Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I mean, they're a bunch of bamboo stakes, right? What can you possibly say about a bunch of bamboo? Quite a lot, actually. This is easily a five-star purchase, especially for the price ($23 when I bought them). These 6-foot bamboo stakes were all of a consistent height when they arrived and were consistently straight. I bought two bundles, so 50 stakes in all, and had none that were crooked or bowed. The thickness varied from a bit reedy (about the thickness of a sharpie marker) to quite hefty (a little bigger around than the circumference of a nickel, close to a quarter at times). Most leaned towards the thicker end of that scale. VERY sturdy, not at all bendable unless you're trying. Of the 50 stakes I got, the majority were clean and smooth. About 6-8 has tapered "spikes" of sort growing from the ribbed connections of each length of pole, running along the length of the pole, i.e. not sticking outward but running parallel to the pole. They are not intrusive or sharp, though one or two required a little care because if you accidentally slid your hand along the stake hard you'd jab yourself on these growths. Minor issue, doesn't get in the way of their functionality, just something to keep in mind when you're driving them into the ground. Wear gloves! I've used these to stake a variety of plants (tomatoes, sunflowers, pole beans), as well as to stake in chicken wire fences and to create a tripod trellis or two. They have proven easy to work with, quite sturdy, especially in my highly windy yard, and highly versatile. And the price? Miles better than most 6-foot stakes. One thing to keep in mind for people who have never used bamboo stakes before: If left in the ground for a couple of years, it CAN root and begin to grow. It's rare, but I've seen it happen, so it's a good idea to pull them out at the end of the season and store them over the winter. Bottom line: superb bang for your buck!