in the ski handle strap. I only do that to start skate skiing and gliding on flat terrain. The foam is the right diameter. And finally, the end of the handle has just barely enough head on it to grab your heel elevators on your bindings. I've seen some backcountry poles that are dead nothing round shaft ends at the grips lately. How are you going to shift your heel levers with that?

Why hold onto heavy poles for 6 hours? how can you pole plant and ski well with awkward feeling heavy poles? You'll see, when you buy a pair, you'll buy a second pair for your ski partner or loved one. Or if you want to slow down some old crusty ski touring partner, don't say anything and let them use their old BD poles from the 90's with duct tape wrapped around them. 

Mike Schwartz

FROM THE MANUFACTURER

At only 310 grams per pair, the Vapor Carbon Ski Pole is one of the lightest ski poles on the market, built for ski mountaineers and gram-counting backcountry skiers. The Vapor’s grip has been updated as well, and features foam for added comfort and a dual density grip-top with sticky rubber that grabs onto buckles and bindings for quick adjustments.

Designed for weight-conscious backcountry skiers and ski mountaineers, the Black Diamond Vapor Carbon Ski Pole packs essential features and strong, durable performance into one of the lightest ski poles on the market. The single-piece carbon shaft is now strengthened with glass fibers, and the new foam grip adds comfort while the dual density grip-top’s sticky rubber grabs onto buckles and bindings with ease for quick adjustments.

FEATURES

• 100% carbon fiber: 15.4 mm (0.6 in) one-piece shaft
• Ultralight foam upper and lower grip
• Indexed ferrule for 3/4 basket compatibility

TECH SPECS