What is the cheapest place to buy Black Diamond trekking poles in the UK?
If you are looking for the cheapest place to buy Black Diamond trekking poles in the UK, the answer depends on timing, patience, and your willingness to use flash‑sale or second‑hand channels. In general, the lowest prices are found on SportPursuit (a members‑only flash‑sale site) during their regular sales events, followed by Amazon UK (Lightning Deals and Warehouse Deals) and Ultralight Outdoor Gear (clearance and ex‑display). High‑street retailers like Go Outdoors and Cotswold Outdoor are rarely the cheapest base‑price, but they do offer price‑matching, which can effectively bring them down to the online price. This guide breaks down each option in detail.
1. SportPursuit – the cheapest for new, but intermittent
SportPursuit is a flash‑sale website that offers discounts of 40–60% off RRP on outdoor gear, including Black Diamond poles. You need to create a free account to view sales. For example, the Black Diamond Trail Back (normally £80–£90) can appear at £45–£55, and carbon models like the Distance Carbon Z may drop from £140 to £80–£90. However, stock is limited, sales last only a few days, and you may need to wait weeks for delivery. Sign up for their email alerts to be notified when Black Diamond poles are on sale. This is the cheapest source for brand new, genuine poles.
2. Amazon UK – best for convenience and occasional deals
Amazon UK often has competitive prices on Black Diamond poles, especially during "Lightning Deals" or "Prime Day." You can find Trail Backs at £60–£70, and some older models at £50–£60. The "Warehouse Deals" section offers open‑box or returned poles at 20–40% off, often with full functionality. The advantage is fast delivery and easy returns. However, prices fluctuate daily, so use a price‑tracker like CamelCamelCamel to monitor drops.
3. Ultralight Outdoor Gear – clearance and ex‑display
Ultralight Outdoor Gear (ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk) is an online specialist that frequently has clearance sales on Black Diamond poles. They also sell ex‑display models at 30–50% off. You can find Trail Backs for £55–£65 and carbon poles at £100–£120. Check their "Sale" page regularly, and sign up for their newsletter.
4. Go Outdoors – price‑match to beat most retailers
Go Outdoors rarely has the lowest marked price on Black Diamond poles (often RRP or slightly discounted). However, their Price Match Plus guarantee is a powerful tool. If you find a lower price from a UK competitor (including Amazon UK or SportPursuit), they will match it and often beat it by 10% of the difference. Combined with their £5 Discount Card, you can often get a price that is lower than any online retailer. The catch: you must bring proof (a screenshot or link) to the store, and the competitor must have the item in stock. This is a great strategy if you want to buy in‑store and avoid shipping fees.
5. Cotswold Outdoor – price match with a premium edge
Cotswold Outdoor also offers price‑matching against UK online retailers, but they are generally less aggressive than Go Outdoors. They may match, but not beat, the price. They also have a clearance section on their website. Their advantage is a generous 60‑day return policy and knowledgeable staff. If you are not comfortable buying online, Cotswold is a reliable option.
6. Other online discounters
- Snow and Rock – Occasionally has sales on Black Diamond poles, particularly during end‑of‑season clearance.
- Ellis Brigham – Similar to Snow and Rock; check their sale page.
- Sportsshoes.com – Although primarily a running shoe site, they sometimes stock Black Diamond poles at good prices.
- Mountain Warehouse – Rarely stocks Black Diamond, but worth a look.
7. Second‑hand and refurbished – cheapest overall
If you are happy to buy used, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Gumtree are the absolute cheapest places. You can find Black Diamond Trail Backs for £20–£40 and carbon poles for £50–£70. Always check the condition: look for worn carbide tips, damaged locks, and any cracks or bends in the shaft. Replacing tips costs £10–£15, so a used pole with worn tips is still a bargain. The UKClimbing forums also have a "For Sale/Wanted" section where trusted sellers offer well‑maintained gear.
8. Timing matters – when to buy
- Black Friday / Cyber Monday (November): Deep discounts on Amazon and SportPursuit.
- January sales: Many retailers clear previous year's stock.
- End‑of‑season (August–September): Cotswold and Ultralight Outdoor Gear discount summer gear.
- New model releases: When Black Diamond launches a new version, older models drop in price.
9. Hidden costs to watch
- Shipping: Some retailers charge £5–£10 for delivery. Factor this into your comparison.
- Discount cards: Go Outdoors' £5 card is a one‑off cost that pays for itself if you save more than £5.
- Returns: Online sellers may charge return postage; in‑store purchases are easier to return.
Final verdict
The cheapest place to buy Black Diamond trekking poles in the UK is SportPursuit during a flash sale, followed by Amazon UK during Lightning Deals, and Ultralight Outdoor Gear during clearance. For in‑store convenience with price‑matching, Go Outdoors is the best strategy. For the absolute lowest price (including used), eBay and Facebook Marketplace win, but you accept some risk.
Recommendation:
- Monitor SportPursuit – sign up for alerts.
- Set a price alert on Amazon via CamelCamelCamel.
- Visit Go Outdoors – find the lowest online price, then ask for a price‑match.
- Check second‑hand – if you are on a tight budget, a used pair with replaceable tips is excellent value.
With patience and smart shopping, you can save £30–£60 on a pair of Black Diamond poles. Happy bargain hunting.
