I always used to think nordic-length non-adjustable poles with long foam grip extensions were kind of stupid.
I even noticed just now that the earliest review here, from eight years ago, back in 2016, is from a skier I know well, having toured with him and organized races in which he’s participated.
I might have even uttered a snarky comment about his poles back then …
However, after a season of using these, I gotta admit: they are really nifty!
For skimo race and training, I still prefer modified nordic races poles, especially with the Leki integrated gloves and strapless grips.
And for any steep terrain, I want a pair of three-part adjustable poles so that I can shorten them up for couloir descents.
Or just tours that entail any use of ski crampons, even for a short stretch (I’m looking you Mt Washington’s cog railway, with the off-camber section from snow angling up against the trestles), I use one pole with a self-arrest grip (plus one of these now).
With those caveats aside:
- Weight is just as light as a high-end nordic racing pole, and noticeably lighter than any two-part adjustable pole (although I do have a discontinued model that is almost as light, but I suspect it was discontinued b/c of durability problems, and I’ve broken two lower shafts from overzealous weed whacking during skimo course prep).
- Deflection is far (far) lower than any two-part adjustable, on a par with a high-end nordic racing pole, and immediately discernable upon the first stride while skinning up any consolidated snow.
- Both grips and straps are minimalist yet nicely designed and comfortable.
- Skiing while choked-up on the grips is fine, although the straps do flop around a bit.
- Unanticipated bonus is being able to almost instantaneously switch from skiing choked-up to skiing at full length upon encountering flat sections is a noticeable efficiency gain on some tours.
(But I’m still going to make snarky comments about some of the competition,
especially that excessively colorful metal model from France!)
Black Diamond Vapor Carbon 1 Pole
The Vapor Carbon 1 is a simple, strong pole that has an extended grip for choking up on skin tracks. Made with carbon and glass fibers, the pole is ultralight and stiff which makes it great for racing and efficient touring. The poles have adjustable hand straps and sharp, hardened tips for breaking through crust. The handles have a lip that is handy for manipulating binding risers and levers. Black Diamond includes a set of freeride baskets with the poles, which are sold in pairs.
- 15.4mm (0.6”) one-piece shafts are made with mostly carbon fiber.
- Ultralight foam grips extend down the shaft which is great for side-hilling.
- Includes 75mm Freeride baskets.
Update 2019/20: BD added glass fibers to the shaft to increase durability and some stickier rubber on the handle top to make heel flaps easier to flip. They also added support for indexed baskets, meaning you can get a 3/4 basket with a tab that fits into a groove on the base of the Vapor poles, preventing the basket from spinning. The poles no longer ship with additional 40mm ice baskets.
Update 2021/22: This years pole sports a pop of new, green color, reinforced glass fiber along the shaft, and an extended grip to better handle slope variability.
| Specifications | |
| Lengths (cm) | 115, 120, 125, 130, 135 |
|
Weight |
164g [125] 171g [135] |
| Weight (pair) | 328g [125] 342g [135] |
| Sections | 1 |
| Grip | Extended foam |
| Basket & Tip | Freeride & mini baskets |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
|
|
100% carbon fiber Reinforced glass fiber on 21/22 |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Racing, touring |
| Notes | 2 sets of baskets included |
| Bottom Line | Nice light one piece with extended grip |
| Compare to other Fixed Length Ski Poles | |
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Questions & Reviews
Comment on this review:
These are my favorite touring poles. The weight savings on the poles makes a huge difference and similar to the performance upgrade of going from an average weight to super light binding or boot. Because they are so light choking up is super intuitive and allow you to go for a longer length w/o much penalty. Love the signature BD long tip and vibration dampening that comes with carbon.
Comment on this review:
12/14/2022
Do you know what the tip diameter is on these poles? I was looking at the possibility of swapping the basket system, and was curious what sizes might be compatible.
12/14/2022
Hi,
The diameter of the pole where the basket sits is 13.5mm for both the Vapor Carbon and Vapor Carbon 2. The ferrules are threaded below where the basket sits, and the threads are slightly wider than 13.5mm.
The diameter of the pole where the basket sits is 13.5mm for both the Vapor Carbon and Vapor Carbon 2. The ferrules are threaded below where the basket sits, and the threads are slightly wider than 13.5mm.
Answer this question:
1/8/2022
Do you guys know how/if I he straps are removed?
Thanks
Matthew
Thanks
Matthew
1/10/2022
Thanks for reaching out, Matthew. The straps are permanently attached, so to remove them, you'll need to cut them. Please let us know if you have any other questions!
10/9/2024
You can remove these straps, if you take a small allen wrench, you can push the plastic piece inside the handle out and unhitch the paracord holding the strap in place. This may take some working of the cord while you push the interior piece, but this was super easy for me
Answer this question:
I purchased these last year to replace my BD Traverse poles and become my everyday backcountry ski poles. I have been super happy with them. I installed the 3/4 baskets and rarely use the wrist straps. I don't think too much about them while using them, which to me means they are doing their job pretty darn well. The extended grip is very helpful and allows you to comfortably change your grip. No durability concerns after a session of use. They are crazy light, simple and rock solid.
Comment on this review:
4/18/2018
What lengths do you have
4/18/2018
Hi Timothy, the available lengths are listed in the drop list above. Looks like all but the 125 at the moment.
4/18/2018
What is the best size for someone who is 6ft
4/18/2018
Hi Tim, it can vary a bit based on your proportions and usage, but generally you will want to be in the 130-135 range for touring.
10/9/2018
I'd like to have these cut to custom length. Any experience with that? I wonder if the grip and shaft extension grip are glued.
10/13/2018
Hi Tomas, it would be very difficult to get the long foam grips off of these poles. I'd look at the Fischer AlpAttack for a carbon cut-to-length pole.
Answer this question:
I've been using the same orange Black Diamond Traverse poles that everyone else uses, leading to much confusion on hut trips. I wanted a pole more suitable for racing, but didn't want an XC-style pole. I'm fond of the flat tops of alpine-style grips, as I often palm them to push myself up a steep bit. And I never use pole straps due to shoulder dislocations. So this style of pole seemed appealing.
I tried them for the first time this morning, for 1000m of resort skinning. Wow! Walking to the base I was afraid I'd left one in the car, as they are so light. Going up was exhilarating, not quite as dramatic as my first time on super-light skis and boots, but that same feeling of lightness and freedom. Poles were stiff and felt very secure. The best thing was skiing down--I was able to effectively shorten the pole by holding the foam below the main grip. This had never worked for me on heavier poles, but felt perfectly normal with these. So I can have my nice, long, efficient poles on the up, and not look like a telemarked on the down :)
I'll report back after more experience. But I have a feeling my other poles are going to be gathering dust in the basement.
I tried them for the first time this morning, for 1000m of resort skinning. Wow! Walking to the base I was afraid I'd left one in the car, as they are so light. Going up was exhilarating, not quite as dramatic as my first time on super-light skis and boots, but that same feeling of lightness and freedom. Poles were stiff and felt very secure. The best thing was skiing down--I was able to effectively shorten the pole by holding the foam below the main grip. This had never worked for me on heavier poles, but felt perfectly normal with these. So I can have my nice, long, efficient poles on the up, and not look like a telemarked on the down :)
I'll report back after more experience. But I have a feeling my other poles are going to be gathering dust in the basement.
Comment on this review:
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