Over the next few days we will be presenting various trekking poles. We are starting with the aluminium trekking pole “Trail Ergo Cork” from Black Diamond. A feature particularly worth mentioning on this pole is its cork grip. Update: Here is the Test Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekkingstöcke
Aluminium trekking pole with FlickLock adjustment and cork grips
The Trail Ergo Cork is a three-section aluminium trekking pole without suspension or anti-shock system. It comes with Black Diamond’s typical FlickLock adjustment system. Unlike the widespread twist-lock mechanisms, such as those used by Leki, the length of the pole is fixed with a lever system.
A special feature of the Trail Ergo Cork is its eponymous cork grips instead of the usual plastic ones. The grip is slightly angled so that it tilts a little forward. Below the cork grip there is a grip extension made of black foam.
Technical specifications of the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
Length: 70 – 140 cm- Packed length: 73.5 cm
- Weight: 532 g (266 g per pole)
- Material: aluminium, the grip is made of cork
- Design: 3-section telescopic pole
- Locking system: 2 FlickLock adjustment systems
- Extras: non-slip foam grip extension at the top of the shaft
- Baskets: snow baskets and small trekking baskets
Field test and rating of the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork
When you first “grab hold” of them, the cork grips are of course the first thing you notice. Compared with rubber/plastic grips they feel a little “harder”, but that is by no means unpleasant. The grips seem to absorb sweat from your hands a little better than the usual plastic grips. The cork grips themselves are angled slightly forward. Another very pleasant feature of these poles is the foam grip extension below the cork grips. It lets you choke down on the pole when needed, e.g. on short steep climbs, because you still have a non-slip grip surface.
Quick and easy adjustment with the FlickLock system
The FlickLock system also allows the length of the trekking poles to be adjusted very quickly. Simply flipping a small lever releases the lock and the pole can be adjusted. When you flip the lever back, the pole is reliably locked. This mechanism is quicker and easier to operate than the twist locks of Leki and co. Adjustment is just as easy with thick gloves.
The aluminium pole has three sections and can be adjusted from 70 – 140 cm. In use, the pole shows the characteristics typical of aluminium poles without suspension or anti-shock system. Because there is no suspension, planting the pole is very precise but also hard, and leads to the oscillation that is “par for the course” with light aluminium trekking poles.
Pictures of the Trail Ergo Cork
Final verdict on the Trail Ergo Cork trekking pole
I find the cork grip much more pleasant than other grips I have tested so far – but that is certainly a matter of taste. In my opinion, the FlickLock adjustment system is quicker and easier to use than a twist system, without any compromise in stability. The oscillation of the aluminium pole after planting it isn’t nice, but it is normal for the design. A good, robust trekking pole with practical features at a reasonable price that I am happy to recommend without hesitation.
