I have a set of Easton Ultra-Lite Carbon 3 poles and love them. They are the twist-lock style, and I have never had a problem with them. I've never used the flip-lock style for one reason. I hunt in brushy areas, and I am concerned about the flip locks catching on brush, and potentially even becoming unlocked from snagging. It may be a non-issue to some in reality, but not something I wanted to find out after I spent $$$ on a hiking pole and in the back country. The classic debate of twist vs flip lock is almost as old as the Ford vs. Chevy debate!