Z-Pole Powder Basket Adapter

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

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!

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

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

youtube.com/watch?v=s11waZh…

Oh that is a great option too! Thanks!

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

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.

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

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