A close look at two trekking poles buyers cross-shop. On the data the Distance Carbon FLZ is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the DynaLock Ascent Carbon still fits your budget or priorities.
| Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ | MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 78✓ | 59 |
| Weight (pair) | 12.0 oz✓ | 16.6 oz |
| Packed length | 40 cm | 37 cm✓ |
| Max length | 125 cm✓ | 120 cm |
| Min length | 110 cm | 100 cm |
| Price | $240 | $190✓ |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon |
| Fold style | Folding | Folding |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Distance Carbon FLZ in blue, DynaLock Ascent Carbon in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Min length is shown for context and is not scored. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full trekking-pole comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
Put the Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ next to the MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon and the trade-offs are clear. The Distance Carbon FLZ is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the DynaLock Ascent Carbon makes its case on packability and price.
The Distance Carbon FLZ is 4.6 oz lighter per pair and a longer reach (125 vs 120 cm). The DynaLock Ascent Carbon is 3 cm shorter packed and $50 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Distance Carbon FLZ leads 78 to 59.
Pick the Distance Carbon FLZ if you care most about low weight and reach, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the DynaLock Ascent Carbon if packability and price matter more to you, or you are focused on saving space in your pack.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ. It is 4.6 oz lighter per pair than the DynaLock Ascent Carbon.
The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon. It is 3 cm shorter packed than the Distance Carbon FLZ.
The Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ, 78 to 59 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Distance Carbon FLZ is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the DynaLock Ascent Carbon if packability is your priority.