Mountain Biking - Single-release v. multi-release cleats

Hi all, just got through my first weekend of clipless cycling. O what a joy! Definately felt the difference in power transfer while climbing.

I felt pretty solid on the descents, overall, but had a couple of scary incidents where my left foot jumped off the pedal. The clipless mechanism is pretty tight, too, but with lateral pressure applied by the foot, the cleat becomed unengaged.

Since I'm using 2nd-hand pedals (spd), I had to buy cleats separately. I chose the multi-directional release ones, rather than the single-release, thinking that I'd be able to get off the pedal quicker if (when) I needed to. Now I'm thinking that the single-release cleats would be a bit more predictable, especially when pressure is applied in directions other than up-and-down.

Comments on single-release v. multi-release cleats?

i have no idea what multi directional cleats are.........mine can be released by twisting foot left or right. i have cheap wellgo pedals and i had a cleat break, and my lbs gave me a pair of shimano spd cleats. they do make a difference. easier to clip in and out of. must be a light variation on the specs. and if your feet are coming out then you dont got em adjusted properly.

I used multi-release cleats for a short time. I didn't like them because they un-clipped far too often on dh's, technical terrain or while bunny-hopping. Almost any movement of the foot would result in a release.
You're correct, the single-release cleat is more predictable.
Multi-release can be good for those learning to use clipless, but aren't sure about getting unclipped in time....sounds like you're already past that :)