The new X-lite's I've seen have a Cork moulded handle and the poles are White with blue writing
That's them - the Karrimor Carbon Trek @ £28 choice of black/red with foam grips or white/blue with cork grips.Same item available here http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-carbon-walking-poles-784002?colcode=78400290The ones with the camera mount and anti-shock mentioned earlier were the Karrimor Carbon Anti-Shock @ ~£35 but it looks like they don't make or sell them any more.Some available on ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Karrimor-Lightweight-Carbon-Anti-Shock-Walking-Poles-Ergo-Grip-With-Camera-Mount-/302142328782
Most poles come with a double sided clip which is used just below the grips to keep the pair together. The notch in the basket is so the tip of the other pole can slot into it. With the double sided clip and the notch in the basket you have two points of attachment to keep the poles securely together when stowing them on your pack. That's if you stow them together as a pair - obviously you don't clip them together if you stow them separately on your pack. Hope that makes sense?Whether you choose to keep the baskets on all the time or not is entirely your choice. Chances are if you take them off they will be misplaced and/or your won't be able to find them when you need them for crossing any softer ground you come to.
The ones with the camera mount and anti-shock mentioned earlier were the Karrimor Carbon Anti-Shock @ ~£35 but it looks like they don't make or sell them any more.