It was somewhere around the sixth day of the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc that I made up my mind: The LEKI Black Series FX Carbon trekking poles were the best. Before that day, my wife and I had traded poles between these and another brand daily. And while both were good, the LEKIs rose to the top rather quickly.
Trekking poles are often overlooked, with many shoppers buying whatever happens to be available. But the top-shelf models really do perform better and make a difference over long distances. Here’s why.
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In short: The LEKI Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles are some of the best trekking poles you can get, especially for hiking. The cork grips are extremely comfortable, the straps are simple and light, and the carbon fiber poles are durable and easy to adjust. But best of all, the handles provide a solid, comfortable point to press against when braking down steep hills. But they come at a premium price and weigh a little more than ultralight options.
Shopping around? Read our complete buying guide to trekking poles here.
- Measured weight: 1 lb., 0.1 oz. (per pair)
- Packed length: 16"
- Deployed length: 110-130 cm
- Shaft material: Carbon
- Grip: Cork
- Lock style: Lever lock
- Tips and baskets: Carbide Flex Tip and trekking baskets
Pros
- Pretty lightweight at just over 1 pound per pair
- Durable lever locking system
- Ergonomic cork grip with an extension for sidehilling
- Easy-to-adjust length
Cons
- Quite pricey compared to other trekking poles
- Lever on locks is a glass-filled polymer, not metal
LEKI Black Series FX Carbon Trekking Poles Review
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Lock, Adjustment, Baskets, Tips
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