Leki Telescopic poles

Three-section telescopic poles feature fully adjustable middle and lower sections, which can be locked in place by the user at the desired height. The locking mechanism on the majority of these poles is the quick and easy, external SpeedLock, though three current models (the Black Series SLS, Voyager and Eagle, use the internal Super Lock mechanism).

These poles offer a wide range of adjustment (typically 35cm) to suit varying terrain and user height, and it is easy to separate the pole sections for cleaning/maintenance, or to replace if necessary. However, they do not pack down to as small a size as a folding pole, so stowing in or on a rucksack might present problems.

This category of pole can be sub-divided further (as noted above):

• Ultralite

Max extension/height:   135cm

Adjustment range:          100-135cm

Packed length:                  66-68cm

Section diameters:          16/14/12mm

Weight from:                     215g

• Superstrong

Max extension/height:     145cm

Adjustment range:          110-145cm

Packed length:                 70-71cm

Section diameters:          18/16/14mm

Weight from:                    255g

• Women’s-specific

Max extension/height:     125cm

Adjustment range:          90-125cm

Packed length:                 64cm

Section diameters:          16/14/12mm

Weight from:                     220g

LEKI Folding Poles

Folding Poles use 4 sections for fixed length poles and 5 for variable length models. The lower two sections 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. Variable length poles (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 (SpeedLock).

Advantages of this type of pole:

·        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 so is quicker

·        Quick and easy to set up / pack away

Disadvantages of this type of pole:

·        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

To replace a broken section on the majority of these poles the cord holder needs to be released using a special tool. Within the UK this service is only available from the official trade distributor and can be arranged through the shop where the poles where purchased.