Gear Review
With the flakes beginning to fly and snowmaking going full blast, it’s time to think about gear—specifically, what poles and gloves will keep you planted, warm, and primed to rock the mountain this ski season. Enter LEKI’s Spitfire poles and Patrol gloves, two products that stand out in performance, durability, and comfort, making them an ideal pairing for this winter season and beyond.
LEKI, renowned for its innovative ski gear, has long been a leader in crafting poles and gloves designed with precision and functionality in mind. The Spitfire 3D poles and Patrol 3D gloves are no exception. Whether you’re a seasoned freerider or a passionate powder enthusiast, these products offer the quality and performance needed to tackle everything from heavy snow days to demanding sidecountry lines.
The LEKI Spitfire 3D pole line represents the pinnacle of LEKI’s engineering power used to plant and propel freeride athletes around the globe. With a light and durable aluminum frame, a metal tip, and two interchangeable baskets, the LEKI Spitfire 3D is confidence-inspiring whether you’re chasing untouched powder, carving up tight moguls, or navigating unpredictable terrain in the sidecountry.
The unique construction of the Trigger 3D ProG grip found on the Spitfire 3D helps to ensure ultimate gripping power even when wet. With this kind of stability, you may want to take on bigger lines, but if you ever get too sendy, the multi-directional 220° release mechanism ensures you can bail without worrying about your poles. With this kind of technology, it’s clear to see why the Spitfire is the flagship pole for Freeride skiers across the globe.
Why does the Snowbrains team love the LEKI Spitfire 3D? It’s simple. This pole is designed to offer maximum comfort and control, no matter your skiing style. Paired with LEKI’s Mesh Trigger Frame Strap, it ensures a snug, responsive grip that adapts to any glove or mitten you wear. And if you’re using LEKI gloves, the sewn-in Trigger 3D system allows you to click directly into the pole without needing to adjust a strap—a sleek, efficient feature that frees up valuable time on the mountain.
In addition to its innovative grip, the Spitfire poles come with interchangeable baskets to adapt to various snow conditions, giving you the flexibility to customize your gear based on the day’s conditions. From icy mornings to powder-filled afternoons, the Spitfire ensures your poles are always ready to perform. Available in two vibrant colorways—Berry/Neon Green and Blue/Mustard—the Berry option stands out as a striking choice for freeriders looking to make a statement. The bold color doesn’t just look good on the lift but also ensures your poles are easily visible in varying light conditions, enhancing both safety and style.
For those who prefer adjustable poles, the Spitfire Vario 3D offers the same advanced features as the fixed-length Spitfire but with the added benefit of a Speedlock Plus lever system, allowing skiers to quickly and precisely adjust the pole length from 110 to 140 cm. Whether you need a shorter pole to ski bumps or a longer one to make that final skate out from the sidecountry, the Spitfire Vario is ready for any challenge. The Vario 3D is perfect for skiers looking for the ultimate in all-mountain performance with the added advantage of on-the-fly adjustability.
No ski pole is complete without a solid pair of gloves, and that’s where the Patrol 3D Winter Glove shines. Crafted from premium goatskin leather, this glove is built to withstand the coldest days on the mountain while providing an unparalleled blend of durability and comfort. The anti-slip silicone Nash palm offers superior grip, ensuring that your hands stay firmly in control, whether hooked into the Spitfire 3D poles or navigating tricky terrain.
Designed with Primaloft insulation, the Patrol 3D Winter Glove keeps your hands warm without compromising flexibility or dexterity. The comfort fit and flex cuff construction offer a snug yet adaptive fit, providing excellent mobility as you move from turn to turn. Thanks to its built-in finger waves, you’ll feel as though the glove was made just for you from the very first wear—a feature that provides the feeling of a broken-in glove right out of the box.
The neoprene cuff with Velcro closure ensures the glove stays securely in place while offering micro-adjustments for a tailored fit. This attention to detail improves the glove’s overall comfort and makes it an ideal pairing with LEKI’s Trigger system. When using a Trigger S or Trigger 3D pole, the integrated trigger loop on the Patrol 3D Winter Glove seamlessly connects, locking you into your poles without needing straps, offering enhanced performance and safety. This feature makes the Spitfire poles and Patrol gloves an unbeatable combination.
We at Snowbrains love the Spitfire 3D poles and Patrol 3D gloves for their exceptional durability, performance, and great looks. Whether skiing in fresh powder, carving up moguls, or venturing into the backcountry, these LEKI gloves and poles stand out as tried-and-true performers, offering the confidence and comfort needed to keep you at the top of your game. With high-quality construction, you can trust that these best-selling items will continue to deliver proven performance and reliability year after year.
