How do I set up a teardrop or feather flag?

What is a teardrop or feather flag?

Both are printed fabric flags that fly on a flexible fibreglass pole. A teardrop flag has a rounded top that tapers to a point at the base. A feather flag, also called a blade flag, is tall and narrow. Ours is the Blade 2 Go flag, with a flat or scoop bottom. Both come in 2.5m, 3.5m and 4.5m heights. Both set up the same way.

Each flag comes with the printed flag, a flexible fibreglass pole, an in-ground stake and a zip-up carry bag with separate compartments for the hardware and the flag. No tools are needed, and excluding the base, a flag in its carry bag weighs no more than 3kg.

Which base do I need?

The base depends on the surface you're setting up on:

• Grass, sand or soft ground: the in-ground stake that comes with the flag.
• Hard surfaces such as concrete and paving: cross feet or a steel base plate. You can't use a stake on bitumen or concrete.
• Hard ground where you need more weight: the heavy cast iron base, or a water base (see the note below).
• Walls and vehicles: wall-mounted brackets (60 or 90 degrees), car tow-ball mounts or car tyre brackets.

Note: We work with you to supply a water base for our teardrop and Blade 2 Go flags. It isn't listed on the product pages yet, so ask us for a price.

Use the following steps to set up your flag

1. Unzip the carry bag and take out the pole sections, the flag and your base.

2. Set up the base first. On grass or soft ground, push the in-ground stake straight down into the ground until it's firm. On a hard surface, open out the cross feet so they sit flat, or put the base plate where the flag will stand.

IMPORTANT: Check what's above and around the spot before you set up. Flags are often damaged by hitting against a roof or wall while they fly, so keep clear of awnings, signs and branches.

3. Lay the pole sections out on the ground and join them together.

4. Slide the webbing pocket of the flag over the pole, and feed it all the way along until the flag is fully on.

5. Lift the flag upright and drop the bottom of the pole into the stake or base. Check it sits straight and doesn't wobble.

6. Finally, step back and check both sides read clearly. A single-sided flag shows a mirror image on the back (about 95% show-through), so face the printed side towards the people you want to reach. That's it, you're done!

Use the following steps to pack down your flag

1. Lift the flag and pole out of the base or stake, and lay it down on clean ground.

2. Slide the flag off the pole.

3. Separate the pole sections, then pull the stake out of the ground or lift the base away.

Note: If the flag needs cleaning, wash it in a normal household washing machine on a cold wash with a normal mild detergent. Don't soak, dry clean or tumble dry it. Hang it to dry straight after the wash, and don't leave it rolled up.

4. Finally, put the flag and hardware back in their compartments in the carry bag and zip it up. You're done!

How do I look after my flag in wind and rain?

Remember that if it's windy at ground level, it's much worse at the top of a tall flag. We don't publish a wind rating for our Teardrop or Blade 2 Go flags, so agree with the organiser before bump-in when flags come down, and take yours down when the wind picks up. Heavy rain adds weight to the flag, which can increase wear, especially in strong wind. Event flags like the Teardrop and Blade 2 Go are generally only used now and then, so they can last far longer than flags that fly every day, if you look after them. See our flag FAQs for more on flag life and care.