Annin Flagmakers American Flag White Gel-Coat Fiberglass Pole, Villager III Kit, 20 Feet (Model 395)

So my intent is/was very different from the start. I decided this pole would get me 80% of the way there given it was white, fiberglass (not metal), and the right height. Now with several months in-ground, several strong windstorms, and even a freak thunder/lightning storm...so far so good.1) a trick: use white lithium grease to grease the section joints. Makes it a lot better fit, easier to assemble/disassemble, and keeps the joints from rubbing. I would encourage the manufacturer to add a small tube of it into the installation kit. I did not use the epoxy because I might need to disassemble this one day.2) shipping costs: I looked at a few other all-in-one poles. What got me is that in all cases, the shipping cost was going to be equal to or more expensive than the pole itself, whereas this pole ships free (Amazon Prime). A cost savings of nearly $600.3) go super sturdy: So I elected to over-engineer a bit. I purchased a 2" black iron pipe (10 ft) and sunk it 5 ft below grade in concrete doing a 3 ft first pour. I then dropped a 4 " black rigid PVC pipe (sewer grade) into the hole with the black iron pipe inside and going to 5 ft (so 3 ft above grade, and 3 ft higher than the pipe the manufacturer sends). I then concreted that into place leaving the center open except for the iron pole.. I used the lower section of the flag pole to keep things in place. It all fit together very nicely.Once things were dried, I installed lag bolts into the black PVC, through the pole, and into the pipe. I then caulked the top of the PVC around the flag pole. The upper portion of the iron pipe goes past the height of the first segment and into the second (with some "convincing and lithium grease), so I changed the bolts securing the halyard so they go into the flag pole and continue into the iron pipe. Lastly, at the top joint (2nd and 3rd pieces ~14 ft up), I added some eye-bolts and ran guide wires to secure points on the ground, in part because I was going to be adding some weight to the 2nd section.Note: Yes I might have voided the warranty but, this was about transforming it into what I wanted.I elected not to install the ball since it is not supposed to look like a flag pole but did seal the top of the hoist.4) Very important - Avoid water damage to the fiberglass. Metal rusts. Fiberglass, if kept in water, rots. So, be sure to seal things and to also provide a way for any moisture that comes down the pole because of rain or humidity to either not get into the in-ground hole, or to get out of the in-ground hole. Otherwise, you may find your pole rots from the base up.5) All of the above applies if you do this as a flag pole. My addition of garland, low-voltage wires (wove into the garland), guide wires, and wooden shield-shaped signs is what transforms this into more of a Maibaum (Maypole). And the lower lag bolts add to the sturdiness and match what a Maibaum would have. Shields are just affixed with 2" EMT conduit clasps around the pole and screwed into the wooden shield backs. Screwing them into the fiberglass would have been less ideal.This has been a fun project. Assume it lasts 2 winters, might do this again for a few organizations I belong to that want something like this.

Looked great at first, however had it installed since May 2019, and today it snapped in a storm. There was only 20 mph wind, so definitely shouldn’t have happened. This is so disappointing as it was a fathers Day gift for me, a Veteran.

When I opened the box I discovered the included glue had leaked out onto all the other parts. I believe the pole was fabricated by a blind person at the factory because none of the holes were aligned. I had to drill my own holes to assemble it. As far as durability goes, it’s yet to be seen. Other than that, the pole looks nice.

I have been wanting a flag pole for years! This seems very well made and sturdy. The ONLY minor complaint is that the pulley did not have a guide on it. Thus, when I was hoisting "old glory" the rope jumped track. I had to take it apart & add some spacers to keep pulley centered in the truck.

Received this Alliance flag pole kit in an 8' long box, which was a little awkward but not excessively so since it only weighs about 30 pounds. The pole is in 3 sections and everything fit together nicely. The workmanship and fit and finish are very good. The only thing that seemed a little cheesy was the flash collar; it's a bit thin and flimsy but since all it does is lay on the ground around the base of the pole, that's okay.The instructions say to join the 3 sections before installing. It's easier to install the bottom section into the ground/sleeve first (ensuring it is level), install the collar, then attach the ball finial and join the two top sections, and last, install the two sections to the bottom section.Only had two minor gripes:1) The upper mounting screw for the cleat is almost impossible to install since it has to go through two layers of fiberglass and binds up so it is quite possible to break the screw. Recommend replacing it with the next screw diameter size smaller.2) The instructions say to use wooden shims between the ground sleeve and pole. Bad idea. This will inadequately restrain the pole and it will loosen in the sleeve rapidly. Use a level to ensure the pole is straight and slowly add dry sand to "shim" the pole; this is far more effective.Addendum (January 2013): I still like this item. Very durable and survives 70 MPH gusts (I live in a windy area) just fine.

It's a three section pole there are pre drilled holes for screws to secure the section together. Well on one section the hole did not line up had to drill a new hole just below the hole that did not line up. It was to close to there miss placed drilled hole that it made the screw come loose during a wind storm were the screw popped out. I had to take the flag pole down rotate the pole after I put the pole together a little pass a seam that on the pole drill a new hole and used a larger diameter screw now every thing is OK. This was better than a aluminum 20 ft flag pole I had before that lasted one week before getting blown down like a tooth pick. They should have better inspection of pole to make sure all pre drilled holes line up would prevent problems. If the pre drilled hole lined up I would of gave a AAA +++ rating

Better than expected. Easy to install.

The flag pole makes such an impression. It went together easily and has all the features needed to complete its installation. It is a lot of work to install the footing needed to mount the pole, but it is well worth the time and effort.