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Z-Pole Powder Basket Adapter

Original Post
Chris Sheridan · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,693

I bought some Black Diamond Ultra Distance Z-Poles a while ago and really like them except for the fixed powder basket. The poles are pretty useless on just about any kind of snow. So I designed and 3D printed a new end piece that replaces the existing one and makes the pole compatible with any off the shelf black diamond powder baskets. The design can be found here:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:707021

Here's a picture of the original (top) and modified (bottom) trekking pole end.



Feel free to print or order your own. I ordered mine from Shapeways for about $7 each and just installed them last night.

Enjoy,

Chris

Michelle Cheng · · Golden, CO · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 0

Thank you for your comprehensive post! This is exactly what I was looking for as I have the same poles and wanted to bring them up a splitboard summit trip. Likely won't use the poles too much, so wanted to carry these in the pack vs my heavier compactor poles. Thank you again!

rgold · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 526

Note: the link in the post is broken; the one in the picture caption works.

Maxamilus Yuang · · Ann Arbor, MI · Joined Dec 2014 · Points: 20

Take a look at this too. I think some people just buy the replacement tip and do this.

youtube.com/watch?v=s11waZh…

Michelle Cheng · · Golden, CO · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 0

Oh that is a great option too! Thanks!

Double J · · Sandy, UT · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 3,952

Just know, the distance z poles are a 3 season pole with thinner walls and have lots of flex when you are placing them into snow and using them with skis

Chris Sheridan · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,693

Jon is right. This mod does still leave you with a pole that is not as durable as the new four season pole.

Also, I have a new revision of the adapter with a slighly thicker wall in one place that I found to be a week point. I'll upload it tonight, and if I forget, just PM me.

Michelle Cheng · · Golden, CO · Joined Apr 2016 · Points: 0

which pole are you guys referring to as the four season pole? alpine cork version?

Chris Sheridan · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 1,693

By new poles, I meant the Alpine Carbon Z or the Alpine FLZ. I've never tried either, but they have removable powder baskets.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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