Review of Leki Hiking Poles
For hiking and walking poles, brand name means a
lot, because the differences between the poles have a great deal to do with
patents on how certain features work. Each company creates its own
anti-shock, locking and grip systems (among other things) that make it
differ from the competition in what would otherwise be very similar
products. That is why, unlike with most other types of products, choosing a
hiking pole has a lot to do with the brand that created the pole.
For this reason, when most people are choosing
which hiking pole they want to use, they most often look at two brands:
·
Black Diamond
·
Leki
In the
Examples of Leki Products
·
Leki Wanderfreund Pole
·
Leki Adjustable Exercise Walking Poles
·
LEKI Sierra Antishock Trekking Pole
·
Leki Thermolite Aergon XL Anti-shock
Trekking Pole
·
Leki Trail Antishock Trekking Poles
Unlike Black Diamond, Leki has ventured out with
its poles, offering trekking poles, hiking poles – but also walking poles
for Nordic exercise and even standard walking poles for assistance across
regular terrain.
Thoughts on Leki
Leki has some amazing strengths but also various
weaknesses for long distance hikers. Leki’s grips are said to be some of the
most comfortable in the world, and a pole molding process that prevents
breakdown. Leki provides some of the most durable poles as well, and many of
their walking poles are very thick which, while it makes the poles heavier,
also reduces the likelihood of breaking. That makes them very useful for
those that put a lot of weight on the poles.
On the other hand, Leki is not without its faults.
Leki’s locking system (known as the “Super Lock System”) is reliable but
takes a lot of time. It involves twisting each individual piece of the pole
in order to lock it in place, and this process can take several minutes.
It’s anti-shock system is very good, but not all models are equipped with as
effective a variety.
Leki earned its spot as one of (if not the) leading
manufacturers of hiking, walking and trekking poles for a reason. They make
very good products, and these products are comfortable and designed with
tools to reduce breakdown. But the locking system has been outdone by Black
Diamond, so for those that do not want to sit and adjust, you may want to
look elsewhere. However, it should be noted that Leki also creates wakling
and Nordic poles, and these poles (which do not need to be adjusted) are
easily some of the best available, so they should be one of the first brands
you look to for your Nordic and daily walking needs.
Return to Walking Sticks Guide Home Page