Black Crows Duos Freebird Pole

I'm giving 4 stars because the jury is still out on durability (I just got mine last spring). Otherwise they are easily 5 stars.

In terms of function I think this is the best general backcountry pole out there right now. They combine many of the benefits of the various poles out there (batons, traditional adjustable poles) while minimizing the downsides.

The straps are minimal but quite comfortable. The metal top caps are nice and durable and make these great for plunging. In my opinion the baton-style pole with a narrow grip (when inverted and plunged into the snow) is better than an ice axe for self belay in soft snow. You can get them much deeper than a standard light axe and they are always there in your hands ready to use if needed.

I also really like being able to make them long for ascent (140) and short for descent (120). Yes you can choke up on Batons, but it's nice to not have a bunch of pole sticking out above your hands as you ski.

The kicker for me was climbing some couloirs in soft snow the past few days. With the poles shortened up to 120 I felt like I was much better able to use my arms to push down on the pole tops while breaking trail. So much so that I found new muscles I never knew could be so sore.

Hopefully they last, I think i might prefer an aluminum lower option just for durability sake, but who knows. The only thing they could do better is make the straps easily removable (Leki strap compatibility?). Though if they did that there's a good chance the straps would lose their simplicity and robustness.

The baskets are kinda stupid, I much prefer the generic "powder basket" that comes on other poles for its function and ease of replacement, but that is a pretty minor complaint.

I purchased the Black Crows Duos Freebird ski poles a couple of months ago. I’ve used them a handful of times when one of the carbon shafts on one of the poles completely snapped while I was skinning uphill. I was not doing anything extraordinary. I’ve never crashed with them. I was just poling the snow. Black Crows would not warranty this item because they stated the carbon part is not covered under warranty. Their warranty is basically a fraud. Their motto on the website for these poles says, “do not use for barbecue.” I’d argue that barbecuing is the only appropriate activity for these poles. I would highly not recommend buying these fragile and overpriced poles. Just get the Dynafits like everyone else.

While I like these poles, I have a couple of issues. First, the smooth taper at the end makes dropping them easier when skinning if the basket catches in the snow. I make a custom end piece that has an edge to it that solves the issue (see below). Second, the plastic of the baskets is shit. I can't get a whole season from them without them breaking. Getting replacements is an ordeal. They are a very particular size.

I've been telling skimo co for years that the Black Crows poles are better in every way than the *other* french poles with the long grips, happy that they are finally stocking them. They are stronger, the grips don't ice up as badly, the top caps are metal and they include wrist straps.