Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
Compact folding with proper mountain support
Leki says:
The Makalu FX Carbon is your companion for all mountain adventures. It features the Aergon Air grip. The special hollow-core technology combines a lightweight design with large, supportive surfaces that meet all the ergonomic requirements of your hand. The fully rubberized grip head of the Aergon Air offers maximum grip and control when descending. The angled grip helps your wrist maintain optimal guidance and positioning of the pole. The grip extension provides an additional grip option when climbing. The strap allows you to perfectly adjust the grip to your hand, ensuring optimal support and pressure. Thanks to the simple adjustment system, this all-carbon folding pole can be adjusted in seconds.
Our Verdict
The LEKI Makalu FX Carbon feels focused on comfort and control rather than chasing minimum weight. The Aergon Air grip is the standout detail, with a broad top for descents and an extended grip that helps on climbs and traverses without constantly changing length.
The ELD folding system packs the poles down to 41cm, which is useful for travel, scrambling sections and stowing inside a pack quiver, or under the arm. The Speed Lock 2 Plus adjustment is straightforward, with a practical 110–130cm range for most walking and also most trekking-pole shelters.
The full carbon build keeps weight down. Best for walkers and backpackers who want compact packability, secure adjustment and all-day hand comfort.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Folding trekking poles for hiking, trekking, hillwalking and backpacking
- Full Carbon (PRC 1000) shaft for high strength-to-weight performance
- Aergon Air grip for ergonomic comfort and secure control on steep terrain
- ELD folding system for fast deployment and compact pack-down (41 cm)
- Speed Lock 2 plus lever for quick, reliable adjustment (110–130 cm)
- Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 (SS26 spec)
- Trekking 2.0 baskets and Flex Tip Short (Carbide) for confident grip on mixed terrain
- PAS System - PAS handle with loop without integrated glove system.
- Aergon Air - The Aergon Air combines lightness and stability. Its ergonomic shape ensures maximum comfort, while the fully rubberized handle head provides absolute control.
- Loop - Skin Strap 5.0
- Handle extension - Handle extension for easy repositioning on steep terrain or traverses.
- Carbon - Carbon PRC (Performance Racing Carbon) 1000
- External Locking Device - The ELD system allows for quick and easy assembly and disassembly of folding poles at the touch of a button. The special design around the release button ensures even greater stability.
- Speed Lock 2 Plus - The adjustment system uses an external clamp, which allows for easy adjustment and offers high holding power.
- Trekking Plate 2.0 - Compact trekking plate: Prevents sinking into soft ground and can be easily replaced by hand.
- Flex Tip - Robust tip for precise pole placement and perfect grip in almost any terrain.
- Folding stick bag - Practical, ultra-lightweight storage bag for storing the folding poles.
Specifications
- Weight per pole: 252g
- Product type: Folding Vario trekking poles (pair)
- Length (adjustment range): 110 – 130 cm
- Pack size (folded): 41 cm
- Grip: Aergon Air
- Strap: Lock System Strap Skin 5.0
- Strap size model: One Size (continuously adjustable)
- Folding system: ELD
- Locking system: Speed Lock 2 plus
- Basket: Trekking 2.0
- Tip: Flex Tip Short (Carbide)
Material & Construction
- Number of segments: 5-section(s)
- Segment diameters: Ø18 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 14 mm
- Shaft material: Carbon (PRC 1000)
- Finish: Matt Metallic Finish
- Construction: Vario (continuously adjustable)
