Leki Ultratrail FX.One | Running Poles / 120 cm

I thought I'd drop a quick one here to help any other seekers out there. I like using poles for steep trails and as a way to break up the monotony. I've used the BD poles previously. I switched to these after losing one of the others. Anyway, I love the removable wrist strap system. Very secure and yet easy to disengage. Very clever. The weight and durability/stiffness seems to be in a sweet spot. I take away one star for the grip taper at the top of the pole. I'd like just a bit more diameter there, I think. Other than that, great product.

I have used these poles for running two Hardrocks and a bunch of other mountain running. In the past I have used both Black Diamond and Raidlight poles. Leki definitely makes the best running poles. The quick release leash provides the best connection to the poles and the quickest release. The other benefit is the leases aren't bouncing around and hitting you if you have the poles broken down and stored with waist belt bungees. Leki running poles are also the only ones that come with real cork grips. These are much nicer than rubber or foam grips.There are two main differences between these FX One poles and the FX One Superlight. First, these poles are a couple millimeters wider in the diameter of the pole sections and the connection points are more reinforced. ... MoreI have used these poles for running two Hardrocks and a bunch of other mountain running. In the past I have used both Black Diamond and Raidlight poles. Leki definitely makes the best running poles. The quick release leash provides the best connection to the poles and the quickest release. The other benefit is the leases aren't bouncing around and hitting you if you have the poles broken down and stored with waist belt bungees. Leki running poles are also the only ones that come with real cork grips. These are much nicer than rubber or foam grips.There are two main differences between these FX One poles and the FX One Superlight. First, these poles are a couple millimeters wider in the diameter of the pole sections and the connection points are more reinforced. This makes these poles much more durable and less prone to accidentally getting snapped if going through a rockfield and a pole tip gets stuck between rocks, which I've seen happen more than once. Second, the cork grip extends down the pole farther on these poles than the Superlight. This is nice for if you don't have the wrist leashes clipped in and are going up some high steps, you can grip the poles lower down. Of course these two differences between the poles make the FX One heavier than the the FX One Superlight. The Superlight is also $40 more expensive.Ultimately if durability is most important to you and/or you only want to purchase one set of poles to use for everything from backpacking to trail running races, these are the poles to get. If you are only going to use poles occasionally in a mountain running race and weight is most important, then go with the FX One Superlight.

All-around performance

I did not realize that running poles are different until using these to trail run on Mount Baldy. They held up in the excess water from the snow melt; muddy and dry dirt; rocks and packed trail; and few remaining snow patches. They fold up so compactly and fit into my minimal trail run bag that can mainly hold a small water bladder, a couple snacks, and sunblock. Fortunately, the snow melted so the little snow that i used them on were okay without baskets. I will purchase baskets if i bring these into winter conditions. These poles might be my go-to for all mountains: running and hiking.

Great Lightweight Poles

These trekking poles are amazing! They are extremely light, have straps to lock in you hands to the grips, are very stable, and the design looks awesome. I was hesitant at first because they felt so light and because I always get worried about poles that breakdown into pieces but all of my worries were washed away when I used these poles. The three piece breakdown and mesh bag make storing them easy as well. Highly recommend.

I love everything but the hand strap.

I hike and run the trails of nearby Valley Forge and Evansburg parks and had the pleasure of taking these Lekis out in muddy conditions due to recent flooding. They are very strong and I used them to catch myself while slipping in mud on more than one occasion. I love the corn grip and how incredibly lightweight they are! Although unadjustable, the recommended length to height is perfect to get just the right angle to propel you forward. I love the way the poles click and lock into place without the need of twisting, although the instructions are very unclear.The one downfall of these poles is the little gloves that do not allow for grip adjustment. More importantly, I would like to be able to let go of the pole and not have them drop altogether which would be what ... MoreI hike and run the trails of nearby Valley Forge and Evansburg parks and had the pleasure of taking these Lekis out in muddy conditions due to recent flooding. They are very strong and I used them to catch myself while slipping in mud on more than one occasion. I love the corn grip and how incredibly lightweight they are! Although unadjustable, the recommended length to height is perfect to get just the right angle to propel you forward. I love the way the poles click and lock into place without the need of twisting, although the instructions are very unclear.The one downfall of these poles is the little gloves that do not allow for grip adjustment. More importantly, I would like to be able to let go of the pole and not have them drop altogether which would be what would happen if I used the release button. I much prefer to have a strap around my wrist so that I could still have them on my arms while freeing up my hands for something like a photo op, to grab a water bottle, or even more importantly to catch myself in the event of a trip and fall. I often have to cross steep boulders and would rather not have to remove the poles and fold/stash them away each time, which isn’t necessary with the traditional wrist strap.

Innovative, packable and lightweight.

I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. Don’t be deceived by the light weight of this pair trekking poles, once extended locked in place and your wrist straps are cinched they are stable with no flex. I am impressed and skeptical with the wrist strap design. Impressed by how secure the wrist wraps are and how fast with a press of the thumb on the latch you can release the poles from the wrist strap. Skeptical because if there is a weak point it is the sewn loop that secures the wrist strap to the poles, only time and usage will tell. While hiking I actually preferred to hike with the poles unsecured to the wrist straps until I came to a sketchy section of trail then I attached as to not drop ... MoreI received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. Don’t be deceived by the light weight of this pair trekking poles, once extended locked in place and your wrist straps are cinched they are stable with no flex. I am impressed and skeptical with the wrist strap design. Impressed by how secure the wrist wraps are and how fast with a press of the thumb on the latch you can release the poles from the wrist strap. Skeptical because if there is a weak point it is the sewn loop that secures the wrist strap to the poles, only time and usage will tell. While hiking I actually preferred to hike with the poles unsecured to the wrist straps until I came to a sketchy section of trail then I attached as to not drop them. As cool, innovative and light as they are I still am more comfortable with my basic stick I’ve used for 19 years and thousands of miles.

Leki Poles are 'Gold Standard'

I have used these poles on mountainous trails both training and racing abroad. They are light, strong and super easy to extend or collapse and stow away. Thanks to Sherpa for their wonderful quick service and value for money.

Light, portable, and sturdy

I used these for trail hiking, not trail running, but the Leki website recommended the same length for both activities at my height (5’4”). I have used hiking poles previously, but these are superior for light and fast movement. The z-folding is convenient, easy to disassemble while moving, and small/light enough to hold in one hand if you need to collapse for a short stint. Though these poles are not height adjustable, I find that to be a feature: unlike my other poles, they don’t collapse as you walk or require tightening. The hand straps are also great. Unlike the common wrist straps on most hiking poles, the hand straps are more secure, comfortable, and breathable. The loop that attaches the hand straps is also perfectly positioned to grip the cork handle in the ... MoreI used these for trail hiking, not trail running, but the Leki website recommended the same length for both activities at my height (5’4”). I have used hiking poles previously, but these are superior for light and fast movement. The z-folding is convenient, easy to disassemble while moving, and small/light enough to hold in one hand if you need to collapse for a short stint. Though these poles are not height adjustable, I find that to be a feature: unlike my other poles, they don’t collapse as you walk or require tightening. The hand straps are also great. Unlike the common wrist straps on most hiking poles, the hand straps are more secure, comfortable, and breathable. The loop that attaches the hand straps is also perfectly positioned to grip the cork handle in the right place.

Super lightweight

I bought these because of hte straps. They keep my hands closer to the pole grip so I can let go and still maintain control of the pole. The straps cradle my hands, distributing force broadly--important due to rheumatoid arthritis. I was concerned that the lightweight would make them fragile, but I've given them a couple of rough stumbles while backpacking, and watched as the poles flexed under my weight (250lb + pack) and sprang back to normal after I recovered.

locking mechanism gets stuck

While assembling and disassembling these to practice stowing them, the locking mechanism of one of the poles became jammed up so that the pole will not extend. It's stuck so tightly neither me nor my husband can release it. Will be returning.