Black diamond pole link converter

[Bluegum Mic]

Hi guys,

Just out of curiosity has anyone used black diamonds pole link converter (nylon wrap to convert two hiking poles into a tent pole). I'm not sure I'm 100% confident in using it for gnarly weather and was after some feedback. If not what other (stronger) options have people used to link black diamond flick lock poles?

Cheers

Mic

[Lizzy]

I actually meant to buy one of these in my last O/S order- but in the excitement forgot! Doh!!!
Will also be interested if anyone has used them...

[Bluegum Mic]

Lizzy I've just looked into it and a 16" Easton pole segment may fit on the tip end of the black diamond pole for a reasonable length (the diameters seem pretty good). I'm going to order one in (they only cost about $3.50) and see how far the BD pole slides into it. I can then just get a pole tip/cap for the other end of the easton pole segment so it doesn't pierce the floor/roof.





The first image shows the pole with it's connector which I would get it without. Fingers x it works.

[Lizzy]

cool Mic- let us know how it goes...

[sthughes]

I often just Gaffa tape two poles together to support a large tarp. Works really well.

[Bluegum Mic]

Well after good deliberation I've decided to simply use a 20cm piece of 12mm steel tubing. Weighs 50g, remove the bottom sections of each pole and insert the steel tubing between them and lock it in. It's far more sturdier than the golite tent pole plus I already walk with the BD poles so the piece of tubing is much smaller and lighter than the tent pole provided.

I'll let you know how it holds up in a couple of weeks at the snowies.

[Nuts]

Sounds like an excellent idea They did say necessity was the Mother of invention!

All those BPL blokes could come up with was a joiner that relied on removing the strongest parts of a trekking pole and leaving two pointy ends, from what Iv'e read they also are still a bit stumped by the flicklocks lol... Your way will also add an internal sleeve to the weakest part of the resulting tent pole rather than the strongest... Well done... now for the marketing campaign

Perhaps Aluminium would be strong enough? I found the pole repair sleeve (around 12mm also) for hilleberg poles is the exact diameter of the inside of my Komperdell pole mid sections (so that size alum tube is available)...

[Bluegum Mic]

Ha! Yes nuts I cant take credit. I often noticed on the SL3 mega thread they joked about a doobrie for their BD poles yet nobody would say what it was. Finally got the gist of it from someones post. But yes I think it's a super idea. Makes for one very sturdy pole. I was going to get an eastern expedition pole section but the steel was easy to come buy and tough. If it weighed a lot then I'd get the alum one but at 50g it's nothing. I'd post a photo but this new layout for tapatalk just isn't behaving itself.

Cheers

Mic

[Franco]

Info on the British version here:

http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk/produ ... PageID=123
(video clip...)
Franco

[Nuts]

Yer, I did see their version some time back, pretty sure they started with just a tube and removing the top pole sections. Poles with flock-locks dont really need the twist fittings as the locks are on the remaining poles. , haven't read all of the mega thread, but I think they mentioned that they are still working on a joiner for the BD/flicklock type poles.. i guess they'll have another light bulb moment sooner or later... could have missed it?

The times ive used the tipi in snow there is a Lot of pressure on the centre pole. The only downside I see is with poles with steep angles at the top of the grip. Any deflection at the ends would mean outward pressure at the middle (when in tent pole mode). Guess the locks would still be the weak link rather than the pole section or the peak patch...

[Bluegum Mic]

Yes I've seen that one. It's a very nifty idea and looks well made. Unfortunately it does not work for the Black Diamond flick lock poles (BD poles are 12mm vs backpacking light extender is 14 or 16mm. Also the BPL extender has a screw in end which wouldn't be compatible- unfortunately). Thankfully this simple piece of steel is easy and no fuss. I'll try and add a photo but tapatalk have changed how they upload photos and it ain't behaving itself. I've tried 3 times and each time it's crashed grrrr.

Well this is the third time I've attempted to attach a photo and I'm giving up on tapatalk. Bare with me while I get it over to photobucket.

[Bluegum Mic]

[Bluegum Mic]

Yes Nuts. So far as I know BPL haven't worked one out for the BD poles however my suggestion above in one of my earlier post would possibly work ie eastern pole segment with a dome tip on it to stop the tube piercing the floor/nest. My only concern with that would be strength/stability. Using the two poles and piece of steel to join them means you don't have to extend the poles out very far at all. I agree though the flick locks and the curve of the handle will be the two possible weaknesses.

Cheers

Mic

[Bluegum Mic]

Edit: double post. Man this ain't behaving. I hate it when tapatalk updates. It goes pear shaped

[walkinTas]

I hate it when tapatalk updates. It goes pear shaped

I never had any trouble with it, but stopped using it when I changed phones.

If you can't delete your own post you can always report it with the report button. Moderators will normally delete a duplicate post if we see it, and will do so quickly if they are reported.