Article by Mike Postaski
Introduction
Mike P: It’s funny, the main feature about the Komperdell Erlkönig poles was one that I didn’t even know about before I received them for testing. I noticed the wrist strap (Fly Sport strap) which seemed somewhat similar to Leki poles - that was the intriguing factor for me. Being that I think the Leki system works so well, having a similarly designed competitor is definitely a good thing.
After receiving the Erlkönig poles, then I realized the self-deploying feature. I had never heard of anything like that in a trail running or hiking pole, so there was definite excitement to try them out.
In the 2 minute video below I demonstrate how they deploy and fold and their easy clip and clip out approach .They literally self-deploy - no joke! Now there are some nuances to how this operation works and what it entails for both deploying them and stowing them, which I’ll get to in a little bit.
Komperdell ERLKÖNIG Demonstration
Specs and Sizing
I’m 5’10” (178cm) and went with my regular 120cm pole size. Side note- I just checked their website now and they seem to have sizing guides for Classic, Touring, and Alpine ski poles, but I don’t see anything specifically named for trekking poles. Alpine seems to somewhat match - at least for my height - but I can’t confirm that across the entire size range. I knew my pole size beforehand so I didn’t reference their guide when choosing my size.
The pair of poles (2 poles, not including the wrist straps) weigh in at 320g. That’s a touch lighter than what I think are the comparable Leki model - the FX.One (non-Superlite). The poles are similar in thickness and are beefier than the more racing-oriented FX.One Superlite model from Leki.
The Komperdell poles are a bit longer than the Leki ones though, and I notice them sticking out a little bit more in the quivers that I tested (Instinct, UltrAspire, Salomon Custom Quiver).
[Both 120 cm poles]
This is due to the nature of the self deploying mechanism and that the sections of the pole cannot slide into each other. The length of each of the three sections is essentially fixed.
[The Leki pole design allows for smaller shaft segments]
Some other poles allow the upper shaft to slide into the handle area when the pole is collapsed, allowing all sections to be a bit shorter, and hence a shorter overall folded length.
How they work
The FXP poles are essentially under constant “opening” tension. This means that when they are collapsed, they will not stay folded unless you strap them together. The poles come with a velcro strap on the upper pole section which you can use to keep them together then they are “collapsed”.
This means that you do have to take some care when stowing them, as they’ll want to pop back open if you don’t keep a good hold of them. I tried holding them together and putting them in my quivers without the velcro and had no issue. You just need to remember that when you’re taking them out.
You can also restrap them with the velcro before stowing them in a quiver. Of course if you are using pole bungees somewhere on the exterior of a vest like along the front panels or along the low back - you definitely need to use those velcro straps to keep them closed before bungeeing them to your vest. This is of course an extra step, but of course that lost time is regained in the self-deployment stage.
As seen above - on the run, they work as advertised. They pop open almost instantaneously without having to fiddle around and align the three pole segments, nothing. They pop out, and you’re ready to strap in and go!
[The strap that runs between the thumb and index finger is adjustable]
Instead of a traditional wrist loop attached to the pole, the FXP uses a separate wrist strap which loops over an opening on the top of the pole. This is somewhat similar to the Leki system with a few differences. The Komperdell loops are much bigger making them easier to loop over and attach to the poles. Once set up, I get that same feeling of being able to pull more power through the pole stroke - as opposed to traditional wrist straps.
In general this is a much more efficient design in terms of pure power output, and I personally can’t think of any reason to go back to using traditional wrist straps.
Do they work? Other considerations..
Yes, absolutely! If you hate fiddling around setting up your poles, especially on the run - this really is the setup for you. I know, I know, this may strike some as completely unnecessary, but honestly, it is really cool and very fast how you can get them open and going.
Of course, you do have to be a bit careful with them, being that they are always under tension! Hitting someone (or yourself) with an auto-extending pole is definitely something that can happen. Or when you’re trying to fold them up and put them away, if you’re not paying attention, the bottom section can snap open if you don’t have a good grip. You’ll want to make sure nothing fragile is within range.
[The bottom segment of one of the poles popped open while I was busy collapsing the second pole]
Folding them up is one area that is more difficult due to the nature that they are always under tension. I already talked about how they generally need to be “strapped together” with that velcro strap. But another important difference is that there is an additional button release between the bottom two pole segments, not just the top two.
[There’s also a second button for releasing the lower segments, most poles only have single button below the handle segment]
Typically with collapsible poles there is one button at the top to release the tension - when pressed, all three pole segments are loose, and then you can easily fold them up. With the FXP design, there are two separate release buttons - so you need to press the first one to fold up two segments, then make sure you’re holding those two together, then press the second button to release the next segment and fold the three together.
[Komperdell release buttons are flush with the shaft, also a bit camouflaged in this model]
This process definitely takes more time than popping the single button on most collapsible poles, and is definitely a tradeoff for the convenience of having them snap themselves together then you take them out. One thing to note with Komperdell’s setup here is that the release buttons are flush with the outer pole.
This makes them at times hard to locate - most other buttons stick out and you can feel for them without looking. With these being flush - sometimes they are hard to locate on the run (especially if you would have gloves on), and you do have to look for them. The Erlkönig camo design also doesn’t help with this - but perhaps with other colors, those buttons are easier to locate by sight.
Conclusion
Let’s start the conclusion of with something very important and I believe unique from any pole manufacturer -
Komperdell offers a 3 year no questions asked repair service for pole repairs here. This is HUGE, and definitely a big factor in determining whether to purchase them. At $299 for the Erlkönig version or $240 for the regular Carbon FXP version (I think they are functionally the same poles), the price is definitely high. But honestly, if you are guaranteed to have them for at least 3 years/seasons of trail running at that price - that eliminates a big worry.
We’ve all broken poles, which is always a sinking feeling given the cost factor. Having a 3 year guarantee in your back pocket is an excellent product feature to have.
I think Komperdell offers a compelling product here with the FXP poles - definitely something unique, with a form and function factor comparable to Leki, which I believe is the leader in the market. They’re not quite there in terms of crazy light weight, but they are very close and even lighter than other carbon poles.
I think many runners may in fact value durability higher, and the 3 year guarantee should certainly be a factor in that regard. I’ll definitely be using these going forward through this season and beyond - for at least 3 years!
ERLKÖNIG is available now
Komperdell SHOP HERE
Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to 100+ mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has won the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M trail ultras, winning the Scout 50M in 2024. He also set a CR of 123.74M at the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and completed the Boise Trails Challenge on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the previous record by 7 hours. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.
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