Trekking Pole Review 2023 - Argali Guide X vs. Black Diamond Alpine Ergo Cork

After many requests, I figured it was time for a trekking pole head-to-head review. In this video, I compared the Argali Guide X against the Black Diamond Alpine Ero Cork. Both of these poles have some great features but they also have some stark differences worth discussing. Let me know in the comments section below which poles you’d like to see next.
0:00 - Intro
4:23 - Pricing
4:58 - Weight
5:10 - Materials
11:00 - Grips
16:00 - Adjustability
17:13 - Vibration
18:58 - Weight Capacity
21:28 - Build Quality
22:03 - Locking Mechanisms
27:11 - Extras
29:40 - Packability
30:51 - Final Results and Thoughts
Jay Nichol
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[@stefanbajo8565]

I feel I made the wrong choice with the Argalis. This was my review on their site: Bought the Guide X poles to replace my Komperdells which had served me well for around 400km over unforgiving British Columbian terrain until the carbide tip fell out. I was excited about the Argali poles for the feature of having the screw insert for accessories and was wanting to use one as a monopod for my Kowa spotter instead of packing a third "stick". I was also intrigued by the adapter that lets the two poles become one for shelter set up which I haven't tried yet but think will work beautifully. Sadly, I was disappointed as soon as I took them out of the package and after playing with adjustments for sometime my fears were confirmed. I wear a size L or XL glove and these poles are just not comfortable to use because the foam grip is too short and too thin, and the wrist strap does not open wide enough to be an effective walking aid. I realize that saving ounces where possible is the name of this game, but it is beyond me why a harder look wasn't taken at the industry standard for grip size/style and strap adjustment size options that all the top brands like Leki, MSR, Black Diamond, and Komperdell all share. The grips and straps on these Argali poles feel like they were meant for very small hands and wrists. When holding the grip my pinky rests uncomfortably on the "knob of foam" at the bottom just above the carbon shaft and will slide onto the shaft itself. I will have to use hockey tape or something similar to extend the grip onto the carbon shaft and build up the grip itself. The most uncomfortable flaw is that there is no way that I can use the wrist straps as trekking pole straps are intended if adjusted to have any more than 1/2" of velcro locked together, and that is on a bare hand. Good luck to me when I wear thin gloves as one usually does, and I won't even stand a chance with a winter glove on. To remedy this I will need to sew an extension strip of velcro down the strap, or fabricate a new strap that is wider and opens larger. Lastly, the "mini baskets" are just that - 1.5" mini. To be fair I haven't tried them in sand, mud, or snow yet, but they don't look like they'll do much - especially with the weight of a quarter and gear on my back. Hopefully I'll be surprised. I'd like to know if there is another brand that makes the effective standard sized 3" baskets or larger snow baskets compatible to the threads on these. I would have asked to return these, but seeing as I've shipped to Canada I was bent-over the barrel on duty fees which I do not think will be recovered if I were to try and send these back. On the same order I bought a Serac Knife and a Kodiak Belt, both of which are awesome. I must also say, the locking mechanisms on these poles look like they will If anyone at Argali is reading this, I am referencing order# AR16467. If you have the time I would love to show you just what I mean via zoom or a submitted video. Please reach out. Stefan Bajo

[@MindfulHunter]

Yeah we had some similar insights for sure.

[@stitchotis]

Jay, love the reviews! Found you about a month ago when you did your backcountry food video

[@MindfulHunter]

Appreciate the support!

[@StoneTrees]

Timely...I just left my trekking poles lying beside where I parked my truck about 5 hours from home. Doh! These were the BD Carbon Alpine ones. Not a fan of the locking mechanisms for the same reasons you stated, but other than that the poles were great (RIP).

[@MindfulHunter]

Glad to help out!

[@vancejohnson1778]

Great review Jay! Always real informative appreciate the time u put into them!

[@MindfulHunter]

💪

[@kylemacgillivray474]

Definitely prefer cork, longer bigger handles and I like wider straps. Great review.

[@MindfulHunter]

💯 thanks!

[@jasonnull2248]

Fantastic insight. Thank you. I’m not a big fan of foam grips, I’ve had a couple sets like that and they always break up and fall apart.

[@MindfulHunter]

Thanks!

[@jameswyatt6315]

Jay I’ve used the Argali since release, BD before - I’ve got small hands (med gloves) and 100% agree with you on the grip size. I’ll say the foam sucks too - SUPER slippery when sweaty, the wrist straps suck, and my foam is already breaking down. Prev experience with BD foam has been positive. Interestingly enough it appears BD is using a similar 1/4-20 system with their alpine carbon cork whippet ready poles, they have an adaptor like argali for attaching stuff to the top of the pole.

[@MindfulHunter]

That is very interesting to note. Thanks for that.

[@kellyharper5994]

Great review

[@MindfulHunter]

Thanks!

[@colebones]

So I have what I call baby hands and the grips on the argali work for me. I do wish they had the lower extension standard and some beefier wrist cuff as I use that alot vs gripping the handle super tight in some hiking areas because it's more comfortable and I worry it will break off someday.

[@MindfulHunter]

Appreciate the feedback.