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OT USA Flags

rjtfroggy

rjtfroggy

Gold $$ Contributor
If we can put men on the moon, build EV's, invent just about anything that needs to be invented, Why can't anyone make a flag that will last at least 1/2 years hanging outdoors?
In the last 5 years I have bought at least 6 flags that are supposed to last in high wind, rain, snow, whatever but I'm lucky to get 4 months out of one before it starts to fray and come apart, at which point I will not fly it.
I buy American USA made and they just don't last. The last 5 were from a vet owned company and they have gotten worse at each purchase. I am not buying the cheapest flags I can find actually on the other side of cheap, but I just ordered an $12 flag just to see if price matters, between a $30 flag and a $12 flag.
I fly 24/7/365 lighted at night. I'm not a veteran, I was a paid firefighter and do believe in our country despite its downfalls at the present time.
Anyone with suggestions for the next time around?

As a PS I answered in an old post back in 2021 since the time I posted I am about to hang my 4th one. No quality any more.
 
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I have one I bought at Runnings (farm/fleet )store. It's a "house" sized flag, meaning I have it mounted on the house. It's on it's 3rd year and just starting to show a little fraying (fixed). New one next year.
 
I buy the Made in the USA polyester sewn flags because they are supposed to stand up to the weather better. None of them ever last a full year. So I just keep buying new flags.
 
There’s a formulae for flag size. 300 pounds means nothing.
The material it’s made of and the conditions it’s flown in are key.
Rain followed by a freeze at night with the slightest wind is a killer. The sun takes its toll also.
Never could get a full year from the one at work.
It was illuminated but many winter evenings we lowered it to lessen the beating it took.
In the summer we flew light weight nylon as they do indeed fly in the lightest breeze. Sun does kill the red though.
Two + flags per year and we’d fly flags for a day from a deceased serviceman if the employee wanted us to. 52’ flagpole so it was impressive.
We had a former W2 who worked for us. Each morning as he walked up the long driveway he snapped the smartest salute you’ve ever seen.
Remember also to replace the halyards once a year.
 
Valley Forge maybe? Each stripe is sowed and each star is embroidered. I've had several of their flags. Where I work we used to make the cloth for them. Then it was Dupont (solarmax maybe?) 200 denier nylon. It's been a while. We were swamped with flag cloth orders right after 911 but it since went down hill. Schneider Mills had most of what we used to do since we switched to mostly outdoor acrylics and polyester as well as sailboat sail cloth.
 
I hear ya! I bought the American made. $50-60 each. I installed spot lights to shine on them at night, too, because Liberty never sleeps. They only last 4-5 months, but that’s Texas. Texas is rough on everything........except my well being.
 
My wife gets them two or three at a time ; at Harbor Freight . Probably made in China , but they have the correct colors , stars and stripes Last about six months in our Arizona sun and heat . Maybe I'll be able to turn mine "Right-side Up" , again soon . Like two more years ! AIRBORNE !
 
The last one I bought came from a Mom and Pop General Merchandise store. It's polyester and here in North Florida holding up ok. I'll replace it by the end of this year. It will probably be 9 months old by then.
 
D-4297 said:
My wife gets them two or three at a time ; at Harbor Freight . Probably made in China , but they have the correct colors , stars and stripes Last about six months in our Arizona sun and heat . Maybe I'll be able to turn mine "Right-side Up" , again soon . Like two more years ! AIRBORNE !
Click to expand...
All the way.
 
Well I am glad (I think) that everyone else seems to have the same issue. My flags last a summer and I send them off to be properly retired by our local AFJROTC
 
Well I guess I'm not alone 2-3 flags a year, small price to pay to show your loyalty.
Still wish they would last longer.
 
It is reported that lighted flags flown 24/7 in the District of Columbia (DC) only last an average of 28 days. The taller the poles, the larger the flags the greater exposure to wind, UV and moisture wear of the fabric and fading of colors. I consider myself lucky when I get 90 days service from the flag on my 20’ lighted pole at my house. I consider $50 for 90 days a reasonable expense. Much taller trees in the neighborhood provide a lot of protection for my 20’ pole. I buy all weather, synthetic 3X5 US made flags.
Yes, it would be nice if flags lasted longer. Perhaps a rigid flag fabricated from aluminum or some other long lasting material with powder paint would last. The rope would need to replaced with a rotating stable mount. The neighbors would most certainly let you know when the rotating assembly needs lubrication.….and that takes us to….A PATRIOTIC LUBRICATION THREAD! (sorry, I could not resist)
 
STORM2 said:
It is reported that lighted flags flown 24/7 in the District of Columbia (DC) only last an average of 28 days. The taller the poles, the larger the flags the greater exposure to wind, UV and moisture wear of the fabric and fading of colors. I consider myself lucky when I get 90 days service from the flag on my 20’ lighted pole at my house. I consider $50 for 90 days a reasonable expense. Much taller trees in the neighborhood provide a lot of protection for my 20’ pole. I buy all weather, synthetic 3X5 US made flags.
Yes, it would be nice if flags lasted longer. Perhaps a rigid flag fabricated from aluminum or some other long lasting material with powder paint would last. The rope would need to replaced with a rotating stable mount. The neighbors would most certainly let you know when the rotating assembly needs lubrication.….and that takes us to….A PATRIOTIC LUBRICATION THREAD! (sorry, I could not resist)
Click to expand...
Maybe try this flag next time. I know i see a 30x60 flag of this model every single day and its been flying nicely for over a year now. It takes a forklift to change so we dont skimp and this one lasts.

www.flagandbanner.com

Heavy-Duty American Flag: Tough Tex Flags | FlagandBanner.com

American-made, heavy-duty, and weatherproof: Annin Tough-Tex flags keep their vibrant colors, so you can display your flag outdoors 24/7, no matter the season.
www.flagandbanner.com www.flagandbanner.com
 
I get mine from AmericanLegionFlags.com

Good quality, decent prices and made in the USA.
 
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