Scope rings - vertical vs horizontal split pros & cons?

[IMtheNRA]

I was wondering what the pros and cons of these two systems are? The vertical split rings seem like they would be harder to check for exact alignment prior to mounting a scope - am I correct? What would lead one to choose one over the other?

 

[dakotasin]

purely preference - i haven't noticed any differences in strength.

the vertical rings are a little frustrating to get a scope into and aligned, but i think they look nicer.

make your deciding factor be on style (weaver/redfield/talley), materials (steel/aluminum), weight, aesthetics, etc...