Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles (2023 aluminum model) review

The Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ is a 2023 aluminum folding pole, distinct from the current Pursuit Carbon FLZ and from the fixed-length Pursuit Carbon Z. This assessment draws on the manufacturer’s indexed U.S. product details, its replacement-parts table and current model cross-references. Its U.S. handle now redirects to the category, so this is an earlier-model reference, not a live-stock claim.

What the FLZ design offers

The FLZ combines two different jobs: its Z-Pole sections fold for carrying, while a soft-touch FlickLock+ lever allows working-length adjustment. That is not the same setup as the standard telescoping aluminum Pursuit, nor the fixed-length Pursuit Carbon Z. Black Diamond lists a 7075 aluminum shaft, with 30% pre-consumer recycled aluminum and at least 14% recycled material by finished weight. Those are manufacturer material claims, not a durability test.

The indexed page describes a natural-cork grip, an algae-infused Bloom foam extension for additional hand positions, and Solution 2.0 wrist straps made with post-consumer recycled fibers. It also lists a built-in 1.5 mm hex bit. These features do not establish how a particular grip will feel or how well a used pole’s lever still clamps. For an earlier item, inspect the grip, folding joints, cord, locking lever and tip condition directly rather than relying on the model’s feature list.

Choose the size by the whole range

The manufacturer page lists two grip-size options: S/M and M/L. Its size feature gives S/M a 100–125 cm usable range and M/L a 125–140 cm range. The same U.S. page lists collapsed lengths of 37 cm for S/M and 43 cm for M/L. The matching model code, BD110067, is identified as a 2023 generation on Black Diamond’s current Pursuit Straps page.

There is an important documentation conflict at the S/M lower endpoint. The indexed U.S. feature starts at 100 cm, but the official S25 spare-parts manual labels the replacement lower shaft for this FLZ as 110–125 cm. That table describes a replacement component, not a whole-pole usable-length test, so it does not prove that the pole cannot be set below 110 cm. It does mean that a 100 cm fit should not be assumed from the available evidence. The 125 cm break between sizes and the M/L 140 cm maximum are consistent; the S/M minimum is not resolved here.

For a 135 cm working setting with a 45 cm pack ceiling, only the M/L arrangement clears both published numbers: it reaches 140 cm and collapses to 43 cm. The shorter S/M arrangement packs to 37 cm but tops out at 125 cm. Do not combine the S/M pack figure with M/L reach. If the pole must fit in a 40 cm space while still reaching 135 cm, neither Pursuit FLZ plan is documented to meet both requirements: S/M lacks the reach, and M/L exceeds that pack ceiling.

Read the published weight cautiously

The indexed U.S. page lists 545 g for S/M and 565 g for M/L, but it does not say whether those values refer to one pole or a pair. They are therefore not a sound basis for comparing this aluminum model against another manufacturer’s per-pole or per-pair figure. The page also identifies Taiwan as the country of origin. No package count is confirmed in the product details reviewed here.

Four-season details and package checks

Black Diamond describes 4-season flex tips with trekking baskets and says snow baskets are included; the page also identifies an interchangeable carbide tech tip. That is meaningful when snow use is part of the purchase, but it does not guarantee the contents of a second-hand or reseller package. A seller may have lost baskets, straps or tips, and the live U.S. product page is no longer available to verify a current offer. Confirm that the exact item is the aluminum BD110067 version, check its color and grip size, and ask for an actual contents list and photos before paying. Do not substitute a Pursuit Carbon FLZ listing simply because the product names are similar.

How it compares with Black Diamond’s other Pursuit poles

The current-reference Pursuit Carbon FLZ keeps the folding-and-lever concept but changes the shaft material and has its own product code and size plans. Its manufacturer page lists 110–125 cm and 120–135 cm ranges, with 36 cm and 39 cm collapsed values. The older aluminum FLZ has an M/L plan that reaches 140 cm, but it has the unresolved S/M lower endpoint and less compact listed M/L length. The standard aluminum Pursuit instead telescopes and lists 62 cm and 68 cm collapsed lengths. These are separate arrangements, not color or finish variants of one pole.

The parts manual identifies compatible FLZ straps, lower shafts, flex tips, baskets and a FlickLock+ component. This supports that Black Diamond documented service parts for the model; it does not prove that a replacement part is still stocked or that a damaged pole is serviceable. Check the specific part code and ask the manufacturer or seller about compatibility before buying components.

Who should consider this earlier model?

It is worth comparing only if an earlier aluminum folding pole is acceptable, the needed range fits one of its size plans, and the exact item can be verified. The M/L plan is the documented choice for settings above 125 cm through 140 cm; the shorter size is more compact but its minimum remains disputed. If the S/M minimum, a low pole setting, weight basis, current warranty path or complete package is essential, the unresolved record is a reason to keep looking rather than to fill in the gaps by assumption.

This is a source-based assessment, not a hands-on review. No personal ownership, field test, independent measurement, present stock, price, rating or seller condition is claimed.