Our
history
1948 - 2020
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011948 - 1973
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021974 - 1988
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031993 - 2003
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042004 - 2008
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052008 - 2010
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062010 - 2012
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072012 - 2014
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082014 - 2015
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092016 - 2017
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0102018 - 2019
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0112020 - ?
1948 - 1963
1948 Foundation of LEKI
1960 Glass fibre composite shafts
1962 LEKIFIX mounting sleeve
1963 High-strength aluminium shafts
1970 LEKI Alpine pokes
1973 Cross-country poles
Founding of LEKI
LEKI Lenhart GmbH was a spin off from the wood processing plant of Karl Lenhart created in Dettingen under Teck in 1948, which produced the wooden letters for lettering used by bakeries or butchers.
LEKI's unique development started as a result of the founders' personal dissatisfaction: Karl Lenhart, an avid skier himself, was less than impressed by the quality and functionality of the ski poles of the time. Therefore, he used his own machine park to manufacture grips and baskets for skiing poles. These went into mass production in the 60s. On the other hand, Lenhart was familiar with aluminium and composite processing on account of his aircraft manufacturing experience. In 1970, he used these raw materials to produce his first ski poles to be sold under the LEKI brand, which stands for the owners and the company headquarters, i.e. Lenhart in Kirchheim.
1948 Foundation of LEKI
1960 FIBREGLASS COMPOSITE SHAFTS
First-ever fibreglass composite shafts - first company worldwide to use these materials for ski pole production.
1960 FIBREGLASS COMPOSITE SHAFTS
1962 LEKIFIX mounting sleeve
"LEKIFIX" mounting sleeve for ski baskets. Today, Karl Lenharts' innovation equips each ski pole produced worldwide.
1962 LEKIFIX mounting sleeve
1963 HIGH-STRENGTH ALLUMINIUM SHAFTS
High-strength aluminium shafts 7075 - Duraluminium. Even today, LEKI is the only global pole manufacturing company that hardens shafts as part of in-house production. This guarantees a consistently high quality standard.
1963 HIGH-STRENGTH ALLUMINIUM SHAFTS
1970 LEKI ALPINE SKI POLES
LEKI brings the first Alpine poles to market under the LEKI brand.
1970 LEKI ALPINE SKI POLES
1973 NORDIC POLES LEKI
LEKI starts producing cross-country skiing poles.
1973 NORDIC POLES LEKI
1974 - 1988
1974 LEKI Makalu
1975 Flex tips
1978 Mount Everest
1980 Winter tour basket
1982 Antishock
1984 Succession in Management
1985 Correction zone
1988 ErgoSoft grips
1974 LEKI Makalu
LEKI's classic adjustment system, a fully functional telescopic system developed by Karl Lenhart, paves the way for LEKI MAKALU, the world's first adjustable trekking poles.
1974 LEKI Makalu
1975 Flex tip
FLEX TIP - once again, Karl Lenhart introduces a revolutionary innovation to significantly extend the useful life of trekking poles. It is thus no surprise that this has become -and remains- the worldwide standard.
1975 Flex tip
1978 Mount Everest
In 1978, Reinhold Messner & Peter Habeler conquer Mount Everest without oxygen.
1978 Mount Everest
1980 Winter tour basket
LEKI developed the first winter tour basket with cloth tape for flexible storage and thus better adjustment to the snow and slope conditions.
1980 Winter tour basket
1982 Antishock
LEKI developed the first trekking pole with antishock cushioning for even greater comfort.
1982 Antishock
1984 Succession in management
Klaus Lenhart - Karl's youngest son - succeeds his father at the company's helm.
1984 Succession in management
1985 Correction zone
Klaus Lenhart further pursues LEKI's tradition of innovation with the shaft correction zone, introduced after extensive testing to optimise the swing action and relieve the wrist.
1985 Correction zone
1988 ErgoSoft grips
Further honouring its tradition of innovation, LEKI developed ErgoSoft, the world's first 2-component grip. This particular innovation took the market by storm and became an absolute standard in the pole construction field.
1988 ErgoSoft grips
1993 - 2003
1993 CorTec grips
1996 Turbo Disc grips
1997 LEKI Lenhart GmbH
1998 Trigger System
1999 Antishock spring system
2000 New production facility
2002 Nordic Walking
2003 Soft Antishock
1993 CorTec grips
The first CorTec grips provided an even more comfortable grip feeling.
1993 CorTec grips
1996 Turbo Disc Griffe
Turbo Disc grips - first adjustable straps on the market. This innovation offers further functionality and increased safety.
1996 Turbo Disc Griffe
1997 LEKI Lenhart GmbH
LEKI changes its name to LEKI Lenhart GmbH in 1997.
1997 LEKI Lenhart GmbH
1998 Trigger System
Klaus Lenhart's commitment to safety drives his constant quest for further technical developments. The revolutionary Trigger System, which was initially introduced for Alpine poles, was a major breakthrough in pole technology development. At the same time, the first LEKI gloves came on the market.
1998 Trigger System
1999 Antishock spring system
The Antishock Spring System offered an independent, three-stage adjustment solution.
1999 Antishock spring system
2000 New production facility
Opening of the new production facility in Tachov / CZ - the world's largest and most modern ski pole production plant.
2000 New production facility
2002 Nordic Walking
LEKI starts producing Nordic Walking poles.
2002 Nordic Walking
2003 SOFT ANTISHOCK CUSHIONING SYSTEM
LEKI introduces the Soft Antishock Cushioning System.
2003 SOFT ANTISHOCK CUSHIONING SYSTEM
2004 - 2008
2004 TÜV Süd
2006 Gear of the year
2006 Nordic Trigger Shark
2007 Gear of the year
2007 Alpin Trigger S
2008 Silent Spike Pad
2008 LEKI donates
2008 Trigger S
2004 TÜV Süd
TÜV SÜD and the Japanese Consumer Product Safety Association (CPSA) performed the first tests on telescopic poles. LEKI was the only company meeting the criteria of both quality-certification institutions. (as of January 2008)
2004 TÜV Süd
2006 Gear of the year
The Makalu Air Ergo Antishock by LEKI wins the readers' choice award for "Gear of the Year" presented by Motorpresse Stuttgart's outdoor magazine.
2006 Gear of the year
2006 Nordic Trigger Shark
Nordic Trigger Shark - the logical further development of the Nordic Trigger system. Its advantages were enormous and the system was very positively received by both recreational and racing athletes "nothing remains between your hand and the pole".
2006 Nordic Trigger Shark
2007 Gear of the year
The Makalu Air Ergo Antishock by LEKI wins the readers' choice award for "Gear of the Year" presented by Motorpresse Stuttgart's outdoor magazine.
2007 Gear of the year
2007 Alpin Trigger S
Alpin Trigger S - the first safety binding for ski poles also receives two awards - the European ISPO Skiing Award and the Innovation Award of the German Ski Magazine.
2007 Alpin Trigger S
2008 Silent Spike Pad
Upon launch, the Silent Spike Pad had already been honoured with two awards - the International Design Award and the ISPO Outdoor Award.
2008 Silent Spike Pad
2008 LEKI donates to DAV
During a press conference held upon LEKI Lenhart GmbH 60-year anniversary, its Managing Director Klaus Lenhart donated €6,000 to DAV's Managing Director Thomas Urban.
2008 LEKI donates to DAV
2008 Trigger S
Trigger S catches on and enjoys broad market adoption. Trigger S is one of the most spectacular innovations on the pole and glove market. The first security binding for ski poles.
2008 Trigger S
2008 - 2010
2008 LEKI - Best Brand
2009 ISPO as partner
2009 Gear of the year
2009 President Oettinger's visit
2009 Aergon grips
2010 Olympic heroes
2010 LEKI Lenhart Gmbh in final rounds of business awards
2010 Editor's Choice Award
2008 LEKI - Beste Brand
The readers of DSV aktiv Ski & Sport magazine grant LEKI the Best Brand award. LEKI was re-elected as the best brand in the ski poles category by an outstanding 83.9%. 7,095 readers accepted the magazine's invitation to participate in the reader survey presented with its 3-4/2008 issue.
2008 LEKI - Beste Brand
2009 ISPO as Partner
ISPO - International Sporting Goods Fair is the world's largest trade fair in this segment. It was held on February 7-10 in Munich and had every reason to celebrate. Indeed, the world leader in pole and glove systems from Kirchheim has been an exhibitor at ISPO for as long as this has been in operation, i.e. 40 years now.
2009 ISPO as Partner
2009 Gear of the year
For the fifth time in a row, LEKI takes the top spot in the trekking poles category. 77% of the vote fell to the Carbon Lite model, which was "in the race" that year.
2009 Gear of the year
2009 PRESIDENT OETTINGER's VISIT
Minister President Günther Oettinger travelled to Friedrichshafen to open OutDoor 2009. During this visit, he was particularly impressed by three stands. As he came upon the stand of LEKI, the world's pole manufacturing leader from Kirchheim, the President engaged in conversation with its Managing Director Klaus Lenhart.
2009 PRESIDENT OETTINGER's VISIT
2009 Aergon grip
Introduction of a strap with safety release for a lower risk of injury. Edgeless outer shape for a variety of gripping options. Large support surface for a secure hold. Hollow technology results in an extremely lightweight solution.
2009 Aergon grip
2010 Olympic heroes
We are proud of our Olympic heroes. The ambition and fighting spirit of our athletes made us the most successful pole equipment supplier at the of 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. 73 Medals: 30 gold medals, 22 silver medals, and 21 bronze medals.
2010 Olympic heroes
2010 LEKI LENHART GMBH IN FINAL ROUNDS OF BUSINESS AWARDS
Klaus Lenhart reaches two final rounds of business awards with LEKI Lenhart GmbH.
2010 LEKI LENHART GMBH IN FINAL ROUNDS OF BUSINESS AWARDS
2010 Editor's Choice Award
LEKI received the Editor's Choice Award 2010 for its trekking model Carbon Lite XL.
2010 Editor's Choice Award
2010 - 2012
2010 Speed Lock
2011 World Cup Season
2011 LEKI donates
2012 Smart Tip
2012 World Cup Season
2012 LEKI Testsieger
2012 SAZ Ranking
2012 In Memoriam
2010 Speed Lock
Speed Lock is the first and only external adjustment system to date with TÜV Süd certification worldwide. TÜV's 55 kg standard has been amply exceeded. This provides a safety reserve of vital importance in critical situations. Holding power readjustment at any time.
2010 Speed Lock
2011 World Cup Season
Strongest pole brand in the 2010/11 Alpine World Cup - LEKI meets unprecedented success! Trigger S dominated the 2010/2011 Ski World Cup with two overall World Cup winners, Ivica Kostelic and Maria Riesch. In addition, LEKI athletes have won 8 of 10 discipline awards.
2011 World Cup Season
2011 LEKI donates
The German pole and glove specialist LEKI donates € 10,000 to the Japanese Red Cross. Funds will be used for the medical care of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami disaster.
2011 LEKI donates
2012 Smart Tip
The new LEKI Smart Tip – a real multi terrain talent for even more fun during Nordic Walking. The slip-proof pad ensures good traction on pavement surfaces and the integrated, telescopic carbide tip provides steady hold on meadows, mud and snow.
2012 Smart Tip
2012 World Cup Season
LEKI was also the dominant pole manufacturer in the 2011/12 Ski World Cup. LEKI athletes win 7 out of 10 disciplines and the overall Women's World Cup.
2012 World Cup Season
2012 LEKI Test Winner
Aergonlite II CarbonWinner of Skitour magazine's (5/11) practical tests in the tour poles category.
Carbon Lite XL
Wander magazine tip (164/12) for "Tested hiking quality"
Carbon Titanium
Outdoor magazine (5/12) "Its comfort, outstanding handling and high stability won us over during testing. In short, a trekking pole for all terrains and situations".
2012 LEKI Test Winner
2012 SAZ Ranking
LEKI (1,6) is regarded as the most attractive brand according to the sport dealer's vote. In the overall standings, the company from Kirchheim attained a remarkable tenth place with a 2.0 score. Klaus Lenhart, owner and CEO of LEKI Lenhart GmbH, was pleased about this award. "This confirms that we are on the right track".
2012 SAZ Ranking
2012 In Memoriam
Klaus Lenhart was an outstanding person, inventor and thinker. "A charismatic visionary who deserved respect, admiration and the highest regard in the whole industry for his straightforwardness. He was a passionate entrepreneur who responsibly managed nearly 250 employees together with his wife Waltraud.
2012 In Memoriam
2012 - 2013
2012 LEKI Future
2013 Micro Sticks
2013 ISPO Award
2013 Schladming 2013
2013 LEKI Race Challenge
2013 LEKI Best Brand
2012 LEKI Future
Waltraud Lenhart and the proven, qualified and highly experienced team at LEKI further pursues the strategically-driven life's work and passion of Klaus Lenhart. Indeed, their son Markus Lenhart worked in the engineering and development department for two years. He is poised to take responsibility in other areas in the near future.
2012 LEKI Future
2013 Micro Sticks
LEKI's 2013 folding poles are also the choice of Ueli Steck, the Swiss extreme mountaineer. Smallest pack size, light weight, fast, easy handling, extremely good stability reserves. Versatile use, whether for accessing vie ferrate, trail running or to carry along while travelling.
2013 Micro Sticks
2013 ISPO Award
2013 ISPO AWARDLEKI Speedstick (Summer 13)
The ultimate sporting gear for trail-runners.
ISPO Award Winner 2013 - Segment Products/Performance/Accessories
LEKI Strike Carbon (Winter 13/14)
Lightning-fast with the new Trigger PA Shark.
ISPO Award Gold Winner 2013 - Segment Ski/Poles
2013 ISPO Award
2013 Schladming 2013
Four world titles won by Maria Hoefl-Riesch (GER), Marion Rolland (FRA), Tessa Worley (FRA) and Mikaela Shiffrin (USA). Five silver medals won by Felix Neureuther (GER), Michaela Kirchgasser (AUT), Gauthier de Tessieres (FRA), Dominik Paris (ITA) and Ivica Kostelic (CRO). The bronze went to Maria Höfl-Riesch (GER), Frida Hansdotter (SWE), David Poisson (FRA), Romed Baumann (AUT), Manfred Moelgg (ITA) and Mario Matt (AUT).
2013 Schladming 2013
2013 LEKI Race Challenge
The "LEKI Race Challenge", an event to be know as the Klaus Lenhart Memorial Race, will be created with the support of the Mittlere Alb district from the Swabian Ski Federation and that of other clubs involved. Demanding ski races, top organised events and coveted prizes to get children excited.
2013 LEKI Race Challenge
2013 LEKI Best Brand
We are simply thrilled! LEKI was proclaimed the "BEST 2013 BRAND" in the outdoor accessory category by Outdoor magazine readers. A big THANK YOU for your trust in our brand and products.
2013 LEKI Best Brand
2014 Carbon D | ISPO Award
The Carbon D pole, which won the 2014 ISPO AWARD, is manufactured in D-form using a special blow-moulding technique. The highly modular carbon fibres make the extremely low-weight construction possible.
2014 Carbon D | ISPO Award
2014 Kaisa Mäkäräinen
LEKI athlete Kaisa Mäkäräinen (FIN) wins the 2013/14 Biathlon World Cup.
2014 Kaisa Mäkäräinen
2014 - 2015
2014 Awards
2014 Speed Lock 2
2015 Nordic | ISPO Awards
2015 Trigger Shark 2.0
2015 Folding Chairs
2015 Dynamic Suspension System
2015 OutDoor Industry Award
2015 Best Brand
2014 Awards
Micro Vario Carbon trekking pole 2014 Outdoor test winner Carbon Titanium trekking pole First place awarded by Testberichte Blogger Tour Stick Vario Carbon trekking pole 2014 VDBS test winner
2014 Awards
2014 Speed Lock 2
Smaller, lighter, stronger. The new Speed Lock 2 pole adjusting mechanism was presented for the first time at the OutDoor Frierichshafen trade show.
2014 Speed Lock 2
2015 ISPO Awards
LEKI was once again able to impress the jury with its Race Shark Custom Fit cross-country poles and Nordic Race Shark gloves, which go perfectly together, and take home two ISPO WINNER AWARDS that day.
2015 ISPO Awards
2015 Trigger Shark 2.0
More athletic, more accuracy, more comfort. The new Trigger Shark 2.0 grips were presented for the first time at the ISPO Munich 2015 trade show.
2015 Trigger Shark 2.0
2015 Folding chairs
LEKI presents the new "Folding Chairs". Find your place with the Chiller or Breeze!
2015 Folding chairs
2015 Dynamic Suspension System
Reduction of the peak impacts by approx. 40% thus protecting muscles, joints and ligaments* Optimal damping features for a controlled pole plant. Effective vibration-absorbing construction based on a clever positioning and a special elastomer. * Result of a study issued by the „Lehrstuhl für Biomechanik, Bewegungs- und Trainingswissenschaft des Instituts für Sportwissenschaft der Universität Tübingen“ (Chair for Biomechnics and Kinesiology at the Institute for Sport Science of the Tübingen University).
2015 Dynamic Suspension System
2015 OutDoor Industry Award
With your foldable carbon companion, you're ready for any terrain. Thanks to the push-button release mechanism, you can assemble and disassemble it at lightning speed and it even fits in your hand luggage due to the small pack size.
2015 OutDoor Industry Award
2015 Best Brand
Kircheim, October 2015 – LEKI was being voted as “Best Brand 2015” in the division “outdoor equipment / accessories” followed by Ortlieb (second) and Victorinox (third). “Outdoor-Magazin” asked about 5.000 readers to name their favourite brand as well as current trends, favorite recreation activities and sustainability. http://www.outdoor-magazin.com/news/produkte-neuheiten/outdoor-leserwahl-2015-gewinner-und-ergebnisse.1362586.3.htm
2015 Best Brand
2016 - 2017
2016 Trigger S Vertical
2016 ISPO Award Gold Winner
2016 Fin Vario
2016 Gabriela Soukalová
2017 World Championships
2017 Mikaela Shiffrin
2017 Smart Tip 2.0
2017 Table XS Lite
2016 Trigger S Vertical
Trigger S Vertical is a clever technology that allows you to vary your gripping position even when you’re clicked in. A Flexband integrated into the hand-strap enables you to move freely, while the Trigger Loop keeps you connected to your pole. Like Trigger S, Trigger S Vertical releases upwards under tensile load.
2016 Trigger S Vertical
2016 ISPO Award Gold Winner
Kirchheim/Teck – “Trigger S is now available for touring!” said this year’s ISPO Awards jury on presenting the ISPO Gold Award for the Skiing category to LEKI’s Tour Stick Vario Carbon V.
2016 ISPO Award Gold Winner
2016 Fin Vario
Fast and easy exchange of the basket size for all kinds of track conditions. Exchange from winter basket to summer roller basket. Fits 8mm and 9mm cones.
2016 Fin Vario
2016 Gabriela Soukalová
LEKI athlete Gabriela Soukalová (CZE) wins the IBU World Championship Biathlon 2015/16.
2016 Gabriela Soukalová
2017 World Championships
FIS ALPINE | St. Moritz 2017 7 x Gold 6 x Silver 9 x Bronze IBU BIATHLON | Hochfilzen 2017 3 x Gold 1 x Silver 6 x Bronze FIS NORDIC | Lahti 2017 2 x Gold 3 x Bronze
2017 World Championships
2017 Mikaela Shiffrin
LEKI athlete Mikaela Shiffrin (USA) wins the FIS Alpine World Ski Championship 2016/17.
2017 Mikaela Shiffrin
2017 Smart Tip 2.0
Integreated, extendible hard metal spikes with improved geometry for even more adherence to non-bituminised paths.Very fast switch between pad and tip position.
Simple, tool-less pad change and improved pad profile.
2017 Smart Tip 2.0
2016 Table XS Lite
A camping table which fits in any bag and only weighs 860 g - a useful addition to the new "Foldables" product category newly introduced in spring 2016. The special feature is the tabletop made of plastic that is not only very light, but also stable and easy to handle. The table ensures the highest quality and can be broken down to a very compact size thanks to a folding mechanism.
2016 Table XS Lite
2018 - 2019
2018 ISPO Award Gold Winner
2018 ELD & SL +
2018 FRT & ProG
2018 Shiffrin, Klæbo, Mäkäräinen
2018 70 years of LEKI
2018 Business Medal
2019 Energy Efficiency Label
2019 Shiffrin, Klæbo, Riiber
2018 ISPO Award Gold Winner
Kirchheim/Teck – "Boa finds its perfect field of application in this glove. It not only ensures the perfect fit of the integrated loop system, but also improves power transmission to the pole.“ said this year’s ISPO Awards jury on presenting the ISPO Gold Award for the XC Hardware category to LEKI’s Nordic Tune Shark Boa®.
2018 ISPO Award Gold Winner
2018 ELD & SL +
The ELD (External Locking Device) is a special construction for even more stability and safety with folding poles. Easy to handle - a push button releases the pole tension.
The SL+ (Speed Lock Plus) is an advanced version of the well known speed lock system. It is even lighter and smaller, but with the same holding force.
2018 ELD & SL +
2018 FRT & Pro G
The FRT grip is the latest technologie in nordic skiing. The fixed connection between hand and pole offers the best possible power transmission.
The new Pro G grip offers perfect and powerful gripping due to the slim race geometry. Extra soft surface guarantees maximum grip and makes it perfect for alpine skiing.
2018 FRT & Pro G
2018 SHIFFRIN, KLAEBO AND MÄKÄRÄINEN WIN Overall Worldcup
LEKI athletes Mikaela Shiffrin (USA, Alpine Skiing), Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (NOR, Cross-Country) and Kaisa Mäkäräinen (FIN, Biathlon) won the overall worldcup 17/18.
2018 SHIFFRIN, KLAEBO AND MÄKÄRÄINEN WIN Overall Worldcup
2018 70 years LEKI
1948-2018In October 2018 LEKI Lenhart GmbH celebrates its 70th anniversary.
2018 70 years LEKI
2019 Business Medal for Waltraud Lenhart
LEKI’s CEO, Waltraud Lenhart, was awarded with the Business Medal of Baden-Württemberg presented by the Minister of Economic Affairs Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut. The Baden-Württemberg government awards the Business Medal for extraordinary entrepreneurial achievements and to say thanks for outstanding contributions to the Baden-Württemberg economy.
2019 Business Medal for Waltraud Lenhart
2019 Energy Efficiency Label for LEKI
LEKI is awarded with the energy efficiency label KEFF.
2019 Energy Efficiency Label for LEKI
2019 Shiffrin, Klaebo and Riiber win Overall Worldcup
The LEKI-Athletes Mikaela Shiffrin (USA, Alpine Skiing), Johannes Høsflot Klæbo (NOR, Cross-Country) and Jarl Magnus Riiber (NOR, Nordic Combined) won the overall Worldcup 18/19.
2019 Shiffrin, Klaebo and Riiber win Overall Worldcup
2020 - ?
2020 Cross Shark
2020 Overall World Cup
2020 Trigger 3D
2020: Cross Shark
The Cross Shark offers you the speed of the Shark system and the support of a hiking grip. LEKI developed a dynamic and comfortable construction for speed-oriented trekking.
2020: Cross Shark
2020: Overall World Cup
The LEKI athletes Aleksander Aamodt Kilde (NOR, alpine) and Jarl Magnus Riiber (NOR, combination) won the overall World Cup 19/20. In addition to the two Norwegians, Pinturault (FRA, Alpine), Shiffrin (USA, Alpine) and Klæbo (NOR, cross-country skiing) can also look back on a successful season. All of them came second in the overall ranking.
2020: Overall World Cup
2020: Trigger 3D
Trigger S becomes Trigger 3D. 21 years ago the Trigger System revolutionized the market and shaped an era. Now LEKI has optimized its proven trigger technology and made it even better. Even more control, even more comfort and even more security!
2020: Trigger 3D
