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Compact when packed, comfortable when deployed.
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 Compact Trekking Poles combine the comfort-focused features of the Makalu range with a shorter adjustment range and impressively compact folded size. At 237g per pole and just 41cm when packed, they are easy to stow in a pack.
The Aergon Air grip remains the standout feature for me. The ergonomic shape is comfortable over long distances, while the grip extension makes it easy to adjust hand position on steep climbs and traverses. The ELD folding system is equally well executed, allowing the poles to deploy quickly while maintaining a reassuringly solid feel once assembled.
One thing worth considering is the 100-120cm adjustment range. It will suit many walkers perfectly, but those using higher trekking pole shelters should check their pitch requirements, as some shelters benefit from a little more height adjustment.
For hillwalking, backpacking and travel where packability is a priority, these are thoughtfully designed poles.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Compact trekking pole length range: 100–120 cm
- Folding FX design with compact 41 cm pack size
- Full Carbon (PRC 1000) shaft for a strong, lightweight performance feel
- Aergon Air grip (cork-coloured styling on this Compact model) for ergonomic support and control
- ELD (External Locking Device) folding system for fast, secure deployment and folding
- Speed Lock 2 plus external lever for quick, reliable adjustment
- Lock System Strap Skin 5.0 (SS26 specification)
- Trekking 2.0 baskets and Flex Tip Short (Carbide) for confident pole placement 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: 237g
- Product type: Folding Vario trekking poles (pair)
- Length (adjustment range): 100 – 120 cm
- Pack size (folded): 41 cm
- Grip: Aergon Air
- Strap: Lock System Strap Skin 5.0
- Strap size model: One Size (continuously adjustable)
- Basket: Trekking 2.0
- Tip: Flex Tip Short (Carbide)
Material & Construction
- Number of segments: 4-section(s)
- Segment diameters: Ø18 | 16 | 14 | 14 mm
- Shaft material: Carbon (PRC 1000)
- Finish: Matt Metallic Finish
- Construction: Vario (continuously adjustable)
- Folding system: ELD
- Locking system: Speed Lock 2 plus
