BD Launches FlickLock Pro Poles

New FlickLock Pro's low-profile, stainless steel clamp gives double the clamping force of the original Flicklock design.

New Black Diamond Carbon Probe works as a ski-pole, but also as a 182cm avalanche probe saving weight and time. Oooh, that's quite a long picture... Good job they're not assembled in probe mode.

Black Diamond's excellent Flicklock system has always been a favourite of ours and now there's a new, even better version for this winter 2012 in the form of the new FlickLock Pro.

The classic Flicklock uses a clamp with lever to lock telescopic poles in position rather than the more common 'twist-to-lock' mechanism. It gives better clamping force and consequently a more secure pole and, significantly, in our experience is easier and more postive to use with gloves.

The new FlickLock Pro variant, introduced on its ski-pole range this winter, is an evolution of the original design which it says 'gives an improvement in quality, feel and clamping force'. In fact, a new 'dual-axle design' means twice the original clamping force from the low-profile, stainless steel design as well as a smooth action.

The new design is initially being used in the Freeride and Touring series of poles, but we suspect it'll find its way onto other poles in the future.

New Carbon Probe Pole

Also using the FlickLock Pro mechanism, the Black Diamond Carbon Probe Pole has been redesigned and functions both as a ski pole and as a fully-functional avalanche probe for high versatility and rapid response in an avalanche situation. 

When needed, the two lower sections of the poles can be combined to form a 182cm probe based on 100-125cm poles, while in ski mode, clamping and adjustment is taken care of by the new FlickLock Pro mechanism and the poles use BD's Freeride Series grip with a soft palm material. Weight for a pair of the 100-125cm poles is 585g. 

More information at www.blackdiamondequipment.com.