Leki Launches Lever Locks For 2010

After years of using screw-together, internal fixing systems for their trekking poles, Leki is launching a new external system called 'Speed Lock', which the company says is the 'world's best external locking system'.


The locking lever looks like a miniature bicycle quick release camming lever, but the really clever bit is that the locking pressure - it's adjustable - acts on a stainless steel band. This is crucial because, apparently, with more conventional systems like Black Diamond's Flick Lock, the aluminium used can stretch in use meaning regular readjustment is needed.


To put things in perspective, the new system is claimed to manage around one third more clamping force of the Black Diamond system, but still only half that of Leki's own internal locking poles. There are going to be seven Speed Lock poles in the range which comes out early in 2010.

The top of the range carbon fibre version  will cost £120, the same as the internal-locking version, but weighs 470 grammes per pair as compared to just 385 grammes per pair, so your external locking gubbins are around 85 grammes per pair heavier.


Also new are new handles in both rubber and foam.

More Leki information at www.leki.com