I have some of both (not MSR but those styles) The ground hog type work better in softer soil, the other seem to work better in rockier or harder areas. The needle type will bend if hammering them in with a rock. (at least the ones I have, not sure about the MSR) The ground hog type work OK in snow when the snow is consolidated. I would take the cord off the ground hog type, I use a trekking poll or the adze of my ice axe to free up any that are hard to pull out.