Leki has done it. With an unflinching focus on creating the best adjustable backcountry ski pole, they hit the mark with the Aergonlite 2 Carbon. An aluminum upper and carbon lower make these sticks durable and stiff with an amazing swing weight. Featuring a light and very effective Speed Lock 2 system, you can rail on these poles knowing that they will not fold on you like a clean sheet on laundry day. The Aergon grip is smooth, lightweight, and integrated with an extended handle to give you limitless handling options on any skin track. When the steep gets going, the perfectly contoured rearward-facing basket will not pry your tip out of the snow. In case your skins aren't as quality as your poles, you can use the flat section of the basket to scrape off any ice build-up. The Leki Aergonlite 2 Carbon pole is a beautiful piece of engineering that you can rely on no matter how hard you are on your gear.