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DannyMilks
4557
May 31, 2017
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Greetings Outdoor Adventurers,
The original Fizan Compact Trekking Poles have been a favorite here on Massdrop every since we started selling them. They have the strongest twist-lock mechanisms, and are one of the lightest collapsible and adjustable poles in the world, at a fraction of the price of the nearest competitors.
We have taken the comments and reviews from the thousands of members who bought the original poles, and working with Fizan over the last year to come up with this Massdrop exclusive. The new Compact poles sport a reshaped grip, a soft, smooth strap, a burlier grippier hiking tip cover, and a third set of larger baskets that will be useful in snow or sand.
I used to think trekking poles were unnecessary and even dorky, but that was when I was first getting into backpacking as a college student. One winter I went on a particularly treacherous 3-day trip along the California coast, where we hit rain, hail, swollen river crossings, and numerous steep up and downs. The poles saved that trip and I became a convert. I now recommend poles for most people, regardless of how often or hard you hike, or how much you carry. It helps you going uphill, saves your knees on the downhill, stabilizes you on rocks and river crossings, and can help you avoid injury from falling. I find that it helps me keep a nice pace, regardless of speed. And for many of us, poles are useful for serving double-duty as part of our shelter structure.
I'm really excited about these poles because we're talking the most affordable, reliable ultralight poles and making them better, based on your feedback. Please read more about the history and development of this new generation of poles:
https://www.massdrop.com/talk/1797/upcoming-massdrop-x-fizan-collaboration
REVIEWS:
Dan Durston at Into Cascadia https://intocascadia.com/2017/10/14/review-massdrop-x-fizan-compact-poles/
Dave at Engearment http://engearment.com/backpacking/massdrop-fizan-compact-poles/
Danielle at The Trek https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/gear-review-massdrop-x-fizan-compact-trekking-poles/
Kenneth Shaw at Ultralightandcomfortable https://ultralightandcomfortable.com/2017/06/02/gear-review-fizan-trekking-poles/
And here's the 2011 BPL review for the original Compact 3: https://backpackinglight.com/fizan_compact_poles_review/
(Edited by moderator LukasM)
Telios
123
Jun 1, 2017
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DannyMilksDo you use the 3 segment or 4 segment versions?
I got my 3 segments from MD originally, but would be interested to know if the 4 segments suffer any issues with snapping, because I would totally take a 10g hit for greater stowage potential.
The backpack I'm heading towards for day trips has no pole holder's so internal storage is necessary.
I got my 3 segments from MD originally, but would be interested to know if the 4 segments suffer any issues with snapping, because I would totally take a 10g hit for greater stowage potential.
The backpack I'm heading towards for day trips has no pole holder's so internal storage is necessary.
DannyMilks
4557
Jun 1, 2017
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TeliosI use the Compact 3. The Compact 4 poles are fantastic for getting small! They do have that fourth section with a smaller diameter, so it would be slightly less strong. Also, it means that every time you pull out your poles, you'll have to make 3 adjustments instead of 2. Not a lot of extra time, but just something to consider.
We have sold thousands of these poles. I've gotten zero of the Compact 4 poles returned to us, if that is any indication. Maybe people take better care of them because the poles they know the limitations? Thanks for the great question, and maybe some existing Compact 4 owners would chime in too.
hikin_jim
251
Jun 7, 2017
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DannyMilksFor what it's worth, I got an evaluation copy of the Fizan poles through Danny (who I know from an N. Calif. UL backpacking event). I wrote up my thoughts, which, should you be suffering from insomnia, you will no doubt want to rush right over and read using the below link. I will be adding some more photos tonight when I get home, so if it looks a little sparse, please bear with me. Bear in mind that I'm really a stove geek and that this is my first non-stove gear review. So, don't hit me over the head with a trekking pole, OK? :)
http://hikinjim.blogspot.com/2017/06/massdrop-x-fizan-7100-lightweight.html
HJ
http://hikinjim.blogspot.com/2017/06/massdrop-x-fizan-7100-lightweight.html
HJ
hikin_jim
251
Jun 7, 2017
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hikin_jimPhotos added. Don't all click at once, now. :)
http://hikinjim.blogspot.com/2017/06/massdrop-x-fizan-7100-lightweight.html
HJ
http://hikinjim.blogspot.com/2017/06/massdrop-x-fizan-7100-lightweight.html
HJ
SawatchFactory
300
Jun 8, 2017
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hikin_jimGood thoughts, Jim. Funny that our scales are off in different directions for different baskets - mine measured the summers being heavier and the winters lighter than yours, but the middle ones were spot on!
I don't know if you took the strap wedge out. I'm not sure a softer one would work as the straps are currently set up. The wedge has some plastic spikes that stick up from the top and, I assume, stab the strap to keep it stationary. I did not notice any slipping, but I played with the straps extensively before I took the poles out for a hike.
Maybe the advice needs to be: push the wedge in and pull on the strap after every adjustment to avoid strap slippage.
I don't know if you took the strap wedge out. I'm not sure a softer one would work as the straps are currently set up. The wedge has some plastic spikes that stick up from the top and, I assume, stab the strap to keep it stationary. I did not notice any slipping, but I played with the straps extensively before I took the poles out for a hike.
Maybe the advice needs to be: push the wedge in and pull on the strap after every adjustment to avoid strap slippage.
hikin_jim
251
Jun 8, 2017
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SawatchFactoryHmm. Maybe I should re-weigh them. I got the following per pair:
"Summer" - 6 g "Three Season" - 12 g "Winter" - 30 g
What is your scale showing?
HJ
"Summer" - 6 g "Three Season" - 12 g "Winter" - 30 g
What is your scale showing?
HJ
Cortexion
0
Jun 9, 2017
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TeliosYou choose between the Compact 3's and Compact 4's (+$7) at checkout. The Compact 4's are the 4-section poles that have a slightly better stowage potential.
SawatchFactory
300
Jun 9, 2017
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hikin_jimWe had 8g, 12g, and 28g. Could just as easily be my scale!
hikin_jim
251
Jun 9, 2017
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SawatchFactoryInteresting although the total winds up the same, lol.
Unit weights do vary unit to unit, so that may also be at play. Interesting that they're off by 2 grams though. I would have been less surprised by a difference of 1 g.
HJ
Unit weights do vary unit to unit, so that may also be at play. Interesting that they're off by 2 grams though. I would have been less surprised by a difference of 1 g.
HJ
Yirg
98
Mar 23, 2018
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DannyMilksThese are excellent. I hope another drop is planned, because I'd like to buy another pair for my girlfriend.
Cardamomtea
588
Aug 19, 2018
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planb10113I think around 37 weeks ago. His commenting history pretty much ends after that. In June he posted on Backpackinglight that they're expecting baby #3, so sounds like things are going well for him :-) I wish him the best!
kim.suarez
661
Outdoors & Ultralight Collaborations
Aug 22, 2018
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mynameisnotrickwe will be dropping these again and look out for a new Fizan product in the new few weeks!
kim.suarez
661
Outdoors & Ultralight Collaborations
Aug 22, 2018
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planb10113Yes and we are expanding the Massdrop x Fizan offering beginning in September!
mileszs
1
Sep 16, 2018
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kim.suarezQuick q: forgot to get some earlier in the year. I head out for a trip October 8th. Best to order from elsewhere at this point?
kim.suarez
661
Outdoors & Ultralight Collaborations
Sep 19, 2018
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mileszsShould be good! These will come back on 9/24 and will have 2 day shipping
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