Telescoping poles on this page are made of aluminum tubes of different diameters and slip into each other. Each section is raised up and locked into its place. The flag’s top section is the first to be lifted. Telescoping poles do not use ropes which can become tangled or worn, or to bang against it in windy conditions. They can reach heights between six and thirty-five feet. Telescoping poles retain their strength to height ratios because of the tapered effect. They are not as strong and durable as one-piece poles.

When searching for a pole with telescoping capabilities, you need to consider the following: tubing length, locking systems and spring assist.

Telescoping flagpoles which are stronger have larger diameters relative to their height. When comparing flagpoles of equal height, find the section with the largest tubing. Wall thickness, also known as the thickness of a pole, can have an effect on strength, but not as much, as pole diameter.

The locking system will differ between different manufacturers because every manufacturer has a patent. Look for systems that are self-indexing/self-locking. It means that when each section raises, it is automatically guided to the locking position. The locking mechanism should be positive and not based on friction or extension. Avoid faulty locks by choosing a system with as few moving parts as possible.

Look for a manufacturer that offers a spring-assist system. A spring assist system makes smaller flagpoles easy to assemble. If flagpoles are more than twenty feet high, the spring aid is required as the pole weights can vary from twelve to twenty-five to twenty-five to twenty pounds.