Leki Makalu Lite AS

The LEKI Makalu Lite AS is the antishock version of the Makalu Lite — a Performance Series trekking pole that combines the slim, lightweight build of the Lite platform with the Dynamic Suspension System (DSS) integrated above the tip. It is built for adults who want a genuinely light pole for regular mountain and trail use and who also want active joint protection on sustained descents.

At 253 g per pole, the Makalu Lite AS remains among the lighter antishock trekking poles in the LEKI range. The DSS system absorbs impact energy on each pole plant, reducing the transmitted load through the wrist, elbow and shoulder across repeated downhill steps. When the terrain flattens or the pole needs to feel firm, the antishock can be locked out entirely for a direct, responsive feel.

The Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam, Standard size, is the defining grip of the Makalu Lite family. Hollow-core foam construction keeps the grip light while maintaining a broad, supportive contact surface. The head of the grip is fully rubberised for control on descents. The extended lower grip zone allows a higher hand position on steep ascents without needing to re-adjust the pole length. Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 provides a secure, skin-friendly hold in all conditions. Speed Lock plus handles length adjustment across the full 100–135 cm range.

What’s new for SS26: Updated graphics in Green Blue Light / Green Blue Dark, and the DSS tip is now finished in orange. Construction and specification are otherwise unchanged from the SS25 Makalu Lite AS (LE65221801). The non-antishock version is available as the Makalu Lite (LE65621081S). A Compact variant is also available as the Makalu Lite AS Compact (LE65621802C).

• DSS antishock absorbs impact on each pole plant — actively reduces load on wrists and joints on long descents
• 253 g per pole — lightweight Lite build with antishock at minimal weight cost
• Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam (Standard size) — broad, supportive surface with rubberised head for descent control
• Speed Lock plus for fast, glove-friendly adjustment across the full 100–135 cm range

KEY FEATURES

HIGHLIGHTS

Grip ▼

Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam, Standard size. Hollow-core foam construction keeps the grip light while providing a broad, ergonomic contact surface with positive grip angle supporting a neutral wrist position. The head of the grip is fully rubberised, offering additional control and security on descents. An extended lower grip zone allows a higher hand position on steep ascents without requiring a full pole length readjustment. The grip spec is identical to the non-antishock Makalu Lite (LE65621081S) — the only difference between the two models is the DSS antishock system and DSS tip. Note: the Aergon Air in Standard size is a larger grip than the Aergon (Compact) used on the Khumbu Lite AS (LE65621561S).

Strap ▼

Lock Security Strap Skin 4.0 — one size, continuously adjustable. Skin-touch material for comfort across extended use. Standard strap attachment — no integrated click-in glove interface.

Locking system ▼

Speed Lock plus external lever. Fast, precise length adjustment across the full 100–135 cm range. Operable with gloves on. Lever tension is adjustable via the integrated tensioning screw.

Section construction ▼

Three-section Vario telescopic construction. Aluminium (HTS 6.5) throughout all three sections — upper, middle and lower. Section diameters 16 | 14 | 12 mm — the slimmer Lite architecture shared across the Makalu Lite (LE65621081S), Khumbu Lite (LE65621531S), and Khumbu Lite AS (LE65621561S) families. Matt finish. Pack size 67 cm when fully collapsed.

Tip, basket and antishock ▼

Dynamic Suspension System (DSS) antishock, integrated internally above the tip. The DSS absorbs and disperses impact energy on each pole plant, reducing transmitted load through the wrist, arm and shoulder on sustained descents. The system can be locked out when a firm, direct pole response is preferred — for example on ascents or hard ground. The DSS Tip 12 mm (Carbide) is the dedicated tip for this section architecture and is finished in orange for SS26. Trekking 2.0 basket included. Note: the lower section on the Makalu Lite AS uses a DSS/SPL2 fitting and is not interchangeable with the lower section of the non-antishock Makalu Lite, which uses a standard Speed Lock lower.

ALL PROPERTIES

COMPATIBILITY

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH

• LEKI Trigger or Shark click-in glove systems — the Makalu Lite AS uses a standard strap attachment, not a Trigger interface.
• Lower sections from the non-antishock Makalu Lite (LE65621081S) — the DSS lower section uses a DSS/SPL2 fitting which is specific to antishock models and is not interchangeable with a standard Speed Lock lower.
• Sections designed for the standard Makalu (18|16|14 mm) — the Makalu Lite AS uses the slimmer 16|14|12 mm Lite architecture. These are not interchangeable.
• FX folding pole sections — the Makalu Lite AS is a Vario telescopic design. FX folding sections are a different architecture and are not compatible.
• Standard Flex Tip or Flex Tip Short carbide tips — the DSS lower section requires a DSS-specific tip. Standard Flex Tip fittings are not compatible with this model.