We have a schutzhund type A-frame with 3 slats on the top half of each side. The odd thing I've noticed is this. We have two "running contact" dogs that are more likely to bail off the schutzhund type frame than on our club's slatted agility frame. I think it's harder for them to run to the end without slipping, so they bail.
My "2o/2o" dog is more likely to nail her contacts on the schutzhund type frame than on the slatted frame. I think she is able to slide easily down and doesn't bounce, bounce, bounce on each slat trying to get to the down contact. I don't know if that helps with your decision-making at all, just an interesting thing I've noticed.
The other thing I've noticed with our schutzhund type frame is that dogs tend to leap onto it. Gavin does a full-on superdog imitation when he does the frame and I think it's from years of jumping up to reach the slats. People think it's cool how he does the frame, I personally would rather have a dog run evenly up the frame and not have such a big impact to the shoulders. I don't know if superleaps would be an issue with a non-slatted frame or not.
One other thing, I think it is nice to have the slats if you will be working with younger dogs or puppies on your A-frame. The little dudes can have trouble if they don't have something for traction. I think there are pros and cons with both - I like the idea of removable slats.
