Leki Sherpa FX Carbon Strong

The LEKI Sherpa FX Carbon Strong is the most robust folding pole in the LEKI trekking and mountaineering range. Designed for high-alpine terrain, ski touring, and summer mountaineering with crampons, it is built to withstand loads that would compromise a standard-diameter carbon folding pole. The defining feature is the 20 mm upper section — the largest diameter in any LEKI folding trekking pole — which delivers the structural rigidity required for demanding mountain use, from exposed ridge traverses to loaded glacier crossings.

The five-section ELD folding architecture collapses to a 40 cm pack size across a continuously adjustable Vario range of 120 to 140 cm. Three carbon (PRC 1000) upper sections provide stiffness and low weight where it matters most, while the aluminium (HTS 6.5) lower section adds resilience at the tip end. At 300 g per pole, the Sherpa FX Carbon Strong carries the weight penalty of its heavy-duty specification honestly — this is a pole for conditions where strength is the priority.

The Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam uses hollow core construction to combine a lightweight build with large, supportive contact surfaces. The grip head is fully rubberised for maximum purchase on descent and in mixed conditions. The Lock System Strap Nylon Neoprene is built for winter and mountain use — the neoprene inner surface insulates against cold and is compatible with glove use. The Speed Lock 1 plus is LEKI’s heavy-duty locking lever, designed for larger-diameter poles and higher load use. Both the Trekking 2.0 basket and the Big Mountain Binding basket are supplied, making the pole ready for trail, snow, and glacier terrain without additional purchases.

What’s new for SS26: New colourway — Black / Natural Carbon / Light Anthracite, replacing Orange / Denim Blue. Specification and construction are unchanged from the proven SS25 Sherpa FX Carbon Strong platform.

• 20 mm upper section — the largest diameter in any LEKI folding trekking pole, built for extreme alpine loads
• ELD folding to 40 cm with Vario adjustment from 120 to 140 cm — stows in a pack, sets to any length on the move
• Speed Lock 1 plus — heavy-duty lever designed for large-diameter poles and high-load mountaineering use
• Trekking 2.0 and Big Mountain Binding baskets both supplied — trail to glacier ready without additional purchases

KEY FEATURES

HIGHLIGHTS

Grip ▼

Aergon Air grip in 2K Foam, Standard size. The Aergon Air uses hollow core foam construction to combine low weight with large, supportive contact surfaces that meet the ergonomic requirements of the hand during sustained climbing and descent. The grip head is fully rubberised for maximum purchase and control in mixed conditions, with gloves or without. The inclined angle supports natural wrist position during pole placement on steep terrain. The Aergon Air is the same grip family used across the Makalu (LE65628491) and Makalu Lite families.

Strap ▼

Lock System Strap Nylon Neoprene. The neoprene inner contact surface provides insulation against cold in winter and high-altitude conditions, and is designed for use with both bare hands and gloves. The nylon outer shell is durable and weather-resistant. One Size, continuously adjustable via the PAS interface on the Aergon Air grip. Not a Trigger Shark click-in system.

Locking system ▼

Speed Lock 1 plus. The Speed Lock 1 plus is LEKI’s heavy-duty external clamp lever, engineered specifically for large-diameter pole sections and high-load mountaineering use. It provides positive section engagement across the full 120 to 140 cm adjustment range. To adjust: open the lever, slide the section to the desired length, close the lever firmly. The Speed Lock 1 plus is a distinct system from the Speed Lock plus and Speed Lock 2 plus used on standard-diameter trekking poles — replacement levers must be Speed Lock 1 plus compatible. Do not use oils or lubricants on the locking mechanism.

Folding system ▼

ELD (Easy Locking Device) folding system with Vario length adjustment. The ELD connects the five sections via an internal cord and tension mechanism, collapsing the pole to a 40 cm pack size. The length can be set to any point within the 120 to 140 cm range using the Speed Lock 1 plus system before or after unfolding. The ELD system is designed for workshop or careful user servicing — if the internal cord or tension system requires attention, route to in-house repair rather than DIY. Spare section availability should be confirmed with LEKI for the SS26 product code (LE65629801).

Section construction ▼

Five sections. Section diameters 20 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 16 mm. The 20 mm upper section is the largest diameter used in any LEKI folding trekking pole, providing the structural rigidity required for extreme alpine and mountaineering loading. Upper sections: Carbon (PRC 1000). Lower section: Aluminium (HTS 6.5). The carbon upper sections provide the stiffness-to-weight ratio required for high-load mountain use; the aluminium lower section adds resilience at the tip end. Pack size: 40 cm. Spare section data is not currently documented against the SS26 product code (LE65629801) in available data — confirm availability with LEKI before advising customers on section replacement.

Tip, basket and exchange basket ▼

Flex Tip Long (Carbide) for mountain, trail, and mixed terrain. Trekking 2.0 basket supplied as the standard basket for trail and mountain use. Big Mountain Binding basket supplied as an exchange basket for deep snow, glacier, and winter mountain conditions where a significantly larger basket area is required. No antishock system on this model.

ALL PROPERTIES

COMPATIBILITY

NOT COMPATIBLE WITH

• Speed Lock plus or Speed Lock 2 plus levers — this pole uses Speed Lock 1 plus, a distinct heavy-duty lever for large-diameter sections. Standard Speed Lock levers will not fit.
• Trigger Shark or Shark Frame Strap Mesh straps — the Aergon Air grip uses the PAS strap interface, not a Trigger Shark click-in system.
• Sections from any other LEKI folding or telescopic pole — the 20|18|16|16|16 mm five-section ELD architecture is specific to the Sherpa FX Carbon Strong. No sections from standard-diameter folding or telescopic poles are compatible.
• DSS antishock tips — this model has no antishock system.
• Fixed-length FX.One sections — the ELD Vario folding architecture is distinct from Push-Button fixed-length folding poles.