Leki Blue Bird Carbon Ski Pole

The carbon composite Leki Blue Birds ski better than they look—and they look pretty sweet. A stiff, responsive shaft is topped with a Trigger S Downhill Thermo Mid Grip (a solid grip with an extension for hiking) and the Trigger Shark Vario Strap (which clips into the Leki Krypton S Gloves – burly, guide-worthy gloves that testers also loved – for a system that releases easily upon impact).