Martin, Stephanie Yoong B
2003-10-06 22:58:38 UTC
Here is the long term report for my Leki poles - 2 weeks early, but they won't be seeing any action in the next 2 weeks.
Ignore the yahooisms, a html version is posted in the test folder :)
---
Long Term Report: Leki Super Makalu Air Ergo PA
Personal Biographical Info:
Name:Stephanie Martin
Age:29
Gender:Female
Height:5'5" (1.65 meters)
Torso Length:18" (45 cm) as measured using the Gregory Fit-O-Matic
Weight:145 lbs. (65 kg)
Email Address:syoong "at" alum "dot" mit "dot" edu
Location:Phoenix, AZ USA
Date:October 5, 2003
Background:
I've always enjoyed spending time outdoors since I was a kid. Since 1996, I've been actively playing outside starting in the Pacific Northwest. I enjoyed day hiking excursions in the Columbia River Gorge area, followed by some backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail. I moved to the desert southwest in 1997 and have been actively day hiking most weekends (anywhere from low desert to mountain territory (7000+ ft (2100+ meters))). In addition to day hikes, my husband and I generally take a couple of week long trips to the Grand Canyon annually, in addition to short weekend backpacking trips. Our backpacking philosophy has been rapidly moving towards ultra-light gear, with a target base pack weight of 10 lbs (4.5 kg). We have also been participating in canyoneering since 1997. In general, we average 12 to 15 miles (20 to 24 km) per day. See http://www.ToddsHikingGuide.com for trip reports and a better sense of our hiking style.
Other walking sticks/trekking poles used: Tracks Sherlock Staff, Leki Wanderfreund Antishock and Leki Makalu Antishock
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Leki [http://www.Leki.com]
Year of Manufacture:2003
Listed Weight:19.8 oz (561 g) for the pair
Weight as Delivered:20.5 oz (581 g) for the pair
Listed Dimensions: 80 - 140 cm (31.5 - 55.0 inches)
Measured Dimensions:80.5 - 140.5 cm (31.75 - 55.25 inches) Note: I noticed a 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) difference between the Left and Right Pole Lengths.
Style of Product:Paired Trekking Poles with anti-shock features.
Details in this Field Report are intended to be taken in addition to findings as listed in my Initial Report and Field Report.
Field and Test Information:
Location(s) of test:
Tested numerous times during the test period for both day and backpacking trips in various locations in Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and various other locations in Arizona.
Terrain:
Conditions have ranged from well packed dirt and open slickrock to off-trail sandy hiking and wet stream crossings. Elevations have ranged from 2000 to 7200 ft (610 to 2195 meters)
Weather Conditions:
Outside temperatures in the 80's (mid 20's Celsius) at night and low 100's (high 30's - low 40's Celsius) during the day.
Contents
- Product use: Summary of Experience Thus Far
- General Wear and Tear
- Air Ergo PA Grips
-Use as support for Tarp System
- Auto Comfort Straps (ACS)
- Soft Antishock System (SAS)
- Easy Lock System (ELS)
- Performance Basket and Carbide Flextip
- Continuing Test Strategy
- Summary: Woo Hoo's and Boo Hoo's
Summary of Experience Thus Far
During long term test period, the Leki Super Makalus have accompanied me on my various adventures. At the end of this test period, I have to admit, I still prefer to hike using only one pole. With both of my hands occupied with the Super Makalus, I found it more difficult to negotiate the steep rocky terrain and sections of trail or streambeds where scrambling is required. When hiking off trail, I seemed to hike slower with two trekking poles than with one, as it took more time to locate appropriate places to touch the poles down. Either that or it simply taxed my brain further than it cared to be taxed while out on the trail. Whatever it was, my preference definitely remains with a single hiking staff rather than with a pair of poles.
The Super Makalus have continued to perform quite well, securely gripping the terrain and providing support and balance assistance on steep, rocky trails as well as loose, deep, sandy trails. Rockhopping down a boulder strewn streambed with a full pack at the end of the day was certainly easier with my trusty Lekis at hand. As my own natural balance (what little I have) began to waver, the trekking poles were very useful in ensuring that I didn't turtle on my way to my destination.
[back to Table of Contents]
The Super Makalus held up well during the testing period. At the end of six months of hard use, the pole shafts are starting to show some wear with various scratches and dings especially on the lower section. The brushed finish does a good job at camouflaging these various imperfections, as I have to look closely to notice them. The numeric markings along the shafts are starting to fade and have completely disappeared in some cases. I suspect this thanks mostly in part to the sandy desert that I am so fond of exploring. The grips of the poles also show a bit of wear now, with the foam a bit fuzzed where I preferentially hold them. The tips and straps have no noticeable wear. on the pole shafts, tips, grips or straps. The baskets are showing the most wear at the end of this test period - the teeth that ring the bottom of the baskets have continued to wear down due, I suspect, to being exposed to abrasive sand and grit during use. The antishock mechanism is still actuati
ng smoothly, as is the pole adjustment (easy locking) system (ELS), in spite of repeated exposure to water (stream crossings and pothole swims) and fine sand (found all over the desert southwest).
[back to Table of Contents]
The Super Makalu Grips have proven to be very comfortable and have not gotten dirty or gritty from all the repeated exposure to sand and sweat. During the heat of the summer, they remained cool to the touch, and did not get slick with sweat. I really liked the positive angle (PA) design, as it kept my wrists in more neutral position (when compared to straight grips on older pole models). This was especially appreciated by my poor wrists after a long week at work on the computer. Even after long hours on the trail, my wrists and forearms remained free of tendonitis flare ups! While the poles are labeled R and L to designate right and left pole, I did not notice any difference in grip comfort while hiking with the right pole in my left hand and my left pole in my right. I found I still didn't use the Ergo Long Grip (the portion of the grip that extends down the length of the pole), as it took more effort and time to remove my hands from the straps in order to make use of t
his design feature.
[back to Table of Contents]
While backpacking, the Super Makalus have been used as supports for different tarp systems (see owner review on GoLite Cave and Nest system and Tarptent Squall Test Series). In both cases, the poles have performed well. The wide range in length adjustment available in the Super Makalus have allowed a good range in tarp setup, enabling me to pitch the tarps as high or low as I wanted to accommodate the weather. In the case of the GoLite system, I was able to tie a clove hitch around the top of the pole grips to provide my tarp's end supports. The ridgeline held securely around the grips without slipping, and the poles remained firmly in place even while the shelter was buffeted by a strong cross-breeze. For use with the Tarptent, the pole tip is inserted in a grommet in the top of the tarp, and the top of the grip is placed on the ground. Even in deep sand, the Super Makalu stayed planted nicely; with the flared top of the grip, it didn't sink deep into the ground.
[back to Table of Contents]
The Auto Comfort Straps (ACS) on the Leki Super Makalus have continued to be very comfortable. The straps breathed well and did not trap sweat next to my skin. While I did develop a nice (if oddly located) tan line, they didn't cause any chafing or irritation during use. After extended use, I did notice that the straps did get a little bit stiff with sweat, but they softened nicely after a quick rinse in water. When the straps did get wet, they dried quickly. Unfortunately, I didn't find that the safety feature of the ACS would release when the poles got wedged in the ground - the poles remained firmly attached to my wrists and the straps didn't budge, even when I didn't have the turbo-disks tightened.
[back to Table of Contents]
Yay, antishock! Even after six months, I still find I haven't gotten used to the mushy feeling of this newly redesigned feature when compared with the older "triple-spring" antishock mechanism found on older models (which had a more springy feel). With that said, the "Soft Antishock System" (SAS) was successful in taking the stress off joints while minimizing pole vibration. I haven't had any further issues since my Field Test report with the SAS jamming due to sand intrusion.
[back to Table of Contents]
The one feature on the poles that have continued to frustrate me during the six month test period is the Leki ELS (easy lock system). While it has performed reasonably well, and continues to operate smoothly, I have had to fuss with the system a many times while adjusting pole length. It seems like the pole expanders fail to grip the inside of the shaft to lock in place - especially when making large adjustments in length. This issue was remedied by pulling out the offending pole section until the expander grabbed, turning the section to slightly tighten the system, then adjusting to the desired length and finishing off the adjustment. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have the "magic touch" and this procedure quickly became tiresome and annoying as I stood in the trail trying to adjust my trekking poles to the desired length. I seemed to have more issues with the bottom pole section, and eventually resigned myself to extending this pole section to its maximum length and ad
justing the medium shaft to compensate. Once adjusted, the poles have held their adjustments well, not collapsing while being used as my tarp supports overnight, or when subject to bearing close to my full weight while negotiating steep down and up-hill sections of trail. Even after six months of desert exposure and submersions in streams and murky water while canyoning, I haven't found any sand or grit making their way all the way into the ELS mechanisms. I haven't noticed any issues due to moisture in the ELS system either.
[back to Table of Contents]
The small performance baskets and carbide flextips on the poles have held up well. I have done all my hiking with the small baskets in place. They have kept my Super Makalus from sinking into deep sand as well as from getting lodged in rocky crevices. The baskets themselves are showing the most wear of all the components on the trekkinng poles - with the teeth that ring the bottom of the baskets worn down to half their original length. The Super Makalus have been on various terrain types including watery streambeds, gravel and rock strewn trails and streambeds, packed dirt, and slickrock sandstone expanses. In each case, the carbide tips have gripped the surfaces well, skittering only slightly on the smooth sandstone slickrock before grabbing hold. The secure grip provided by the pole tips provided welcomed additional points of contact with the ground especially while I negotiated steep trails. I know they saved me from some very embarassing slips and falls on sections
of trail that were covered with loose marble sized rocks. The carbide tips do make a clicking noise when they touch down, especially while being used on bare rock surfaces, though I didn't find the noise loud enough to be a disturbance. The tips also do make small marks on the slickrock surface when allowed to slide around searching for purchase. I have found that by placing the poles deliberately minimizes this rock scarring. On close inspection, the carbide tips don't show any wear and remain a quarter-inch (half-centimeter) in length.
[back to Table of Contents]
Summary: Whoo Hoos and Boo Hoos
I really have enjoyed testing these trekking poles - I'm very happy to see a Leki continue to implement innovative changes to what I already consider to be an outstanding product. As a trekking pole enthusiast, I am happy with most of the improved features on these poles With that said, here are my "Whoo Hoos" (likes) and my "Boo Hoos" (some room for improvement).
Whoo Hoos
- Nicely balanced, allowing for natural swing of the arms during use.
- Comfortable grip - easy to hold and handle in both "normal" and "top down/cane grip" configurations, remains cool to the touch in the baking heat of the Arizona sun, and does not get sweat slicked during intensive use.
- Comfortable strap - easy to adjust, allows for proper alignment of my hands to the grips, remains soft to the touch, dries quickly and soften back after minimum cleaning when they get caked with sweat.
General Comment
- The SAS (soft antishock system) has a different feel to it than past pole models. This is something to be aware of for previous model users.
Boo Hoos
- While the ELS (easy locking system) is easy enough to use, the times that the pole expanders failed to grab and tighten were a bit of a nuisance.
[back to Table of Contents]
Thanks to Leki and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to participate in this test.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Ignore the yahooisms, a html version is posted in the test folder :)
---
Long Term Report: Leki Super Makalu Air Ergo PA
Personal Biographical Info:
Name:Stephanie Martin
Age:29
Gender:Female
Height:5'5" (1.65 meters)
Torso Length:18" (45 cm) as measured using the Gregory Fit-O-Matic
Weight:145 lbs. (65 kg)
Email Address:syoong "at" alum "dot" mit "dot" edu
Location:Phoenix, AZ USA
Date:October 5, 2003
Background:
I've always enjoyed spending time outdoors since I was a kid. Since 1996, I've been actively playing outside starting in the Pacific Northwest. I enjoyed day hiking excursions in the Columbia River Gorge area, followed by some backpacking along the Pacific Crest Trail. I moved to the desert southwest in 1997 and have been actively day hiking most weekends (anywhere from low desert to mountain territory (7000+ ft (2100+ meters))). In addition to day hikes, my husband and I generally take a couple of week long trips to the Grand Canyon annually, in addition to short weekend backpacking trips. Our backpacking philosophy has been rapidly moving towards ultra-light gear, with a target base pack weight of 10 lbs (4.5 kg). We have also been participating in canyoneering since 1997. In general, we average 12 to 15 miles (20 to 24 km) per day. See http://www.ToddsHikingGuide.com for trip reports and a better sense of our hiking style.
Other walking sticks/trekking poles used: Tracks Sherlock Staff, Leki Wanderfreund Antishock and Leki Makalu Antishock
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Leki [http://www.Leki.com]
Year of Manufacture:2003
Listed Weight:19.8 oz (561 g) for the pair
Weight as Delivered:20.5 oz (581 g) for the pair
Listed Dimensions: 80 - 140 cm (31.5 - 55.0 inches)
Measured Dimensions:80.5 - 140.5 cm (31.75 - 55.25 inches) Note: I noticed a 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) difference between the Left and Right Pole Lengths.
Style of Product:Paired Trekking Poles with anti-shock features.
Details in this Field Report are intended to be taken in addition to findings as listed in my Initial Report and Field Report.
Field and Test Information:
Location(s) of test:
Tested numerous times during the test period for both day and backpacking trips in various locations in Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park and various other locations in Arizona.
Terrain:
Conditions have ranged from well packed dirt and open slickrock to off-trail sandy hiking and wet stream crossings. Elevations have ranged from 2000 to 7200 ft (610 to 2195 meters)
Weather Conditions:
Outside temperatures in the 80's (mid 20's Celsius) at night and low 100's (high 30's - low 40's Celsius) during the day.
Contents
- Product use: Summary of Experience Thus Far
- General Wear and Tear
- Air Ergo PA Grips
-Use as support for Tarp System
- Auto Comfort Straps (ACS)
- Soft Antishock System (SAS)
- Easy Lock System (ELS)
- Performance Basket and Carbide Flextip
- Continuing Test Strategy
- Summary: Woo Hoo's and Boo Hoo's
Summary of Experience Thus Far
During long term test period, the Leki Super Makalus have accompanied me on my various adventures. At the end of this test period, I have to admit, I still prefer to hike using only one pole. With both of my hands occupied with the Super Makalus, I found it more difficult to negotiate the steep rocky terrain and sections of trail or streambeds where scrambling is required. When hiking off trail, I seemed to hike slower with two trekking poles than with one, as it took more time to locate appropriate places to touch the poles down. Either that or it simply taxed my brain further than it cared to be taxed while out on the trail. Whatever it was, my preference definitely remains with a single hiking staff rather than with a pair of poles.
The Super Makalus have continued to perform quite well, securely gripping the terrain and providing support and balance assistance on steep, rocky trails as well as loose, deep, sandy trails. Rockhopping down a boulder strewn streambed with a full pack at the end of the day was certainly easier with my trusty Lekis at hand. As my own natural balance (what little I have) began to waver, the trekking poles were very useful in ensuring that I didn't turtle on my way to my destination.
[back to Table of Contents]
The Super Makalus held up well during the testing period. At the end of six months of hard use, the pole shafts are starting to show some wear with various scratches and dings especially on the lower section. The brushed finish does a good job at camouflaging these various imperfections, as I have to look closely to notice them. The numeric markings along the shafts are starting to fade and have completely disappeared in some cases. I suspect this thanks mostly in part to the sandy desert that I am so fond of exploring. The grips of the poles also show a bit of wear now, with the foam a bit fuzzed where I preferentially hold them. The tips and straps have no noticeable wear. on the pole shafts, tips, grips or straps. The baskets are showing the most wear at the end of this test period - the teeth that ring the bottom of the baskets have continued to wear down due, I suspect, to being exposed to abrasive sand and grit during use. The antishock mechanism is still actuati
ng smoothly, as is the pole adjustment (easy locking) system (ELS), in spite of repeated exposure to water (stream crossings and pothole swims) and fine sand (found all over the desert southwest).
[back to Table of Contents]
The Super Makalu Grips have proven to be very comfortable and have not gotten dirty or gritty from all the repeated exposure to sand and sweat. During the heat of the summer, they remained cool to the touch, and did not get slick with sweat. I really liked the positive angle (PA) design, as it kept my wrists in more neutral position (when compared to straight grips on older pole models). This was especially appreciated by my poor wrists after a long week at work on the computer. Even after long hours on the trail, my wrists and forearms remained free of tendonitis flare ups! While the poles are labeled R and L to designate right and left pole, I did not notice any difference in grip comfort while hiking with the right pole in my left hand and my left pole in my right. I found I still didn't use the Ergo Long Grip (the portion of the grip that extends down the length of the pole), as it took more effort and time to remove my hands from the straps in order to make use of t
his design feature.
[back to Table of Contents]
While backpacking, the Super Makalus have been used as supports for different tarp systems (see owner review on GoLite Cave and Nest system and Tarptent Squall Test Series). In both cases, the poles have performed well. The wide range in length adjustment available in the Super Makalus have allowed a good range in tarp setup, enabling me to pitch the tarps as high or low as I wanted to accommodate the weather. In the case of the GoLite system, I was able to tie a clove hitch around the top of the pole grips to provide my tarp's end supports. The ridgeline held securely around the grips without slipping, and the poles remained firmly in place even while the shelter was buffeted by a strong cross-breeze. For use with the Tarptent, the pole tip is inserted in a grommet in the top of the tarp, and the top of the grip is placed on the ground. Even in deep sand, the Super Makalu stayed planted nicely; with the flared top of the grip, it didn't sink deep into the ground.
[back to Table of Contents]
The Auto Comfort Straps (ACS) on the Leki Super Makalus have continued to be very comfortable. The straps breathed well and did not trap sweat next to my skin. While I did develop a nice (if oddly located) tan line, they didn't cause any chafing or irritation during use. After extended use, I did notice that the straps did get a little bit stiff with sweat, but they softened nicely after a quick rinse in water. When the straps did get wet, they dried quickly. Unfortunately, I didn't find that the safety feature of the ACS would release when the poles got wedged in the ground - the poles remained firmly attached to my wrists and the straps didn't budge, even when I didn't have the turbo-disks tightened.
[back to Table of Contents]
Yay, antishock! Even after six months, I still find I haven't gotten used to the mushy feeling of this newly redesigned feature when compared with the older "triple-spring" antishock mechanism found on older models (which had a more springy feel). With that said, the "Soft Antishock System" (SAS) was successful in taking the stress off joints while minimizing pole vibration. I haven't had any further issues since my Field Test report with the SAS jamming due to sand intrusion.
[back to Table of Contents]
The one feature on the poles that have continued to frustrate me during the six month test period is the Leki ELS (easy lock system). While it has performed reasonably well, and continues to operate smoothly, I have had to fuss with the system a many times while adjusting pole length. It seems like the pole expanders fail to grip the inside of the shaft to lock in place - especially when making large adjustments in length. This issue was remedied by pulling out the offending pole section until the expander grabbed, turning the section to slightly tighten the system, then adjusting to the desired length and finishing off the adjustment. Unfortunately, I don't seem to have the "magic touch" and this procedure quickly became tiresome and annoying as I stood in the trail trying to adjust my trekking poles to the desired length. I seemed to have more issues with the bottom pole section, and eventually resigned myself to extending this pole section to its maximum length and ad
justing the medium shaft to compensate. Once adjusted, the poles have held their adjustments well, not collapsing while being used as my tarp supports overnight, or when subject to bearing close to my full weight while negotiating steep down and up-hill sections of trail. Even after six months of desert exposure and submersions in streams and murky water while canyoning, I haven't found any sand or grit making their way all the way into the ELS mechanisms. I haven't noticed any issues due to moisture in the ELS system either.
[back to Table of Contents]
The small performance baskets and carbide flextips on the poles have held up well. I have done all my hiking with the small baskets in place. They have kept my Super Makalus from sinking into deep sand as well as from getting lodged in rocky crevices. The baskets themselves are showing the most wear of all the components on the trekkinng poles - with the teeth that ring the bottom of the baskets worn down to half their original length. The Super Makalus have been on various terrain types including watery streambeds, gravel and rock strewn trails and streambeds, packed dirt, and slickrock sandstone expanses. In each case, the carbide tips have gripped the surfaces well, skittering only slightly on the smooth sandstone slickrock before grabbing hold. The secure grip provided by the pole tips provided welcomed additional points of contact with the ground especially while I negotiated steep trails. I know they saved me from some very embarassing slips and falls on sections
of trail that were covered with loose marble sized rocks. The carbide tips do make a clicking noise when they touch down, especially while being used on bare rock surfaces, though I didn't find the noise loud enough to be a disturbance. The tips also do make small marks on the slickrock surface when allowed to slide around searching for purchase. I have found that by placing the poles deliberately minimizes this rock scarring. On close inspection, the carbide tips don't show any wear and remain a quarter-inch (half-centimeter) in length.
[back to Table of Contents]
Summary: Whoo Hoos and Boo Hoos
I really have enjoyed testing these trekking poles - I'm very happy to see a Leki continue to implement innovative changes to what I already consider to be an outstanding product. As a trekking pole enthusiast, I am happy with most of the improved features on these poles With that said, here are my "Whoo Hoos" (likes) and my "Boo Hoos" (some room for improvement).
Whoo Hoos
- Nicely balanced, allowing for natural swing of the arms during use.
- Comfortable grip - easy to hold and handle in both "normal" and "top down/cane grip" configurations, remains cool to the touch in the baking heat of the Arizona sun, and does not get sweat slicked during intensive use.
- Comfortable strap - easy to adjust, allows for proper alignment of my hands to the grips, remains soft to the touch, dries quickly and soften back after minimum cleaning when they get caked with sweat.
General Comment
- The SAS (soft antishock system) has a different feel to it than past pole models. This is something to be aware of for previous model users.
Boo Hoos
- While the ELS (easy locking system) is easy enough to use, the times that the pole expanders failed to grab and tighten were a bit of a nuisance.
[back to Table of Contents]
Thanks to Leki and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to participate in this test.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-->
Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark
Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada.
http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511
http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/V4TolB/TM
---------------------------------------------------------------------~->
To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
BackpackGearTest-unsubscribe-***@public.gmane.org
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/