Leki Lhasa AS Review

The Leki Lhasa AS are affordable and durable trekking poles that had average performance in most of our testing metrics.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Lhasa AS trekking poles are designed for comfort, but they don't quite hit the mark. The “AS” stands for “anti-shock” as they feature shock absorbers at the base of each pole. In theory, this “anti-shock system” should reduce trail vibrations and provide a little give. In practice, we found the shock absorbers to offer only minimal shock absorption, and they did not dampen trail vibrations as much as we expected.

These poles have a stiff cork and rubber grip that feels more like plastic than cork. We found these grips to be uncomfortable and difficult to break in. Over time, they did mold to our hands, which made them more comfortable, but they were initially quite hard. That said, the grip's contour did fit nicely in most hands. If you prioritize durability over out-of-the-box comfort, this is probably a feature rather than a drawback. However, if you need grips that are immediately comfortable, we recommend checking out a pair of trekking poles with softer cork grips. The top of the grip on the Lhasa is plastic and minimalistic, which is fine but not as comfy as others in our lineup. The grip straps are thicker and less comfortable than the typical thin Leki straps, but they are still more breathable and softer than others.

Weight

The Lhasa AS weighs 17.5 ounces for the pair, which is about average for our review, though it's on the light side for telescoping poles. Telescoping poles typically feel heavier in hand when you swing them forward, but the Lhasa moved well and had a relatively light swing weight compared to other similar poles.

Versatility

The Lhasa AS scored above average in terms of versatility. The poles that earned the highest marks in this category were all foldable poles, as you can stash them in your pack. While that is not the case here, the Lhasa is fairly burly and lightweight for a telescoping model, which means it's suited for four-season travel. These poles are great for day hikes when you do not need to ditch them in your pack, and they are compatible with snow baskets, making them ideal for snowshoeing or mellow ski touring. With snow baskets, they could even be used in a pinch for skiing, but the shock absorbers make them less desirable as a primary pair of ski poles. Finally, these poles do not feature a grip extension, which is a must for travel on steep terrain.

Locking and Adjustability

With 35mm of adjustment and user-friendly locking and adjustment mechanisms, the Lhasa AS performed well in this category. The plastic flick-locks are easy to open, and with a finger-tightening screw, they are easy to adjust.

Packed Size

This is one category where telescoping poles are at a disadvantage compared to foldable poles. These poles are 25" long when fully collapsed, which does not make them ideal for stashing in your pack. In a pinch, the Lhasa can be affixed (almost) imperceptibly to the outside of your pack because, even if they don't boast minimal volume, they do boast relatively minimal weight.

Construction Quality

With aluminum shafts and hardened cork grips, the Lhasa AS features quality and durable construction for the long haul. The hardened cork may take longer to break in, but it will also take longer to break down. The flick levers are made from plastic, which may prove less durable in the long term, but they are easier to use and adjust than other flick locks. Truth be told, these poles feature some of the burliest material and most thoughtful design in our review.

Should You Buy the Leki Lhasa AS?

Whether you should buy the Lhasa AS depends on your needs and how you plan to use your poles. These poles are relatively affordable and boast durable construction, and they can move well between summer day hikes and winter travel. The locking and adjustment features are user-friendly and should be easy enough to engage, even for arthritic hands. They do not have the most comfortable grips, but if you want poles that can absorb some shock, these will give you extra trail-dampening without switching to carbon fiber (which is more expensive and less durable). Overall, if you want a pair of quality poles for day hikes or a burly pair of poles for backcountry fieldwork and you don't want to break the bank, the Lhasa AS might be a great option for you.

What Other Trekking Poles Should You Consider?

If comfort and packability are what you crave, check out the premium Leki Cressida FX Carbon. Both are foldable poles with more comfortable grips. If you prefer telescoping poles but want to check out carbon fiber, add the Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork to your list. These poles are slightly more compact (by an inch) when they pack down, and they feature carbon fiber for better shock absorption without the need for an anti-shock system.