whats best for JKA

A combination of both would be best as aard and xzav have said.

I used to do wing chun kung fu and we had these things called wooden dummy's. They were very useful at improving technique for a number of reasons, such as you didn't need a partner to train. But until you practice the application on a real person, you will never fully understand the techniques you are training on the dummy.

In saying this I haven't actually used these poles people speak of before

poking on poles is how to really get a poke started out/going strong.

but you can do more with it if you seek out the knowlodge of how.

Duels. Preferably with someone who can grind you into dust without a moments thought.

i said both... but it would be about 95% duels 5% pole... the pole helped me learn poke... but thats about it