Komperdell Carbon Expedition FXP.4 Vario £150

Rapid deployment, durable, Z-shaped design, compact Expensive, extended handgrip not long enough

Austrian brand Komperdell is well-known for making top quality poles. The jewel in the Carbon Expedition FXP4 Vario’s crown is what Komperdell calls a ‘revolutionary’ self-deployment system. It works faultlessly, with the pole positively springing into shape like a Transformers reincarnation – easily the fastest and smoothest folding system on test. Yet, despite this automatic approach, the connection between the main pole segments is both rock solid and rattle-free. Folding the pole away is easy too, using the Z-shaped approach. Simply press two buttons to release the lower parts and it collapses into thirds, measuring just 43cm for easy stowing in a backpack. The pole is made from carbon fibre and its length is adjustable via a strong clamp lever. The foam hand grip is well-shaped with good contouring and a slightly extended handle, although it’s not as long as we’d like. The strap is soft-lined for comfort while the tungsten-carbide pole tip, which features a flexing basket, provides good grip and traction no matter how rugged the terrain. Overall the pole feels strong and durable, but reasonably light at 248g, and the impressive features justify the lofty price-tag of £150 per pair.

LENGTH (folded-unfolded) 43-140cm WEIGHT (per pole) 248g