Leki Hiking Poles

We feature a wide range of LEKI Trekking and Nordic Walking poles. These includie Micro Vario folding poles, ultralight Carbon poles telescopic vario length poles with internal Super Lock or external Speedlock for users of all sizes.

Choosing The Best Leki Walking Poles

Choosing the best Leki trekking poles can be daunting when confronted with dozens of models, but by working out what type of pole user you are, combined with your size and personal preferences, it should be possible to narrow down your options to a small short-list of models.

In a later section we will talk about the different types of Leki poles available and go through the advantages and disadvantages of each type of pole.

All trekking poles, whatever their construction, style or appearance, perform the same basic functions, which are as follows:

• Reduce the impact loads on the feet and legs
• Using otherwise underused arms and shoulders to propel the body forward reducing the effort required from leg muscles
• Adding extra points of contact to the ground increasing stability and traction.

Making an appropriate choice of model of pole that suits the size, weight, usage and preferences of the user will enable the most effective use of the poles, as well as being more pleasant to use and presenting fewer ownership issues.

Leki Telescopic vs Leki Folding Poles

There 2 main types of Leki trekking poles, Telescopic 3-Part Poles and Folding poles. Both types of poles have there advantages and disadvantages, which we will cover below.

Leki Telescopic Poles

Leki 3-Part Telescopic Poles feature adjustable middle and lower parts which are held in the length set by the user. The holding mechanisms are either internal to the sections (LEKI Classic and Super Lock) or external (Speed Lock and Speed Lock 2).

Advantages of Leki Telescopic Poles:

• Wide range of adjustment (typically 35cm) to suit different terrain and user height
• Low weight of the lower parts of the pole
• Easy to replace sections when necessary
• External locked poles can be repaired in the field after breakage, albeit at a reduced length
• Low relative cost due to having fewer sections

Disadvantages of Leki Telescopic Poles:

• Longer minimum length when not in use.
• Need more room for storage in your day pack or ruck sack

Leki Folding Poles

Leki Folding Poles use 4 sections for fixed length poles and 5 for variable length models. The lower two sections of the pole connect to the rest of the pole with a fixed cord. One section slides out of the upper part and is held assembled with a locking pin mechanism.

The variable length poles (which are called "Vario") have an extra section that also slides out of the upper section and is held in place at the desired length with a locking lever mechanism (Speed Lock or Speedlock 2).

Advantages of Leki Folding poles:

• Very small pack size compared to a 3-part pole suited to a similar sized user
• Each pole section is shorter and so can be made more rigid without extra weight
• Length adjustment is with one clamp and therefore much quicker

Disadvantages of Leki Folding poles:

• More joints and sections and so tend to be made using higher specification materials to reduce weight
• Each model has a limited range of adjustment (20cm) and so has to be chosen carefully according to the height of the user
• Damage to any one section can render the pole unusable and even make it cumbersome to carry home
• Sections cannot be easily replaced by the user

What Are Antishock Poles & Do You Need Them?

Probably the main question you might ask when shopping for a new pair of trekking poles. Do I really need (or want) any form of antishock built in to my poles? The simple answer is that is solely down to your own personal preference. This technology is nothing new - Leki first introduced this system into their poles in 1982.

Some walkers, after using a pole with antishock will be converted for life and will not go back to using a pole without it; whilst some will not consider a pole that has it on principal.

You can find a great selection of poles that have this features and a great selection that don't. Like we said previous, this is all down to personal choice and just because a pole has antishock technology it does not mean it is automatically a superior or inferior pole to one that doesn't have it.

I personally use poles without the antishock system - that's just my choice at the moment, it might change on my next purchase or depending on my needs at the time.

Advantages Of Antishock Poles

• Antishock softens the contact with the ground, particularly useful on very hard, rocky or paved surfaces.
• Poles should not be placed gently on the ground, then slowly leant on as you walk forwards. This means, unless your pace is very slow, the pole will get struck in to the ground. This can cause some people fatigue and pain in the wrists and elbows particularly on a long walk.

Disadvantages Of Antishock Poles

• Antishock mechanisms cause a slight movement after the pole tip contacts the ground. This has an effect on the feel of the tip on the ground, reducing some users confidence on loose or slippery ground.
• Antishock technology adds to the overall weight and pack size of the pole.
• Antishock adds a potential point of failure to the poles.

About Leki Walking & Trekking Poles

The poles are manufactured in our own production facilities in the Czech Republic in accordance with state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly methods. Klaus Lenhart, a member of the founding family’s second generation, took over the business along with his wife Waltraud in 1984.

Combining the passion and highly-qualified employees with many many years of experience in the field, LEKI has the goal of producing unbeatable products. Combining safety and comfort with an appealing design is the top priority. The continuous exchange of ideas with experts and professional athletes helps Leki take full advantage of all different types of know-how.

The History Of Leki - History Timeline

1948 - Karl Lenhart created LEKI Lenhart GmbH as spin-off from his family wood processing factory. He produced wooden letters used by bakeries and butchers.
As an avid skier he started using his production facilities to manufacture handles and baskets for ski poles.

1970 - Started combining his manufacturing expertise to make a range of aluminium shafted ski poles.

1974 - Development of the Classic Locking system and production of the first, still recognisable, 3 part telescopic adjustable trekking pole.

1974 - Introduction of the Flextip which has gone on to become the worldwide standard

1982 - Introduction of Antishock spring systems.

1984 - Klaus Lenhart - Karl's youngest son - succeeds his father at the company's helm.

1993 - Introduction of Cortec grips.

2002 - Introduction of poles specifically for Nordic Walking.

2003 - Introduction of new Easy Lock System and Soft Antishock.

2009 - Aergon grips introduced with their safety release straps.

2010 - The first Speedlock external lever locking systems introduced.

2013 - Micro Stick compact folding poles introduced.

2014 - Lever locking systems for elite athletes introduced with Speedlock 2.