Two trekking poles worth lining up side by side. On the data the Flash Carbon is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Makalu Cork Lite still fits your budget or priorities.
| REI Co-op Flash Carbon | Leki Makalu Cork Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 67✓ | 44 |
| Weight (pair) | 12.9 oz✓ | 17.6 oz |
| Packed length | 58 cm✓ | 66 cm |
| Max length | 120 cm | 125 cm✓ |
| Min length | 100 cm | 90 cm |
| Price | $189 | $160✓ |
| Material | Carbon | Aluminum |
| Fold style | Telescoping | Telescoping |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Flash Carbon in blue, Makalu Cork Lite 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.
The REI Co-op Flash Carbon and Leki Makalu Cork Lite take different routes to the same job. The Flash Carbon is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Makalu Cork Lite makes its case on reach and price.
The Flash Carbon is 4.7 oz lighter per pair and 8 cm shorter packed. The Makalu Cork Lite is a longer reach (125 vs 120 cm) and $29 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Flash Carbon leads 67 to 44.
Pick the Flash Carbon if you care most about low weight and packability, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Makalu Cork Lite if reach and price matter more to you, or you are focused on your priorities.
The REI Co-op Flash Carbon. It is 4.7 oz lighter per pair than the Makalu Cork Lite.
The REI Co-op Flash Carbon. It is 8 cm shorter packed than the Makalu Cork Lite.
The REI Co-op Flash Carbon, 67 to 44 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Flash Carbon is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Makalu Cork Lite if reach is your priority.