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Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles vs MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about generalist backpackers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Trekking Poles
Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles
5 sources$144.88as of Jul 31

Black Diamond's Pursuit poles earned their reputation on durability and comfort, with reviewers reporting they survived demanding 2,000-mile routes like the Continental Divide. The cork grips draw praise for comfort and for how they adapt to the hand, and an integrated hex tool keeps maintenance simple. Two gripes recur: the measurement markings rub off fast, and the FlickLock+ mechanism can pop open mid-hike. Generalist hikers and backpackers who want reliable, comfortable poles are the right fit. Gram-counters chasing minimum weight are not.

Strengths
  • — Comfortable cork grips with ergonomic shape that mold to hands over time
  • — Durable aluminum construction that survived over 2,000 miles on the Continental Divide Trail
  • — Integrated hex tool for in-field adjustments without carrying a separate tool
Watch-outs
  • — Measurement markings on the pole wear out quickly
  • — Locking mechanisms can catch on clothing and tree limbs, and may unlatch during use
$144.88 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles
Ranked #2 in Best Trekking Poles
MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles
4 sources1 derived$189.95as of Aug 1

The MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles come close to the right balance of toughness, comfort, and packability, and they work across four seasons and a range of activities. Reviewers credited the Kevlar-reinforced carbon shafts for surviving heavy use with no breaks or cracks. A button-controlled folding mechanism gets them down to a compact packed size, and the EVA foam grips are comfortable. Testers did note they weigh more than most folding poles and pick up scratches quickly. Serious backcountry users who rank durability above ultralight weight will be happy.

Strengths
  • — Kevlar-reinforced carbon build makes it one of the most durable carbon poles on the market
  • — Adjustable length and grip extensions work well for steep terrain
  • — Folding design with button-controlled deployment offers small packed size (14.2 in collapsed)
Watch-outs
  • — Heavier than most folding designs (1 lb for small size)
  • — Scratches and scuffs accumulate quickly on the lower portion of the shaft
$189.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Black Diamond Pursuit Trekking Poles

The Black Diamond Pursuit poles surpass the Cascade Mountain Tech in durability and comfort, with their integrated hex tool and reliable FlickLock+ mechanism. While the MSR DynaLock Ascent offers better packability and the Leki Black Series provides more ergonomic design, the Pursuit poles excel in all-around reliability and comfort, especially on long trails. The Alpine Carbon poles are more durable but significantly more expensive, while the Trail Back model is more affordable but lacks the comfort and adjustability of the Pursuit.

MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

The MSR DynaLock Ascent stands out from the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon poles for its superior Kevlar-reinforced carbon construction, offering better durability than the more expensive carbon alternatives. While the Black Diamond Pursuit and Trail Back models offer more affordable options, the MSR poles excel in packability and toughness, making them ideal for backcountry use where reliability matters more than weight. Compared to the Leki Black Series, the MSR poles are heavier but offer more robust performance in demanding conditions.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBlack Diamond Pursuit Trekking PolesMSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles
Shaft MaterialAluminumCarbon
Grip MaterialCork with foam extensionFoam
Weight1 lb. 1.4 oz.1 lb
Pole Length49.2 in.47 in
Collapsed Length24.4 in14.2 in
TypeTelescopingFolding/telescoping
Locking MechanismFlickLock+DynaLock
Dimensions62 x 100-125 cm—
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