Traverse vs Detect S
Our #1 and #2 picks from The 10 Best Ski Poles, compared spec-by-spec with clear pros, cons, and a verdict.
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.
Traverse
Black Diamond
The Black Diamond Traverse is widely regarded across independent review outlets as the benchmark adjustable pole for backcountry touring. Built from sturdy aluminum, it is designed for skiers who demand a dependable, straightforward workhorse that can survive years of aggressive use. The Traverse prioritizes durability over ultralight weight, making it a trusted companion for everything from dawn patrol laps in the resort sidecountry to extended wilderness tours. In the field, the Traverse earns praise for its reliable FlickLock system, which provides positive clamping force that resists slipping even in freezing conditions. The two-piece aluminum construction gives it enough stiffness to handle forceful pole plants on firm crusts without excessive flex. While it weighs around 1 pound 3.5 ounces per pair—heavier than high-end carbon competitors—the aluminum shafts offer peace of mind because they bend rather than splinter under extreme stress, often allowing you to bend them back enough to limp home. Ergonomically, the pole features an extended choke-up grip made of comfortable foam beneath the main dual-density handle. This allows tourers to quickly adjust their hand position when sidehilling across steep skin tracks without pausing to adjust pole length. Combined with large powder baskets, it is a proven design with very few weak points. **Highlights** - Proven FlickLock external cam adjustment mechanism - Two-piece durable aluminum shaft construction - Ergonomic dual-density grip with extended foam choke-up sleeve - Large articulating powder baskets suited for deep snow - Field-repairable design with reliable clamping power **Watch-outs** - Noticeably heavier than carbon-fiber touring poles - Two-piece design does not collapse small enough for easy internal pack storage - Cam lever tension requires occasional manual tuning with a tool
Buy on AmazonDetect S
Leki
The Leki Detect S is aimed squarely at resort skiers seeking a clean, high-performance fixed-length pole with advanced safety engineering. Leki has spent decades refining its pole handles, and the Detect S showcases their Trigger S system, which pairs an internal spring-release mechanism with a dedicated glove loop. This design offers skiers consistent power transfer during aggressive turns while adding a safety margin against thumb and shoulder injuries during awkward crashes. Performance on hardpack and groomed terrain is crisp and responsive. Constructed from high-grade aluminum, the shafts offer exceptional rigidity with low swing weight, clocking in at approximately 1 pound 1 ounce per pair at the 120-centimeter size. Reviewers frequently highlight the confidence-inspiring feel of the pole plant: there is minimal shaft flutter, and the hardened steel tip bites cleanly into icy snow surfaces without slipping. Because the Detect S is a fixed-length pole, it eliminates the weight and potential failure points of locking collars entirely. However, the reliance on the Trigger S system means you must either use Leki-compatible gloves or thread the included mesh strap harness over your standard ski gloves. For dedicated downhill resort carvers and mogul skiers, the system provides one of the most secure interfaces available. **Highlights** - Trigger S grip release mechanism reduces injury risk during falls - High-strength, lightweight aluminum shaft profile - Ergonomic rubber grip with finger grooves for precise control - Steel tip provides aggressive bite on firm resort snow and ice - Low swing weight for quick pole plants in bumps and trees **Watch-outs** - Fixed length limits utility for backcountry touring and splitboarding - Requires wearing the proprietary strap harness or buying compatible Leki gloves - Stock baskets are sized for resort grooming rather than deep powder
Buy on AmazonSpec-by-Spec
| Spec | #1 Traverse | #2 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.