I liked the pole which I used years ago on a jk awning but recently with my new DeBus canopy I couldn’t get the clamps to fit properly. I’m currently looking for some decent clamps.
Been using figure of 8 strips in the gutter for nearly the last 20 years with no bother. Some folk worry they'll scratch the paint work but this has never been an issue for us. Possibly lucky? They've never unintentionally come off either and we've had the canopy attached through some serious storms.
I have used figure 8 strips which are OK if it is not too windy - I had to clamp them in when the breeze got too strong. I have also used rods clamped in the gutters which work well but always cautious as clamping too tight can chip the paint or bend the gutter.
I've always used a pole and clamps with both our awnings. The original was an Outwell Country Road and the clamps were a bit narrow and a fiddle to put on, they also caused a few scratches on the gutter. Our current awning is a JK Retro and the clamps are much wider and fit the gutters better(I know, Just Kampers in quality product shocker).
I remember about 15 years ago my jk awning clamps were very good. Think I’ll order some new clamps from them.
Mine work fine. But also, as a back up, you can buy cheap plastic clamps from pound shops which do a good job, if not better.