Slalom racers who want the lightest, quickest-swinging pole in the course will gravitate to the Leki Venom SL TR, a hybrid aluminum and carbon race pole built for gate-bashing slalom. A tough aluminum upper, a light and stiff carbon lower, and a click-in strap that releases in a crash define it. On a tight course that means snappy plants, a shaft that stands up to gate hits, and a hand connection you can trust at speed.

Why we like it:

The split shaft. Putting aluminum up top where the gates hit and carbon down low where swing weight matters gives you a pole that's bombproof where it counts and noticeably quick to bring forward between turns.

Features and Functions:

Leki builds the Venom SL around a two-material shaft: a sturdy 16mm aluminum upper section transitions into a 14mm carbon lower that's super light and stiff. Protective aluminum sheathing in the upper area adds strength right where slalom gates make contact and minimizes the risk of breakage, which is usually where carbon poles fail in SL. The grip is Leki's Trigger 3D SL, with four preshaped finger channels for support and a multidirectional release range of 220 degrees, so the pole lets go cleanly if you hook a gate or go down. It pairs with the Trigger S/3D Frame Strap, an adjustable strap with a wide support area that improves power transfer through the plant. A race basket finishes the tip, and it swaps out without tools.

Bottom Line:

The Venom SL TR is Leki's premium slalom pole for racers who want to cut weight without giving up gate durability. It's built for committed slalom racers who spend their training blocks hammering through tight courses and need a pole that survives the contact.