Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite Review
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I have used running poles for a while now, and I keep looking for ways to make my setup faster, lighter, and easier to use on the trails. This is my second set of Leki poles. My first set, the Leki Neotrail FX.One Superlite, worked well and still works fine. Nothing is wrong with them. I just wanted something more convenient for mixed use between trail running and fast hiking, especially for longer efforts.
This summer I also set a big goal for myself. In August I will run a back to back ultra with a 50 mile race on Saturday followed by a 50K on Sunday. I plan to use poles in both races. Because of that, I wanted something I could train with all summer and trust when fatigue hits deep in that second day. I do not just want poles that feel good on short runs. I want a system that stays fast and reliable when my legs and focus drop late in long ultras.
That goal is the reason I chose the Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite. These poles aim to bridge trail running and fast hiking. They promise speed, low weight, and convenience while still offering enough support for long days in the mountains. After using them in training runs and hikes, I can say they mostly deliver on that promise, but they also show a few limits that matter more as distances get longer.
First Impressions and Setup
The first thing I noticed was how light these poles feel. At roughly 6 to 7 ounces per pole depending on size, they almost disappear once I get moving. That light swing weight makes a big difference when I am linking long climbs or moving at a steady effort for hours.
They also pack down small. When folded, they sit under 17 inches, which makes them easy to store in a running vest without awkward bouncing or sticking out.
Setup is straightforward once I get into a rhythm. The folding system uses an internal locking mechanism. I line up the sections, pull them into place, and wait for the click. That click matters because it confirms the pole is fully engaged and stable. After that, I fine tune the length using the Speed Lock 2 Plus lever system.
The adjustment range works well for me. I sit around 120 cm, so I use the larger range version. I like that I can fine tune the length for different terrain without losing stability.
Grip and Strap System on the Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite Poles
The biggest difference between these poles and most others comes from the Cross Trigger Shark system. Instead of threading my hand through a traditional strap, I use a lightweight wrist strap that connects directly into the grip using a quick lock system.
I slide the loop into the mechanism, and it locks in instantly. That small step removes a lot of friction in use. I do not stop to adjust straps or reset my grip before climbs. I just connect and go.
When I want to release, I press the button on the top of the grip and pull the loop free. It takes seconds and feels consistent even when I am tired.
The EVA foam grip feels comfortable in both heat and cold. It absorbs sweat well and stays secure even when my hands get wet. I also use the lower foam extension often on steep climbs. That lets me shorten my effective leverage without changing pole length, which helps me keep rhythm on steep terrain.
The strap system feels supportive and stable when I push uphill. It transfers power well and keeps my hand positioned without feeling restrictive.
Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite Poles Performance on the Trail
On the trail, these poles feel fast and efficient. The carbon shafts keep swing weight low, so I do not feel like I am dragging extra load with each stride. Every plant feels quick and controlled.
On climbs, they really stand out. I can drive power into them without thinking about setup or adjustment. That matters a lot for my training right now because I am preparing for a 50 mile and 50K back to back ultra. I know that during that second race, fatigue will make simple tasks harder. These poles reduce the mental load by keeping the system simple and repeatable.
On descents, I use them more for balance and rhythm. The carbide tips bite well into dirt, rock, and mixed trail. I have used them on loose gravel, wet roots, and hardpack, and they stay reliable without slipping. Another benefit I notice is that when I trip or stumble, I can quickly plant a pole to catch myself and regain balance before it turns into a full fall. That quick reaction support adds a layer of confidence on tired legs and uneven terrain.
They also feel smooth and quiet on trail. There is very little vibration or harsh impact noise, which helps over long hours.
Folding, Adjusting, and Carrying the Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite Poles
The folding system works well once I got used to it. I align the sections, lock them in, and then fine tune the length using the lever. I have not had any issues with slipping or partial engagement as long as I set them correctly.
Packability is one of the strongest features. They fold small enough to disappear into a vest or pack without affecting my movement. I can transition between running and hiking without thinking about storage.
The 3 section design gives a good balance between compact size and usable stiffness. Even after repeated use over rocky terrain, everything still feels tight and controlled.
Limits I Noticed
I really like these poles, and I have had a strong experience with them overall, but I think it is still worth pointing out a few things to keep in mind so there are no surprises. These are not dealbreakers for me, more like tradeoffs that come with a superlight, race focused design. If you have not used this style of pole before, these are things you will probably notice early on.
The first thing I notice is how the carbon build feels in use. I really like how light and fast these poles feel, especially when I am running well and keeping good form. They move easily with my stride and feel very efficient on climbs and steady terrain.
At the same time, I notice they respond more directly to how I use them compared to heavier poles. When I plant them cleanly, they feel great and very precise. If my timing is off or I land on uneven rock, I feel it immediately and need to correct my pole placement instead of just letting it carry me through. They do not feel unstable, but they also do not “cover up” small mistakes the way heavier, more forgiving trekking poles can.
Finally, the grip and connection system is something I really enjoy. It makes everything fast and efficient, especially when I am tired or moving through frequent transitions. At the same time, it feels more specialized than a traditional trekking pole setup. It is clearly designed for speed, quick connection, and continuous movement. If you are used to older strap systems, this will feel different at first, but it becomes very intuitive once you get used to it.
Comparison to My Other Leki Poles
Compared to my Leki Neotrail FX.One Superlite, these Cross Trail poles feel more convenient and faster in transitions. The biggest improvement comes from the grip connection system, which removes setup friction and speeds up use in real time.
The Neotrail poles feel slightly more direct for pure running, but they take more time to manage during transitions. The Cross Trail version feels more versatile. I can use them for long trail runs, fast hikes, and mixed terrain training without changing anything in my approach.
Final Thoughts on the Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite Poles
The Leki Cross Trail FX Superlite works best for runners who want a lightweight, fast, and efficient pole system that can handle both trail running and fast hiking. It feels quick, compact, and reliable when used in its intended environment, especially on long climbs and steady terrain.
I chose these specifically as part of my preparation for a back to back ultra in August, where I will run 50 miles on Saturday and 50K on Sunday. I plan to train with them all summer so I can build efficiency, reduce upper body fatigue, and make sure my pole system stays consistent when I am deep into fatigue on day two.
If you would like more info or want to check out a pair for yourself, you can find details at LEKI Official Website or at amazon.com.
