Gear Test - Leki Super Makalu Ergometric AS

June 26th, 2007 Wade

Now that Outdoorzy is gaining some trail cred here in the outdoor industry we’re going to start providing the readers here at the blog with detailed gear tests from time to time. We have started searching for companies that will provide us gear to test here on the blog. The first company to step up is Leki.

I contacted Leki recently and they agreed to send us two sets of trekking poles to test for you guys. One set for a male backpacker, and one set for a female. The poles were put to the test in Mammoth Cave National Park in south central Ky. The trails are moderate with quite a bit of elevation gain and loss. It rained HEAVILY when we were testing these poles, so they got a real workout on the slick uphills.

Leki Super Makalu Ergometric AS - $139.95/pair

Specs

• Series - Mountain Trek
• Shaft Aluminum 3-section
• 21.7 oz. per pr.
• Strap Auto Comfort Strap
• Grip Ergometric
• Finish Anondized
• Baskets Performance Trek Basket
• Sizes Adjusts from 71-140cm
• Lifetime Warranty Against Shaft Breakage
• Carbide Flex Tip
• Interchangeable basket system
• LS Locking System
• SAS Antishock System
• Positive Angle Grip

The Low Down

I liked these poles quite a bit. My previous poles were Leki Makalu so I had high expectations. One key difference I notice in this series as opposed to my old poles is that the material on the grips has changed. My old poles were a rubbery type material and these poles have a foamy type material. I really like the new foamy material. I thought it might soak up my sweat and get slick or smelly, but neither happened. The sweat does soak up a bit into the grip, but not enough to cause a problem. The sweat seems to evaporate from the grip before becoming saturated.

The poles fit my 6′ 1″ frame well, and I didn’t have to extend them all the way. I had at least 20-30 more centimeters left to extend. The poles do come in a “long” size to accommodate taller people. The Super Makalu Ergometric AS were light too. They are aluminum poles, and the poles tested by our female tester were titanium. There was a noticeable difference in weight, but not enough to be an issue. The weight difference is only a few ounces. I liked the anti-shock on the poles, but didn’t feel them coil unless I really hammered down on them stepping up or down from rocks. The straps are adjustable, which is nice and the poles come with a clip that holds them together when traveling. A novelty Leki carabiner also comes with the poles. Leki provides a lifetime warranty against breakage, so you won’t have to worry about that. The final verdict on these poles is that they are a bit pricey if you are looking for your first set of trekking poles. But, if you are an avid backpacker, or you are considering some serious peak bagging and you want reliability and durability, you need to go with a pole you can trust. And these trekking poles are definitely in that category. Check out Hit The Trail, from our business directory, or Leki.com for more information on these great poles.

Tune in tomorrow when our female reviewer will review the Leki Ultralite Ti Ergometric poles.

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