Straight poles are the right choice for almost everyone. They're the standard design used for all-mountain skiing, freestyle, backcountry, recreational skiing, and even slalom racing. If you're skiing at a resort, hitting the park, or exploring the backcountry, straight poles are what you want.
Curved or bent poles are designed specifically for speed discipline racing—giant slalom, super-G, and downhill—where tucking at high speeds makes aerodynamics critical. The bend wraps the pole around your body to reduce drag in a tuck. But at recreational speeds, that aerodynamic benefit disappears entirely.
Straight poles are also easier to plant and maneuver, and they're typically less expensive. Unless you're actively competing in GS or speed events, go with straight poles and save your money for something that will actually improve your day on the hill.