OutdoorGearLab

Some backcountry skiers and ski mountaineers want a tool with the potential to replace an ice axe for steep snow climbing, and that can add to their ability to arrest a fall in steep terrain while skiing down. For these users, the Black Diamond Whippet is a classic standby in the steep skiing world. The most recent iteration builds upon the product's past successes, adding a removable pick design. In short, it functions as a standard three-section telescoping backcountry ski pole while skinning up or skiing down, with the option to attach the pick to the top of the grip when you want. The result is a high-performance pole and the best of the ski pole/ice axe hybrids on the market.
The biggest downside to the Whippet is its weight. With the pick attached, the pole weighs about twice as much as other models. The higher swing weight is not particularly noticeable, especially in steep terrain, where our minds are generally on other things. We're a bit dismayed that the pole is sold only as a single, individual pole. If it came in a set, it would be the only pair of backcountry poles you'd ever need.

Best for Most

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expert-review

A Case for the Whippet - Black Diamond Carbon Whippet Review - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

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The Leki Helicon Lite delivers excellent performance in every way, edging out the competition to be named our favorite backcountry ski pole. And, it is one of the least expensive poles on the market, making it our top choice for users on a budget as well. The grip is well-contoured and comfortable to hold, with tacky rubber that makes it easy to grasp. The wrist straps adjust easily, the handle can be used to flip tech bindings between ski and walk mode, and the secondary grip is great as well. This pole features 35 centimeters of length adjustment, which is plenty for switching from extended lengths for uphill travel to short poles for steep downhill turns, to nordic length for skating out lengthy exits. In every way, this pole is awesome, and it's more affordable than pretty much any other pole on the market. 
The downsides to this pole are few and far between, but if we had to be picky, we'd say that the colors are a bit loud, that the lower shaft could be stiffer, and that the pole could be lighter overall. These minor criticisms are the only things we could come up with. The Helicon Lite poles perform well across the board, from the most important considerations like a comfortable grip and their solid construction to the bells and whistles like an ice/snow scraper on the powder baskets. These poles do all of this at a low price, making your decision a no-brainer. We feel they are the best poles on the market, and surprisingly, also the best value.  

The Leki Helicon Lite delivers excellent performance in every way, edging out the competition to be named our favorite backcountry ski pole. And, it is one of the least expensive poles on the market, making it our top choice for users on a budget as well. The grip is well-contoured and comfortable to hold, with tacky rubber that makes it easy to grasp. The wrist straps adjust easily, the handle can be used to flip tech bindings between ski and walk mode, and the secondary grip is great as well. This pole features 35 centimeters of length adjustment, which is plenty for switching from extended lengths for uphill travel to short poles for steep downhill turns, to nordic length for skating out lengthy exits. In every way, this pole is awesome, and it's more affordable than pretty much any other pole on the market. 
We have little to complain about with this pole. The lower shaft could be a bit stiffer, and the pole could be lighter overall. The colors are a bit loud. But these are minor criticisms; the Helicon Lite poles perform well across the board, from the most important considerations like a comfortable grip and their solid construction to the bells and whistles like an ice/snow scraper on the powder baskets. These poles do all of this at a low price, making your decision a no-brainer. We feel they are the best poles on the market, and surprisingly, also the best value.  

Budget Pick

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These $80 Backcountry Ski Poles Are Some of the Best You Can Buy

GROUP TEST: Lightweight Compact Trekking Poles

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The Black Diamond Distance Z are simple, lightweight, and high-performance poles at a lower price than their carbon fiber counterparts. They feature the same design as the Distance Carbon Z, and the aluminum shaft construction adds only two ounces per pair compared to the carbon version. At the same time, they retain the same compact size and minimal yet comfortable grip design as the carbon version. We love both versions of this pole, and since the aluminum-shafted Distance Z costs so much less than the carbon version, they are a great option for those seeking lightweight performance at a reasonable price.
These poles don't offer any adjustability, so you need to be mindful when selecting your size. Other grips on the market are more comfortable. We dislike the thin wrist straps on the Distance Z for hikers or trekkers carrying heavy packs. But for the average day hike, mountain run, or casual backpacking trip, these poles are durable, simple, and affordable. 
Read more: Black Diamond Distance Z review

The Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z offers great performance at a low weight. This model shaves ounces by incorporating carbon fiber shafts, foam grips, and stripped-down features. Often, lighter poles can feel cheap or flimsy, but that's not the case here. Although we don't use these poles for heavy-duty trekking or backpacking, the Carbon Z is relatively versatile and excels in lightweight backpacking, hiking, trail running, or approaching technical climbs. 
The Carbon Z isn't adjustable. Instead, it comes in four different lengths, so carefully identify your size before purchasing. Furthermore, the grips aren't the most comfortable, but they're not bad either. The sacrifices in comfort and adjustability won't be a big deal for weight-shaving enthusiasts. These are the poles we found ourselves reaching for most spring, fall, and summer days.
Read more: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z review

REVIEW: Black Diamond Distance Z and Distance Carbon Z Poles

Review: Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Poles - The Big Outside

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Black Diamond's Carbon Compactor Pole Review: Height of Performance and Convenience

G3 Via Carbon Ski Poles - Review - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

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trustpilot

K2 Lockjaw 2011/12 Carbon Ski Pole - Review - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

Ski Pole Comparison