-Expediton 3 section poles compact to 22",won't slap legs or catch trees. -Sturdy aluminum won't break as easily as composite. -Fast transition from ascent to descent for snowboarders. -Flicklock has no internal parts to break like the twistlock poles with their internal tightening expanders that wear out every few years.

-Not as light as composite, but takes much more abuse. -Not cheap, but they'll last a lifetime!

This is for the Black Diamond Expediton Adjustable Flicklock poles, not the Traverse(no listing for the Expedition here). Difference? They are 3 section poles and get down to 22" when compact, vs the 38" of the 2 stage Traverse pole. This is important for backcountry snowboarders that don't care for long poles attached to the pack, that hit them in the legs or get hung up on tree branches. The Flicklock mechanism works well, even with gloves on and is easier to use than twist lock varieties. The Flicklock mechanisms did loosen once over 2 years, simple screwdriver adjustment though. I use them for trekking with a heavy multi-day pack in the summer too. They've gotten snagged in many boulder fields where a composite pole would've cracked and snapped.

Similar Products Used:

REI 2 section Snowshoe poles,made by Komperdell.