Hi, I'm Chris. I live in central MO. Next year will be my western hunt with some friends who are first timers as well. I look forward to learning from you guys!
My Leki Ultralites have the flip locks. out of the box, they were loose and sucked. but I just tightened the nuts and they lock up tight now. So, if you get flick locks, just remember to adjust them so they hold tight.
I just got a pair of Leki poles. They're not the most expensive ones they offer. They were $100. I've only hiked around mushroom hunting so far and really like them.