We have a couple sets of black diamond poles, as well as a set of komperdells floating around our gear closet (which is pretty much the whole house at this point, ha ha). For me at least, both adjustable height and flick locks are pretty high priorities. Besides using adjustable height poles to erect a tipi, it's nice to adjust the length based up whether you are ascending, descending or hiking on flatter terrain. I did a pretty short day hike this morning up a butte in our area, and adjusted the height by a full 10 cm for the descent--I could have survived with them at the same height but they were more comfortable adjusted and I was glad I had the option. When side hilling I sometimes adjust the pole shorter on the higher side, but again it's personal preference. Also nice to collapse one or both to carry if you dont want to use them for some reason. The flick locks make adjustment easy, and I have never had any fail like the twist locks we used to use, which would slip after moderate use.