I think I like this one better too, especially for the contest theme. The focus is clearly metal with this view. The other shot has a softer feel for me, which is also nice. Keep in mind the purpose when you choose :)
I liked the slightly tilted one, but I do believe this is better. It's definitely better just because you removed the power pole, but it does also seem better because it's not tilted.
I like this one better for angle but the colour of the other one. The tilt of the other one irks me a bit like its just not straight or crooked enuf to not just look off center IMO
i love this one