This review dives into the Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles, examining their performance and highlighting both their strengths and weaknesses. Purchased on sale for $89 (originally $129) from REI, these poles initially impressed with their sleek, durable design. However, the initial setup presented an unexpected challenge: attaching the baskets. This seemingly simple task proved surprisingly difficult, requiring significant effort and ingenuity to overcome the less-than-intuitive design.The struggle with basket installation forms a significant portion of this review, detailing the various attempts made to secure them, from brute force to unconventional lubrication methods. Ultimately, the solution was discovered, but the experience underscores a key design flaw that could be improved. Beyond this initial hurdle, the review assesses the overall quality, durability, and performance of the poles themselves, offering a comprehensive evaluation considering both the frustrations and the eventual positive experience.
Pros And Cons
- Cool
- Adjustable
- Difficult to attach baskets
- Basket attachment design is not great
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Unboxing and First Impressions
I recently purchased a pair of Black Diamond Expedition 3 ski poles from REI. They were on sale, a steal at $89 compared to the usual $129 price tag. The poles themselves look sleek and durable, and I'm excited to use them this upcoming ski season.
One minor initial frustration: attaching the baskets. The design makes it surprisingly difficult. The basket needs to fit snugly between the top and bottom red sections of the pole, allowing it to spin freely.
Initial impressions are positive. The poles appear to be high quality and sturdy. The only real drawback so far is how challenging it is to attach the baskets.
The Basket Installation Struggle
Putting on the baskets proved to be far more challenging than expected. The instructions weren't very helpful, and brute force didn't work either. I tried various lubricants, including WD-40 and even olive oil (not recommended!).
The key, I discovered, isn't forcing the basket onto the pole. Instead, rotate the pole itself while holding the basket. This allows for a smoother, more controlled insertion of the basket.
The process involved a considerable amount of time and effort. I eventually managed to attach the basket but it was much more difficult than it needed to be.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Despite the basket installation issues, the Black Diamond Expedition 3 poles are generally well-made and seem durable. Losing a basket is a pain (and costly!), hence the frustration with the initial setup.
The design of the basket attachment mechanism could be improved. It is not intuitive and requires more effort than it should. The poles themselves, however, are of high quality and perform well once the baskets are secured.
Overall, I would still recommend the Black Diamond Expedition 3 poles. However, be aware that the basket installation may prove a frustrating experience. Perhaps consider purchasing a spare basket as well.