JOBY GorillaPod mini tripods

Hi all, i'm look at this tripod with those legs that bend.  For those who own one, can you quickly and easily straighten the legs?  Is there a better option than this?  I don't necessarily need the fancy bendy legs.

http://joby.com/gorillapod/ballhead#images

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http://500px.com/baneling
Canon T3i
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS