Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite Poles Review - ''Perfect for my needs and specifically for my 2023 TGO challenge''
Posted by Chris Futers on Jul 21, 2023
Embarking on this year's TGO Challenge there was one piece of kit I was eager to add to my list after doing without the previous year. Now there is a misconception when it comes to trekking poles, especially with younger people, that they are for ‘older’ people, or those that already struggle with injury. Let’s dispel this myth, yes, those struggling with mobility or injury, trekking poles are extremely beneficial, however, they can; improve athletic performance; alleviate/postpone fatigue; assist with river crossings, technical ascents and descents; as well as helping to prevent injury. So why not take them along with you knowing all these benefits?!
Well, this year I listened to my own advice and set out to choose my poles. With any piece of kit, it should be a considered choice. I find it best to create a spec list of what I need and find which product ticks most, if not all the boxes. For poles I required them to be;
1. Usable for thru hiking and trail running
2. Adjustable
3. Short pack size
4. Max 250g (per pole)
5. Carbon construction
Now, I’m not a total novice to using trekking poles having done multiple hikes with poles and long-distance trail runs using poles. However, using more budget choices, I was eager to see what a premium trekking/running pole has to offer over the cheaper alternatives. With all this in mind, Leki’s Cross Trail FX Superlite trekking poles, upon review, appeared to be perfect for my needs and specifically for my 2023 TGO challenge.
With a weight of 205g (per pole) constructed of carbon sections we were off to a good start. Whilst carbon poles are definitely not uncommon these days with relatively cheap options found on popular buying sites, it is worth noting that no carbon are alike; Cheap carbon poles may be made with lower quality materials, have inconsistent manufacturing processes, and/or lack the rigorous quality control measures of more expensive products. This can result in products that are weaker, less durable, and more prone to failure or damage.
Leaving from Plockton on the first day of our crossing the poles came into immediate use, climbing the hills up to Loch Achaidh. My first impressions were how agile the poles felt, almost making me want to run! (this could have also been the excitement of starting an adventure). The poles linked together with ease and I really like the adjustable section of the pole, which Leki call ‘Speed Lock 2 plus’, which utilises a click mechanism to tension the poles and then holds for the height adjustment, as opposed to other mechanisms that use a ‘pop-out’ pin to hold the pole tension, Leki’s Speed Lock 2 plus system felt very neat and tidy, not to mention effective. I often change the height of my pole for ascents and descents, I found the lock easy to use and with minimal effort. To fully collapse down, simply reverse this method and with a pack size of only 42cm not only can it be easily stowed away, but for those travelling via air, with carry-on luggage only, the Cross Trail FX Superlite will not affect hand luggage size requirements.
Another unique feature to these poles that drew me in, was the Cross Shark Grip and corresponding Shark Frame Strap Mesh. Having experienced using conventional straps with my previous poles, that tend to cause fatigue with my hand muscles, and on one occasion losing circulation in my thumb after an ultra marathon event, due to constant strangled hold across a minimal cross-section of my hand. The first time I placed my hand in the Shark Frame Strap Mesh/Glove, I immediately knew these would be different. The loading/pressure is dispersed across a larger section of your hand due to the ergonomic fit of the strap/glove. I must admit that I did initially find the glove a little irritating to my skin around the edge of the velcro strap and stitch line of the glove. However, after a couple of days it was unnoticeable. Overall, the glove was very breathable and I experienced no fatigue build-up in my hand after 2 weeks of constant use, although I was left with some interesting tan lines.
On to the mechanism for attaching/un-attaching the strap, AKA the Shark Grip, for those travelling fast on the trail, be that hiking or running, this is a game changer and one of my favourite features with these poles. simply press the lever on the top of the shark grip to release the strap to either carry the poles, operate a device such as a camera or stow away for a short while. During the TGOC I utilised this a lot for; nav checks, stopping to take photos or crossing through boulder fields where poles can become cumbersome, with a simple click and a slide. When stowed they can easily slot into a side pouch, clip onto running pack poles ties or slotted into pole belts (more specifically for running).
From pounding the trail day after day through the Glen Affric Kintail Way, ascending through the peat hags of the Monadhliath Mountains and taking on the mountain passes through the Cairngorms the Cross Trail FX Superlite poles never felt close to their limits, showing little to no flex even under extreme pressure, the trail running tip (carbite) appear to grip to all that came in its path whilst the smaller trail running basket worked well, especially through forested and loose rock areas were wider hiking baskets can get caught in tree routes and between rocks. We were lucky in the sense that we had a very dry crossing with no really saturated ground where wider baskets could be more beneficial. What made these poles the greatest choice for the TGOC was the cork grip, which extended down to allow for versatile hand positions whilst ascending steep ground. Ergonomically designed, the cork handle is extremely comfortable, yet feels agile due to the grip being a slightly narrow design (compared to standard hiking poles) to benefit the trail running specifications of the pole.
Overall, the Leki Cross-Trail FX Superlite poles are lightweight, yet do not compromise on well designed and executed features. I’d challenge you to find another pole currently on the market that can offer this much versatility for just 205g. The only compromise is on your wallet, whilst expensive, I’d argue that you need to buy at least two poles from other options on the market to achieve what they do in one.
N.B. The Cross-Trail FX Superlite and Cross-Trail Superlite Compact (196g per pole), are the same design, however, whilst the adjustability range of the non-compact is 110-130cm, the compact version simply has a lower range of 100-120cm.
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Chris Futers |
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About the author: Chris fully immerses himself in many outdoor sports and challenges. Whether it's Multi-day hikes, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Trail Running or Bikepacking, the allure of the outdoors is his true passion. Chris likes to test himself against the wilds, taking on multiple challenges/events such as the Lakes Travers Trail Race, TGO Challenge and Cycling the Coast to Cost (C2C) to name a few. Having worked and volunteered as a coach/instructor for multiple outdoor sports and pursuits, Chris likes to help others achieve and connect with the outdoors, always eager to pass on his knowledge and experience. Chris is our Customer Service Team Leader, joining the UOG team in 2020. |
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Now, I’m not a total novice to using trekking poles having done multiple hikes with poles and long-distance trail runs using poles. However, using more budget choices, I was eager to see what a premium trekking/running pole has to offer over the cheaper alternatives. With all this in mind, Leki’s Cross Trail FX Superlite trekking poles, upon review, appeared to be perfect for my needs and specifically for my 2023 TGO challenge...