Oh that dreaded decision. Every person considering purchasing a pole will have to make this difficult decision. Unfortunately, there is no one answer. Everyone is different. Not everyone wants the same traits in a material, nor does everyone react the same to a given pole material.
Being such a major decision I'd like to give you some of the information I have collected over the years, and my own personal experiences with each finish.
Stainless Steel: It has come in two forms.
Mirror finish: