LEKI

Wanderfreund Makalu Trekking Pole

My top pick

For walking with a broken foot and rehab this product can’t be beat in my opinion. I’ve had one for 4 years and just bought a second one. Comparing the quality to Kopperdell for instance the pole and tip are larger and stronger as are the extension adjusters. Excellent for me

Fantastic Product

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Height:

6' 2"

Weight:

170

I have used this walking stick as a daily cane for the last 2 months and have had no problems at all. I have used it on everything from steep hikes to just getting around town and have had no problems the other reviews have mentioned. It has not collapsed on me and I have fully relied on it for support while using stairs and to help take the load off my healing leg. Would absolutely recommend, especially for travel where it is easy to store away.

Do Not Rely on For Stability or Support - Cosplay Suitable Only

I've owned the LEKI Wanderfreund Antishock Dss Trekking Pole since April 8, 2017 with no issues whatsoever, and yet I've had this Leki Wanderfreund Makalu for less than a month with over two dozen times this pole giving out. Please do not buy this hazardous product unless you want to use it for something other than walking or hiking (perfectly suitable to carry it around for cosplay as a pretend hiker as it's certainly pretty and looks the part). During the course of normal use, the bottom of the pole must contact the ground for such a pole to assist in walking or hiking whatsoever. When this pole contacts the ground, the two points of adjustment are unable to be secured sufficiently to prevent collapse of the pole meaning the support the pole is intended to provide for stability while in motion cannot be relied upon (or may only be relied upon if one doesn't value their life to fall over at the wrong time along one's path when it gives out). The old LEKI used a twist-to-secure mechanism for each of the two adjustable length rod sections of the pole. The new Leki uses two secure-in-place plastic-and-metal toggles. There is an adjustment on this newer version with gnurling that does not appear to do anything to improve this. I've attempted to upload my video to this review to illustrate the problems, showing how the pole is intended to be secured and how easily it loosens by simply tapping lightly on the ground.