Mountain Machine: Leki Ultratrail FX.One Poles Product Review

As an ultrarunner doing long distances in the mountains, I am often looking for a combination of durability, light weight, and convenience. When I say long races, I mean mountain races over 100 miles and stage races in some of the most extreme environments in the world. In this product review, specific examples will be used from the remote Highlands in Scotland. To start, I will say that when it comes to all of the above needs, nobody comes close to Leki. How do the Leki Ultratrail FX.One Poles fare? In this product review, I will discuss why these poles are a mountain machine. 

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Proof of their Resiliency

Going into a stage race in Knoydart, I was glad I had poles that could get me across a variety of terrains. Scotland presented every challenge imaginable in terms of climbing and stability. To summarize, Knoydart is difficult to do, but it’s important to know that the terrain presents rocks, mud, bogs, tall grass, and steep ridgelines. The Leki poles were put to the absolute test. The fact that I am still using the same poles I used for 75 miles and nearly 20,000 feet of vertical gain in Scotland is proof of their resiliency. 

Technical Specifics

First off, let’s talk about the technical specifics. One disadvantage with the standard FX.One versus the superlite version is the weight. The superlite version costs just about $15 more and weighs slightly less than competitor poles of the same type, including black diamond’s distance Z. That being said, the standard ultratrail is still very light, at less than 0.4 lbs per pole. Holding them on long days, I could barely feel them. The standard ultratrail also only has one size and that is the size that you order. Fortunately, Leki makes it very easy to choose the proper sizing of the shaft based on your height. For light weight at a cost that is less than $190, it’s only slightly more expensive than black diamond, but provides stronger durability. 

They Did Not Break

Now, durability is an important topic. As someone who has used different types of lightweight poles at these longer events, I always look for which one maintains durability. In the Highlands, random holes, bogs, and slippery terrain tested the durability of the poles. Although they bent or snagged, they did not break. Ascents and descents that tested balance provided a great test for the sturdiness and power of the poles and they passed. 

Convenience Factor

Finally, there’s the convenience factor. These poles break down with absolute ease with the push of the top button on the shaft. Despite hundreds of miles of use on rugged terrain in different conditions, the carbon fiber hasn’t eroded. The poles break down without much issue. The design works well with most hydration vests that have pole straps on either the front, back, or both. 

Do the Job and They Do It Well

In conclusion, the Ultratrail Leki FX.One poles do the job and they do it well. In the future, these poles are coming with me to three of the toughest 200-mile foot races in North America. My confidence that these poles will not break is so high I wouldn’t even consider it an option. On a final note, let’s talk about the design. Poles don’t have any business needing to be stylish, but Leki’s colors definitely provide a sleek looking design. Get these poles, enjoy the mountains, and chase wild terrain without fear. These poles are and will help you be a mean mountain machine. </span

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