Traverse vs Detect S
top ten:best ski poles
Choosing between the Black Diamond Traverse and the Leki Detect S comes down to deciding where you spend the majority of your winter: earning your turns deep in the backcountry or charging aggressive freeride lines accessed by the lift. The Black Diamond Traverse is an undisputed benchmark for dedicated ski tourers, offering telescoping two-section aluminum adjustability, ergonomic choke-up grips, and utility specifically tailored for skinning, ridge traverses, and adjusting climbing risers. In contrast, the Leki Detect S delivers a burly, fixed-length aluminum build centered around Leki's proprietary Trigger S safety-release grip system, designed for freeriders seeking uncompromised stiffness, direct power transfer, and instant click-in convenience. While the Traverse prioritizes on-the-fly length adaptability and packability for varied uphill terrain, the Detect S eliminates joint failure points entirely to provide bombproof downhill confidence. Selecting the right pole means balancing the need for touring versatility against resort-ready durability and high-speed emergency strap-release protection.
Spec-by-Spec
| Spec | Traverse | Detect S |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Pair) | 592 g (95–145 cm) | 498 g (at 120 cm) |
| Adjustability / Sizing | Two-section telescoping (95–145 cm or 105–155 cm) | Fixed length (110–135 cm in 5 cm steps) |
| Shaft Material | Aluminum (16 mm upper, 14 mm lower) | Aluminum HTS 7.0 (16 mm single-section) |
| Grip & Strap System | Dual-density rubber with extended foam choke grip & woven webbing strap | Trigger S Pro G grip with quick-release integrated mesh strap |
| Price Tier | Mid-tier ($100–$120) | Mid-to-high tier ($110–$130) |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Best Use | Backcountry ski touring, splitboarding, ski mountaineering | All-mountain freeride, resort powder, slackcountry |
| Portability / Packed Size | Collapses to 95 cm or 105 cm for transport | Non-collapsible (fixed length full pole size) |
| Durability | High; thick-walled aluminum withstands touring abuse, FlickLock serviceable | Exceptional; single-shaft structure eliminates locking mechanism failure |
| Feature Highlights | FlickLock adjustability, flat-edged hook for adjusting heel lifters, 100 mm powder baskets | Trigger S safety release, steel carbide tip, Big Mountain interchangeable baskets |
Traverse
Best for: Dedicated backcountry tourers and splitboarders needing a rugged, adjustable pole built for skin tracks and varying snowpack.
Pros
- FlickLock cam mechanism allows quick, reliable length adjustments on sidehills and variable terrain.
- Integrated rubber choke-up extension allows immediate grip shifts without stopping to adjust pole length.
- Dual-density grip features a flat, hooked upper edge engineered specifically for flipping heel risers.
- Collapsible two-piece shaft packs down cleanly on winter backpacks or duffels for travel.
Cons
- Heavier total swing weight due to overlapping shaft tubing and FlickLock hardware.
- Locking clamp requires periodic tensioning to prevent gradual slip under hard descents.
- Lacks a quick-release strap safety mechanism for tree-skiing fall scenarios.
Detect S
Best for: Aggressive all-mountain freeriders who value fixed-shaft rigidity and the injury-preventing safety of a quick-release grip system.
Pros
- Trigger S system enhances skier safety by releasing the strap upward during falls to reduce thumb and wrist injuries.
- Single-piece, high-tensile 16 mm aluminum shaft offers maximum stiffness with zero clamp slippage or flex.
- Lighter swing weight and overall pair weight compared to telescoping alternatives.
- Ergonomic Pro G grip provides exceptionally direct, non-slip power transmission through aggressive turns.
Cons
- Fixed length cannot be shortened for uphill skinning or strapped neatly to a pack for bootpacking.
- Trigger S system requires wearing compatible Leki gloves or the included adapter loop on third-party gloves.
- Lacks an extended lower grip zone for quick choking-up on uneven traverses.
The Verdict
The Black Diamond Traverse earns the overall win for the versatile skier due to its sheer adaptability across human-powered ascents and deep descents. A ski pole must primarily serve the terrain you encounter, and the Traverse's easy FlickLock adjustment, grip extension, and riser-flipping utility make it an essential backcountry and sidecountry tool. However, the Leki Detect S remains the superior choice for dedicated resort freeriders and inbound chargers who push speeds in steep, technical trees and off-piste bowls. The Detect S eliminates moving parts in favor of pure shaft rigidity and adds the legitimate orthopedic safety of the Trigger S releasable strap system. Choose the Black Diamond Traverse if uphill utility and variable-length control dictate your days on snow; choose the Leki Detect S if you prioritize bombproof inbound durability, lightning-fast pole plants, and wrist safety during high-consequence resort descents.
See where both rank in the full list: the complete Top 10 →