Gear Review
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I was instantly impressed opening the box and more so after skiing the equipment. I have never skied with any LEKI equipment until trying these poles and mitts. After trying the Copper S Lobster Mitts, Guide Lite 2 Poles, Detect 3D Mitt, and Spitfire 3D Poles, I am convinced LEKI makes the best pole-mitt combo on the market. Mitts and ski poles are pretty straightforward, although LEKI’s unique twist makes them stand out and perform exceptionally well.
The Copper S Lobster
LEKI’s Copper S Lobster mitt fits at home in the backcountry and the resort. I try to avoid mitts while backcountry skiing to maintain dexterity. With the lobster style, there is minimal compromise between the warmth of a full mitt and the dexterity of a glove. This is going to be my new daily driver for both resort and mellow powder laps.
The Lobster mitt is simple and functional. It has individual finger pockets, is crafted with premium goat leather, and is compatible with LEKI Trigger 3D and Trigger S poles.
I also like the way this Lobster mitt fits and looks. It comes in 5 different sizes for a more customized fit. It also comes in all-black or tan-black (pictured). The mitt was warm but not overly bulky, and both colors will match well with most ski outerwear.
Guide Lite 2 Poles
LEKI’s Guide Lite 2 poles are going to be my new quiver-killer ski pole. They work for everything – from ski mountaineering, groomers, bumps, and taking park laps. For a backcountry-designed ski pole, I look for several features: An extended foam grip, a large pole basket, a carbide tip, and a large range of adjustability (110-145 cm). Check, check, check, and check.
I knew my favorite part of this pole before taking it skiing: The SpeedLock 2+ (SL2+) lever system. I have used adjustable backcountry poles from a variety of companies—only for the lock system to fail and require an Allen wrench to tighten. There is no need for my micro Allen wrench and I can take it out of my repair kit and leave it at home now (well, maybe keep it for my friends who have not upgraded to the Guide Lite yet). My test? Pressure the pole – did it collapse? The first time, yes. I went and finger-tightened the mechanism, and it passed my test the second time.
The quiver-killing pole also has a unique basket that is designed for flipping heel risers. Out of habit, I often use the top of my pole as it has been easier on other poles. The “binding basket” has a hard plastic edge on part of it which made it so I can flip my risers without the basket bending. The carbide tip is also nice, so I know I can take this rock scrambling without worrying my pole will wear out.
I was initially skeptical about the Aergon Air grips. After skiing them, I found them to be useful. I was worried about the slightly larger size of the top and feeling too bulky. It made the pole easy to swing and plant while minimizing shifting in your hand. The grip also features a unique pole-strap adjustment system integrated into the grip, which makes it exceptionally easy to get just the right length.
Detect 3D Mitt
LEKI’s Detect 3D Mitt is the perfect tool for those who get cold hands easily, frequently ski in very cold conditions, and like a lot of features. I took the mitt out skiing in wintery mix conditions, which kept my hands warm and dry with its soft-tex shell and Primaloft insulation. The Detect 3D has individual finger pockets, a pouch to add a hand warmer, leashes, and a double gauntlet to keep snow out.
The Detect 3D mitt is equipped with LEKI’s Trigger system, which allows the user to attach the mitt directly to a LEKI compatible ski pole. I tried this with the Spitfire 3D poles. This system is great for long vertical feet and easy transfer of power to your pole. It does take some getting used to removing your poles to get on and off the chairlift.
Spitfire 3D Poles
The Spitfire 3D poles are innovative and show LEKI’s attention to detail and functional design. These poles perform best for sustained descents, freeride skiing, and off-piste riding. These poles are designed with a high-level freerider in mind.
They feature a Trigger-3D ProG Grip. This LEKI specific grip offers a 220-degree range of motion and release and has a tacky surface easy to grip. This is an enhanced safety feature to help prevent skier’s thumb, shoulder, or other injury. Your poles can now release like your bindings! These grips can be used with a LEKI compatible glove like the Detect 3D or Copper S Lobster. If you do not have a LEKI mitt or glove, these poles include a Trigger S/ 3D frame strap to use.
These poles also have two baskets—one for powder and one for groomers and hard pack. They are easily interchangeable and do not require a ton of finicking. The Spitfire 3D comes in lengths from 100-135 centimeters in 5-centimeter increments. I look forward to taking these poles into some deep powder and proper freeride terrain!
