When i first got in to hiking, i never thought of getting either. but i went for a hike one day with friend, and he let me borrow one of his hiking poles to climb a steep hill (when i mean steep i mean, almost strait up), he had one i had the other, then we hit the trail, i was golden with only one. but i saved my money and got a set. and now i am grateful i got them. you can use them all year round and they have the snow caps on them, unlike walking sticks they seem to be only good for roads, and down hills.
but hiking poles can be used for making lean-toos, and helping set up teepee tents.