Here's a first look at the new Lightrek 4 with wrist straps from Gossamer Gear. GG has made a very simple solution for those wanting a Nordic style wrist strap. It's too soon to see how durable a solution this is, but first impression is that it's straightforward and strong, and will be easy to remove and/or replace the straps.



Here's close up of the handle with the new straps.



Another handle view...easier to see the screw/grommet attachment. There is a black round head screw that seems to attach to the pole shaft. The screw goes through a brass grommet inserted into the strap. I have NOT tried to remove the strap or to determine if there is a sleeve inside the pole shaft under the handle. For now, if it works without coming loose, then I'm ok with it.



Weight with basket and straps is 125 grams per pole or 4 3/8 oz. FYI, these are the regular size adjustable poles weighed with the baskets, the rubber grommet(for the joint)and the new straps.




For comparison, the Leki Carbon Ultrashocks are 6 1/2 oz per pole.

Edited by Beep on 06/25/2009 17:02:56 MDT.

For weight reference, the ones I got my girlfriend are 3.9 oz per pole without the baskets. This is for the short model and is .1 oz under what GG lists on their site.

Thank you very much for the pictures!

Are you sure these are the straps that are going into production? I've had a pair of protypes for the last 6 months and they look exactly the same. I could have sworn Grant mentioned they were going to change it around a bit as using the palming method (palm on top) is nearly impossible because of either the exposed screw or buckle.

In the end, the bottom line is that they are ridiculous poles with or without the straps. I use straps, so any inconvenience due to the design don't mean a heck of a lot to me as they are plenty functional.

Edited by regultr on 06/25/2009 17:26:43 MDT.

>>Are you sure these are the straps that are going into production?<<

Heh! Heck, I don't know! ;-)

I ordered them the same day Grant sent out email announcing their availability. Palming on top of the handle, while possible, could get uncomfortable after a bit.

Same model I got. It would seem these are production.

Mine arrived this afternoon. I'm going out this weekend to test them out. Can't wait.

They look so nice.

On the website the regular is still sold out :( makes me sad.

Very nice poles, but I dont know if im going to like the way the strap is on there though. Looks like it will rub your palm going downhill.

Thanks for the pics. Mine arrived yesterday at my place but I'm out of town till tomorrow. I'm dying to check them out.

Ours came on Tuesday and today was the first time we had a chance to use them. Oh yeah. We used them in the hills and they were great.

Just got back from a two night trip in the Smokies. The poles are awesome. People at the shelters had to hold them and where amazed at how light they are. The excess strap is a little long. I'm going to cut it shorter so it won't be flopping around.

I'm just back from a five day trip with my strap-free poles and agree the poles are fantastic - these are the only poles, including ski poles, that I have ever used where the locking mechanism never seems to fail. They are also so light. I never missed not having straps either. All around these are really ace poles, I can't see how they can be beaten!

Just got my LT 4s today... as much as I knew about them going into it, knowing their weight, knowing what people said about them... none of it really prepared me for actually holding one and feeling how insanely light they are. Amazing! And I am impressed with the locking mechanism thus far (in-house testing only), and am pretty sure that being able to use a small keeper cord will be more than I'll need for these. Although I've always used poles with straps, I actually prefer the feel of not having them here. Cleaner, less bulk, less in the way. Great product! (And nice that they do make them w/straps for those who prefer them.)

Oh. And with a nod toward the "Lightrek transportation" thread... I got the shorts, and they fit diagonally into an Exos 58. They do fit, though just barely and with a little finagling, into an Exos 46. Incidentally, the poles fit easily into a Jam. My plan is to just put them in the pack, then pack my stuff around them for transportation.

Edited by 4quietwoods on 07/03/2009 17:41:43 MDT.

"and am pretty sure that being able to use a small keeper cord will be more than I'll need for these."

That's the way I've got mine set up-Kelty Trip Tic keepers.
Unless you use the straps for mechanical advantage when pushing off, the straps are way overkill. I cup the pole handles so the only thing I need is a retainer loop if I lose my grip.

I just received my Lightrek 4's with straps yesterday. In addition to the amazing light weight, I was surprised at how refined they feel and look. Sort of like a Ferrari vs. a Ford. I was initially worried about it being uncomfortable using the "Palming" method on top of the grip when going downhill, since the buckle and screw are in the way. I haven't yet gone hiking with them, but when trying them out in the house, I found that it was a lot more comfortable palming the top of the grip than I thought. Maybe it would get uncomfortable after a while, but I doubt I'd ever really be palming them for that long.

I also have to give a plug for GG's great customer service. When I met Grant at the PCT Kick-off a few months back, we talked about MYOG stuff, and I mentioned I was planning to sew a backpack. He offered to send me some scrap evazote foam for a hipbelt I was brainstorming. He included the foam with my poles, no charge! I find this particularly remarkable because GG makes and sells the same product I'm planning to make myself (pack), and thus my MYOG project could eat into GG's sales. That's some good customer service.

I love my GG Lightrek 4's with straps. I like being able to utilize the straps and not have to grip the poles very tight.

I personally don't feel the need for straps on my Lightreks but my wife insisted on some for hers. I attached them with nylon cable ties. They work fine and the top of the handle remains pristine for "palmers". See picture. She has about 60 miles on them so far with no complaints.



I've had my Lightreks for a few months now and I still am amazed when I pick them up. Would that all my equipment was so unbelievably light.

Edited by herman666 on 07/17/2009 19:12:50 MDT.