A close look at two trekking poles buyers cross-shop. On the data the FT3 is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Black Series FX Carbon still fits your budget or priorities.
| Gossamer Gear FT3 | Leki Black Series FX Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 77✓ | 60 |
| Weight (pair) | 12.4 oz✓ | 16.0 oz |
| Packed length | 38 cm✓ | 40 cm |
| Max length | 130 cm | 130 cm |
| Min length | 110 cm | 110 cm |
| Price | $245✓ | $250 |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon |
| Fold style | Folding | Folding |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: FT3 in blue, Black Series FX Carbon in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. Min length is shown for context and is not scored. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full trekking-pole comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
Put the Gossamer Gear FT3 next to the Leki Black Series FX Carbon and the trade-offs are clear. The FT3 is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Black Series FX Carbon makes its case on price.
The FT3 is 3.6 oz lighter per pair, a little shorter packed, and $5 cheaper. On the default GearScore the FT3 leads 77 to 60.
Pick the FT3 if you care most about low weight and packability, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Black Series FX Carbon if you would rather save the difference.
The Gossamer Gear FT3. It is 3.6 oz lighter per pair than the Black Series FX Carbon.
The Gossamer Gear FT3. It is a little shorter packed than the Black Series FX Carbon.
The Gossamer Gear FT3, 77 to 60 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The FT3 is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Black Series FX Carbon if it is the better value for you.