It was someplace across the sixth day of the enduring Tour du Mont Blanc that I made up my thoughts: The LEKI Black Sequence FX Carbon trekking poles had been the most effective. Earlier than that day, my spouse and I had traded poles between these and one other model every day. And whereas each had been good, the LEKIs rose to the highest slightly shortly.
Trekking poles are sometimes ignored, with many consumers shopping for no matter occurs to be out there. However the top-shelf fashions actually do carry out higher and make a distinction over lengthy distances. Right here’s why.
In brief: The LEKI Black Sequence FX Carbon Trekking Poles are among the greatest trekking poles you may get, particularly for mountain climbing. The cork grips are extraordinarily comfy, the straps are easy and light-weight, and the carbon fiber poles are sturdy and straightforward to regulate. However better of all, the handles present a stable, comfy level to press towards when braking down steep hills. However they arrive at a premium worth and weigh a little bit greater than ultralight choices.
Purchasing round? Learn our full shopping for information to trekking poles right here.
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Measured weight
1 lb., 0.1 oz. (per pair) -
Packed size
16″ -
Deployed size
110-130 cm -
Shaft materials
Carbon -
Grip
Cork -
Lock fashion
Lever lock -
Ideas and baskets
Carbide Flex Tip and trekking baskets
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Fairly light-weight at simply over 1 pound per pair -
Sturdy lever locking system -
Ergonomic cork grip with an extension for sidehilling -
Straightforward-to-adjust size
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Fairly expensive in comparison with different trekking poles -
Lever on locks is a glass-filled polymer, not steel
LEKI Black Sequence FX Carbon Trekking Poles Assessment
I’ve had the LEKI Black Sequence FX Carbon Trekking Poles for about 3 years. They’re one among six pairs of trekking poles in my gear cave that I swap by means of relying on my outing. They aren’t all the time my best choice.
For instance, I’d more likely seize the Black Diamond Carbon Z for an extremely run. I additionally put them in my pack when searching as a result of they weigh nothing and come in useful when packing out elk quarters.
However once I’m packing for an enormous hike like Colorado’s 4 Cross Loop or Europe’s Tour du Mont Blanc, these will likely be my go-to pair. That’s as a result of they’re extremely comfy within the hand.
I discussed that these poles are a little bit heavy. At simply over 1 pound per pair, they’re proper in the midst of the typical weight vary for carbon poles. Ultralight poles just like the Carbon Distance Z, nevertheless, are lighter at round 9-10 ounces per pair. For many hikers, this weight distinction is negligible. However for ultra-runners or anybody else counting grams, the distinction will add up.
Working from the highest down, the grips are the most effective a part of the Black Sequence FX Carbon trekking poles. The grips don’t stain your pores and skin after they get moist. The cork has a stunning palm swell and, to borrow knife parlance, a choil that retains your hand from sliding down off the grip.
Whereas many poles do nothing with the highest of the pole, LEKI added an ergonomic 3-inch rounded platform to the highest of those poles. When mountain climbing down steep hills with a pack, you maintain the poles so your palm rests towards the highest piece after which raise the poles for every step with the platform’s overhang. It’s delightfully forgiving in your palms as you press into them to brake on steep sections.
My spouse and I agreed that this function units these poles other than many available on the market. If you happen to haven’t used poles like this, strive them. They’ll change the way in which you descend.
The poles have forgettable straps. They’re mild and do the job however don’t stand out nearly as good or dangerous. I don’t use them a lot.
Lock, Adjustment, Baskets, Ideas
The LEKI Black Sequence FX Carbon Trekking Poles have a polymer locking lever. Whereas it could possibly be a ding towards these in contrast with steel, I’ve had no drawback with them in years (and a whole lot of miles) of strenuous testing. They lock up as properly at present as they did when new.
To unlock and fold the poles, flip open the locking lever on the aspect and pull the poles to full extension. This unlocks an inner mechanism and permits the poles to fold up right into a three-segment bundle that continues to be linked with a plastic-coated wire. To lock them, simply pull them straight once more and so they mechanically lock right into a single size. From there, they modify from 110mm to 130mm in size.
The Black Sequence FX Carbon comes with a trekking basket and carbide tip. Snow baskets and rubber strolling tip covers are bought individually. For the value, I do want they’d include the poles.
This brings us to the most important drawback with the Black Sequence FX Carbon poles: worth. Retailing for $270, these are some expensive trekking poles. Whereas I’d argue that these are the nicest you should buy, they’re a full $100 greater than MSR’s wonderful DynaLock Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles and $80 greater than Black Diamond’s extremely regarded ultralight Carbon Distance Z.
Is that worth price it? You’re largely paying for very good pure cork grips, good sturdiness, and a competitively weighted carbon shaft. If that’s price it to you, I’d not hesitate.
These are candy, candy trekking poles. You’ll pay a little bit extra, and so they aren’t the lightest available on the market. However if you happen to hike with a midweight to heavy pack and canopy huge miles in steep terrain, you, like me, will most likely discover them price it.
