1948
FOUNDING OF LEKI
LEKI Lenhart GmbH was a spin off from the wood processing plant of Karl Lenhart created in Dettingen under Teck in 1948, which produced the wooden letters for lettering used by bakeries or butchers.
LEKI’s unique development started as a result of the founders’ personal dissatisfaction: Karl Lenhart, an avid skier himself, was less than impressed by the quality and functionality of the ski poles of the time. Therefore, he used his own machine park to manufacture grips and baskets for skiing poles. These went into mass production in the 60s. On the other hand, Lenhart was familiar with aluminum and composite processing on account of his aircraft manufacturing experience. In 1970, he used these raw materials to produce his first ski poles to be sold under the LEKI brand, which stands for the owners and the company headquarters, i.e. Lenhart in Kirchheim.
1960
FIBREGLASS COMPOSITE SHAFTS
First-ever fibreglass composite shafts – first company worldwide to use these materials for ski pole production.
1962
LEKIFIX MOUNTING SLEEVE
“LEKIFIX” mounting sleeve for ski baskets. Today, Karl Lenhart’s innovation equips each ski pole produced worldwide.
1963
HIGH-STRENGTH ALLUMINIUM SHAFTS
High-strength aluminium shafts 7075 – Duraluminium. Even today, LEKI is the only global pole manufacturing company that hardens shafts as part of in-house production. This guarantees a consistently high quality standard.
1970
LEKI ALPINE SKI POLES
LEKI brings the first Alpine poles to market under the LEKI brand.
1974
LEKI MAKALU
LEKI’s classic adjustment system, a fully functional telescopic system developed by Karl Lenhart, paves the way for LEKI MAKALU, the world’s first adjustable trekking poles.
1975
FLEX TIP
once again, Karl Lenhart introduces a revolutionary innovation to significantly extend the useful life of trekking poles. It is thus no surprise that this has become -and remains- the worldwide standard.
1982
ANTISHOCK
LEKI developed the first trekking pole with antishock cushioning for even greater comfort.
1993
CORTEC GRIPS
The first CorTec grips provided an even more comfortable grip feeling.
1998
TRIGGER SYSTEM
Klaus Lenhart’s commitment to safety drives his constant quest for further technical developments. The revolutionary Trigger System, which was initially introduced for Alpine poles, was a major breakthrough in pole technology development. At the same time, the first LEKI gloves came on the market.
2008
TRIGGER S
Trigger S catches on and enjoys broad market adoption. Trigger S is one of the most spectacular innovations on the pole and glove market. The first security binding for ski poles.
2010
SPEED LOCK
Speed Lock is the first and only external adjustment system to date with TÜV Süd certification worldwide. TÜV’s 55 kg standard has been amply exceeded. This provides a safety reserve of vital importance in critical situations. Holding power readjustment at any time.
2012
IN MEMORIAM
Klaus Lenhart was an outstanding person, inventor and thinker. “A charismatic visionary who deserved respect, admiration and the highest regard in the whole industry for his straightforwardness. He was a passionate entrepreneur who responsibly managed nearly 250 employees together with his wife Waltraud.
2013
MICRO STICKS
LEKI’s 2013 folding poles are also the choice of Ueli Steck, the Swiss extreme mountaineer. Smallest pack size, lightweight, fast, easy handling, extremely good stability reserves. Versatile use, whether for accessing vie ferrate, trail running or to carry along while traveling.
2014
SPEED LOCK 2
Smaller, lighter, stronger. The new Speed Lock 2 pole adjusting mechanism was presented for the first time at the OutDoor Frierichshafen trade show.
2015
TRIGGER SHARK 2.0
More athletic, more accuracy, more comfort. The new Trigger Shark 2.0 grips were presented for the first time at the ISPO Munich 2015 trade show.
2015
DYNAMIC SUSPENSION SYSTEM (DSS)
Reduction of the peak impacts by approx. 40% thus protecting muscles, joints and ligaments* Optimal damping features for a controlled pole plant. Effective vibration-absorbing construction based on a clever positioning and a special elastomer. *
Result of a study issued by the “Lehrstuhl für Biomechanik, Bewegungs- und Trainingswissenschaft des Instituts für Sportwissenschaft der Universität Tübingen“ (Chair for Biomechnics and Kinesiology at the Institute for Sport Science of the Tübingen University).
2016
TRIGGER S VERTICAL
Trigger S Vertical is a clever technology that allows you to vary your gripping position even when you’re clicked in. A Flexband integrated into the hand-strap enables you to move freely, while the Trigger Loop keeps you connected to your pole. Like Trigger S, Trigger S Vertical releases upwards under tensile load.
2016
FIN VARIO
Fast and easy exchange of the basket size for all kinds of track conditions. Exchange from winter basket to summer roller basket. Fits 8mm and 9mm cones.
2018
ELD & SL +
The ELD (External Locking Device) is a special construction for even more stability and safety with folding poles. Easy to handle – a push button releases the pole tension.
The SL+ (Speed Lock Plus) is an advanced version of the well known speed lock system. It is even lighter and smaller, but with the same holding force.
2018
FRT & PRO G
The FRT grip is the latest technologie in nordic skiing. The fixed connection between hand and pole offers the best possible power transmission.
The new Pro G grip offers perfect and powerful gripping due to the slim race geometry. Extra soft surface guarantees maximum grip and makes it perfect for alpine skiing.
2018
70 YEARS OF LEKI
1948-2018. In October 2018 LEKI Lenhart GmbH celebrates its 70th anniversary.
2020
CROSS SHARK
The Cross Shark offers you the speed of the Shark system and the support of a hiking grip. Dynamic and comfortable construction for speed-oriented movement in the mountain.
2020
TRIGGER 3D
Trigger S becomes Trigger 3D. 21 years ago the Trigger System revolutionized the market and shaped an era. Now LEKI has optimized its proven trigger technology and made it even better. Even more control, even more comfort, and even more security!
History continues…
Over the years, LEKI won countless awards and is represented by some of the best athletes at the Olympics and World Cups.
To this day, LEKI continues to innovate with new materials, new technologies, and new products to make mountain sports safer, more accessible, more comfortable, but also to increase the performance of top athletes all around the world.