Leki Skyterra FX Carbon Lites Trekking Poles are telescoping, height-adjustable trekking poles that weigh 6.9 oz each. Designed for trekking and mountaineering, they have extended foam handgrips, lightweight, adjustable wrist straps, micro and larger-size trekking-pole baskets, and carbide flex tips. They have reliable lever locks, and the shafts are made with a combination of aluminum and carbon fiber for maximum strength in mountainous and adverse terrain.

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• Gender: Unisex
• Weight: 6.9 oz / 196g each
• Shafts: 3 – Aluminum (upper), Carbon fiber (middle and lower)
• Packed Length: 26 in / 67 cm
• Length: 100 cm – 135 cm
• Carbide Tips: Yes
• Trekking Baskets: Yes
• Snow Baskets: Included
• Rubber Tips: Sold separately
• Pros: Ultralight weight, self-adjusting lever locks
• Cons: Higher cost

Shafts

These poles have three segments. The uppermost segment with the foam grip is made of aluminum, while the lower two are made of carbon fiber. The combination provides maximum strength (a virtually unbreakable upper section) with a low swing weight using carbon fiber in the lower two sections. Given how the poles are constructed, with lever locks (see below), replacement would be fairly straightforward.

The EVA foam grips extend down the pole shafts.

Grips

The Skytera Carbon Lite Poles have contoured EVA foam grips. The handles thicken slightly at the bottom of the grip to prevent the heel of your hand from slipping off. The foam extends farther down the shaft, so you can slide your hands along the shaft when climbing hills without breaking your stride. The wrist strap is an unpadded webbing strap, but it is still comfortable and easy to adjust, while the rounded top of the grip provides a comfortable pommel for your palm, increasing stability when descending a slope.

I found the grips rather narrow at the top and had to hold the poles extra tightly to maintain control, even when using the strap. I have medium-sized hands and think these grips would be better suited for people with smaller hands.

Locking Mechanism

Leki uses a lever-lock-style closure on the Skyterra carbon Lite poles to lock each segment in place. The locks have dials so you can adjust their grip tension by hand without a tool if they loosen up. This is a very reliable locking mechanism for trekking poles.

Self-adjustable lever locks are used to secure the segments.

Tips and Baskets

In another nod to longevity, Skyterra Carbon Lite poles come with Leki Flex Tips. This is a replaceable carbide tip that can be bent up to 30 degrees without damaging the pole shaft. It’s a great feature to have if you accidentally wedge a tip between two rocks and snap it. The tips are sold separately. Many companies use Leki compatible tips on their poles, so you may find that you can use them on trekking poles from another manufacturer if you break a tip

The Skyterra Carbon Lite poles come with pre-attached trekking baskets, which help prevent the pole entrapment that can lead to broken poles. A set of broader-diameter touring baskets is also included for better flotation in snow and soft terrain. A lot of companies don’t include snow baskets with their poles these days, so this is a real value-add if you hike in colder weather or winter conditions. To install them, you simply screw off the trekking baskets and screw-on the snow baskets.

Trekking Pole Comparison

Recommendation

The Leki Skyterra FX Carbon Lite Trekking Poles represent a premium option for serious hikers and mountaineers who prioritize ultralight performance without sacrificing durability. At just 6.9 ounces each, these poles successfully balance weight savings with robust construction through their innovative aluminum-carbon fiber hybrid design. The standout features: including self-adjusting lever locks, extended EVA foam grips, replaceable Flex Tips, and inclusion of both trekking and snow baskets, demonstrate Leki’s attention to practical backcountry needs.

However, potential buyers should consider the narrower grip design, which may not suit all hand sizes, and the higher price point that comes with premium materials. For hikers with smaller hands who frequently tackle challenging terrain and don’t mind investing in top-tier gear, the Skyterra Carbon Lites offer exceptional performance and longevity. Those seeking more budget-friendly options or preferring thicker grips might want to explore alternatives, but for dedicated outdoor enthusiasts who demand the best from their gear, these poles deliver on their promise of ultralight reliability.

Disclosure: LekiUSA donated poles for review.

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