I have used other bamboo tees in the past which have been fine, the main difference between them and these tees is the 'paint-job'.As these tees are painted and have a number of coloured rings on (they don't help me as I am colour-blind) they are easier to push into a set height and to find on the grassHowever, I never had too much problem finding the unpainted ones and I am not sure how ecologically friendly the paint is.The tees performed well, were very sturdy and broke occasionally.The eco-friendly packaging is nice and the fact they are designed in the UK is a plus, but why do they need to be made in China? I would gladly pay a little more knowing the items were made locally .