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Compact comfort for mountain days
Leki says:
The Makalu FX Carbon AS supports you on your next mountain tour. The Antishock version is equipped with a shock absorption system that reduces impact forces, thereby relieving strain on muscles, joints and ligaments. The pole, which is adjustable in length, is equipped with the Aergon Air grip. Thanks to special hollow core technology, it combines lightweight construction with large, supportive surfaces that meet all the ergonomic requirements of your hand. The back of the Aergon Air grip is fully rubberised, offering maximum grip and control when walking downhill.
Our Verdict
At 245g per pole, the LEKI Makalu FX Carbon AS Compact is not chasing the lightest possible weight, but the comfort-led design makes sense for long hill days. The Aergon Air grip provides a broad, secure platform for palming the poles during descents, while the extended grip is useful when moving across steep or uneven terrain.
The DSS anti-shock system adds appeal to walkers who feel impact through their wrist, especially on hard tracks and long descents. The folding ELD construction packs down to 41cm, so it is easy to stow, and the Speed Lock 2 Plus adjustment feels practical and secure. The 100–120cm range is the main limitation, particularly for taller users or some trekking pole shelters.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Compact folding FX construction with ELD (External Locking Device) for fast, secure set-up
- Anti-shock Dynamic Suspension System (DSS) for reduced impacts on descents and firmer surfaces
- Speed Lock 2 Plus for quick, reliable length adjustment
- Hybrid shaft: Carbon (PRC 1000) upper with Aluminium (HTS 6.5) lower for durability in the high-impact zone
- Trekking 2.0 basket and DSS Tip 14 mm (Carbide) for secure placement on mixed terrain
- Aergon Air grip with Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 (One Size, continuously adjustable).
- ELD folding system for quick deployment, plus Speed Lock 2 Plus for reliable length adjustment from 100–120 cm.
- 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.
- Dynamic Suspension System (DSS) - The Dynamic Suspension System is a vibration-absorbing construction made of elastomer material. According to a study by the University of Tübingen, it reduces impact forces by approximately 40%, thus relieving stress on muscles, joints, and ligaments. This tip is exclusively for use with a plate.
- DSS top - Precise pole placement and perfect grip in almost any terrain. This tip is designed for use with baskets without exception.
- Folding stick bag - Practical, ultra-lightweight storage bag for storing the folding poles.
Specifications
- Weight per pole: 245g
- Length (adjustable): 100–120 cm
- Pack size: 41 cm
- Grip: Aergon Air
- Strap: Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 (One Size, continuously adjustable)
- Basket: Trekking 2.0
- Tip: DSS Tip 14 mm (Carbide)
Material & Construction
- Construction: Vario (continuously adjustable)
- Segments: 4-section
- Segment: diameters Ø18 | 16 | 14 | 14 mm
- Shaft material: Carbon (PRC 1000) | Aluminium (HTS 6.5)
- Finish: Matt Metallic Finish
- Folding system: ELD
- Locking system: Speed Lock 2 Plus
- Anti-shock: Dynamic Suspension System (DSS)
