They don't all work the same. Some are far more durable than othes, and lighter. Have seen many bend over and snap the el-cheapo versions.
That's for sure. I used aluminum Black Diamonds this year, and the trip I shot my goat one started bending pretty good. I had to straighten it back out a number of times on trees. Would never have wanted to make that trip without them. I need to replace them, but haven't yet.
On trail I rarely use them, unless I have lots of weight or it is really slick. But for nasty country, they are fantastic.
