We compared two aluminium trekking pole pairs from well-known outdoor brands: the Black Diamond Trail with FlickLock adjustment and foam grips, and the Leki Makalu Lite AS with a clamping lock and cushioned construction.
What we looked at
Adjustment system, grips and tips, stated weight, construction, and price.
The verdict
If you want a lower price, quick one-handed FlickLock adjustment, extended foam grips and swappable tips, the Black Diamond Trail is the value pick. If you want a stated 516g pair with cushioning from a dedicated trekking-pole brand, the Leki Makalu Lite AS is the alternative, though it costs more on these listings and the listing gives fewer details.
The cheaper pole with FlickLock one-handed adjustment, foam grips and swappable carbide tips, but no weight is stated.
A 3-piece clamping-lock pole with cushioning and a stated 516g per pair, but it costs more and the listing is sparse.
Black Diamond Trail Trekking Poles (Pair, Soft Lilac) — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as lightweight, high-strength aluminium trekking poles with FlickLock one-handed adjustment, dual-density foam grips and interchangeable carbide Tech Tips, built for all-season use from summer backpacking to snowshoeing.
What we liked
- Cheaper than the Leki Makalu Lite AS on these listings
- FlickLock adjustment for fast, one-handed length changes on the go
- Dual-density foam grips with an extended foam choke-up section for changing hand positions
- Interchangeable carbide Tech Tips for rock, dirt and ice, with optional rubber tips sold separately
- Stated to be built for year-round use, from summer backpacking to winter snowshoe missions
Worth knowing
- No weight stated in the listing highlights, unlike the Leki's 516g per pair
- Rubber tips are sold separately
Best for
- Hikers who want a lower-priced pole with quick one-handed adjustment
- Year-round users who want swappable tips
- Buyers who like foam grips with an extended choke-up section
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a stated weight before buying
- Buyers who want the pole listed with a cushioning element
Leki Makalu Lite AS Trekking Poles (Pair) — Cushioned Pick
Intended for: Marketed as aluminium, 3-piece adjustable trekking poles with a clamping lock and cushioning, for trekking and mountain hiking, weighing 516g per pair.
What we liked
- Aluminium poles with a stated weight of 516g per pair
- 3-piece, adjustable construction with a clamping lock
- Listed with cushioning in its construction
- Made by Leki, a well-known trekking pole brand
- Aimed at trekking and mountain hiking
Worth knowing
- Costs more than the Black Diamond Trail on these listings
- The listing gives few details, such as grip material or tip options
Best for
- Hikers who want a stated 516g pair with a cushioned construction
- Buyers who prefer the Leki brand for trekking
- Anyone who wants 3-piece poles with a clamping lock
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants detailed grip and tip information in the listing
