by Biggles » Sat 15 May, 2021 2:32 pm
Not "technological" improvement, but one based on practicality and reliability, and being followed widely.
Are you sure the locks aren't adjustable? Even for Black Diamond, obsessed with detail, that would be a major flaw. But if those uber-expensive (around $310!!) trekker poles have flicklocks, the locks themselves will be attached to the poles and secured with a screw. Adjust the flicklock tension by adjusting the screw that holds it in place.
This is the same arrangement for LEKI (mine, anti-shock and full adjustability), Black Diamond, Mountain Designs, Kuhle...numerous others. Twist locks are prone to water penetration and seizing, hence the wider shift to flicklocks. This is also why tripod manufacturers also shifted to flicklocks (again, tension adjustable via the screw) to enhance reliability and durability in more testing environments (e.g. tripods immersed in water, as mine often are). There are some laggards though, like Gitzo.
Not sure how the Black Diamond poles are the best. That is very subjective, and carbon fibre is unforgiving when pushed too far. I repaired my first snapped pole on Mount Bogong (descending Eskdale Spur in fog) in 1996 with a bicycle spoke and gaffer tape. What other poles have you looked at?
“Is é comhrá faoin aimsir an tearmann deiridh ag an duine gan samhlaíocht.”
—Oscar Wilde, 1890.