Professor Flag’s Portable Training Flagpole

DeVaughn Simper, America’s Vexillologist and Professor Flag on social media developed a superb device for training  for the Flag Detail.

Materials

Using a JBL Speaker Tripod, 25′ sectional flagpole, and sandbags the cost of new materials is approximately $250.

• JBL Standard Speaker Tripod Stand (with 1⅜” or 35mm shaft).
  • https://www.amazon.com/JBL-Bags-JBLSPKSTMA/dp/B07SMTP6ZC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1
• A sectional flagpole (2″ base diameter, includes truck, halyard and finial).
  • This flagpole type has several sections of reinforced tubing that will average around 3’ long. One end is slightly wider than the other so that they fit together easily. If you need to breakdown the pole after each training session, be sure not to push the sections together tightly, these poles are made to not come apart after set up.
  • A good length will be around 25’ or 30’. Since it comes in sections, you can vary the length depending on where you set up.
  • Example: https://www.federalflags.com/products/residential-aluminum-flagpole
  • Note – a telescoping flagpole will not work because these poles do not have a halyard.
• PVC sleeve adapter (to fit flagpole to tripod).
  • Use a 12”–18″ section of 1½” schedule 40 PVC pipe (~1.9″ inner diameter). We will call this a “Sleeve”.
  • Wrap the tripod shaft with foam or rubber sheeting until the PVC sleeve fits snugly (optional, for fit and vibration damping).
  • Place the PVC sleeve over the tripod shaft.
  • Place the flagpole over the PVC sleeve.
• 3 sandbags (or weight plates).

Flagpole Types

Below, you can see the difference in flagpoles. You want a sectional pole, not a telescoping.

Assembly Instructions

1. Set up the tripod
   • Fully extend the legs for maximum base stability.
   • Place the tripod on flat, level ground.
2. Add weight
   • Place sandbags around the tripod legs, on the center base, or (recommended) both.
   • If using weight plates, stack them on the tripod base and secure.
3. Install PVC sleeve
   • Wrap the top 12”-18” of the tripod in your choice of material.
   • Place the PVC sleeve on the tripod shaft.
   • Make sure it’s centered and secure.
4. Mount the flagpole
   • Slide the 2″ base of the sectional flagpole over the PVC sleeve.
   • Ensure it is vertical and seated firmly.
   • You may use foam padding inside the base of the flagpole for a snug fit.
5. Place the bottom flagpole section
   • Place the bottom section onto the PVC sleeve.
   • Place the appropriate number of sections to achieve desired height.
6. Select your flag
   • 15-foot pole – use a 2×3 flag.
   • 20-foot pole – use a 3×5 flag.
   • 25-foot pole – use a 4×6 flag.