{"product_id":"leki-helicon-lite-ski-poles-ultra-light-for-backcountry-fun","title":"LEKI Helicon Lite Aluminum Adjustable Ski Poles - Backcountry Ready","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the LEKI Helicon Lite finds these poles aimed squarely at backcountry ski tourers who need a durable, adjustable tool that stays light on long approaches. The single biggest reason to buy is the wide 110-145 cm adjustability locked by LEKI's Speed Lock Plus, which makes transitioning between climbs, skin tracks and steep descents straightforward while keeping weight low for long days. The poles balance robust aluminum construction with an extended foam grip and a powder-ready basket that together make them a practical choice for mixed snow conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for the Backcountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e The design prioritizes convenience and reduced weight so tourers can carry them comfortably on long ascents and varied terrain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e110-145 cm Adjustability:\u003c\/strong\u003e A massive length range secured by Speed Lock Plus lets users fine-tune pole length for skinning, climbing and descent without tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExtended Grip:\u003c\/strong\u003e The foam grip continues down the shaft to provide secure handling on steep switchbacks and when needing lower hand positions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBig Mountain Binding Basket:\u003c\/strong\u003e The powder basket has a short edge to clear heel lifts and a longer edge useful for scraping ice from skins.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAluminum Shaft:\u003c\/strong\u003e HTS 6.5 aluminum offers a durable shaft that resists bending while keeping overall weight reasonable for endurance tours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSecure Strap:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Lock Security Strap in nylon gives a reliable connection to the hand during technical moves or long climbs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Helicon Lite is best for backcountry skiers and splitboarders who value a broad adjustable range and durability over the absolute lightest weight possible; the aluminum shaft and Speed Lock Plus are practical for multi-hour approaches and mixed conditions. Ski tourers who change pole length frequently on skin tracks, bootpacks and descents will appreciate the extended grip and fast lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who need ultra-light carbon poles for alpine racing or who prefer minimalist strapless designs for resort carving should look elsewhere, since these prioritize robustness and adjustability rather than being the lightest carbon option available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWide 110-145 cm adjustability with Speed Lock Plus makes transitions quick and secure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExtended foam grip improves hand placement and control on steep or technical sections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBig Mountain Binding basket is tailored to powder touring needs and skin maintenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAluminum (HTS 6.5) shaft balances strength and weight for endurance use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAt 9.2 oz per pole, the aluminum construction is not as light as high-end carbon alternatives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe packed size of 37 in may be bulky for climbers who need very compact carry options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdjustable Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e110-145 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePacked Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e37 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9.2 oz\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStrap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLock Security Strap Nylon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShaft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAluminum (HTS 6.5)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBasket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBig Mountain Binding\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LEKI Helicon Lite is a solid, value-minded choice for backcountry ski tourers who want a dependable, adjustable pole that handles mixed snow and long approaches. Its Speed Lock Plus adjustability, extended grip and powder-specific basket make it particularly useful for multi-phase tours where versatility and durability matter more than shaving every gram.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these poles good for uphill skinning?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe wide 110-145 cm range and Speed Lock Plus make them well suited to uphill skinning, allowing quick length changes for varied slopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan the basket handle deep powder?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Big Mountain Binding basket is designed for powder and includes a shape that assists with heel lifts and skin maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow durable are the shafts?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe HTS 6.5 aluminum shaft offers strong resistance to bending and is built to withstand the rigors of backcountry touring.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LEKI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46699274764507,"sku":"B0B1M68N55","price":99.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51p15oh9QHL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1744963431","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/leki-helicon-lite-ski-poles-ultra-light-for-backcountry-fun","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}