flag

Most homes in our neighborhood have American flags flying, although there are some other nations represented as well. There is no peer pressure to fly them or not, and there is a wide variety of sizes and degrees of quality. Historically I have always opted to buy my flags from one of the handful of companies that make them entirely in America, they are pricey but made of quality materials. But once they are on the flagpole no one can see if the stars are embroidered or each row of the stripes is individually stitched and guess what, because our climate around here is a bit harsh they only last a year – two at most. Right now I am in the process of selling my home, my good flag is in storage and I just wanted something quick so I ordered this. I did so fully aware of what I was getting and that is the first and maybe most important thing to know if you are flag shopping, that many people have unrealistic expectations. FIRST IMPRESSIONS It arrived in a vacuum sealed bag about twelve inches square and as thick as a pancake, when I took it out it was wrinkled of course so I soaked it in water for a few minutes then put it in the dryer for a short cycle. The good news is that the water was clear after I soaked the flag, so the colors didn’t run. The next impression is that this is so thin it is actually almost see-through, that’s something I’m not used to but in a second I’ll let you know if it matters and why that actually may be a good thing. Otherwise it was the proper size, the grommets are brass and well attached and the stitching is even. THINGS TO KNOW Start by putting your finger on the part of the page that says this thing costs under eight bucks. As with anything you get what you pay for, which to me throws out any complaints about it not lasting ten years. This to me would be best suited as an indoor flag or one that is only flown on nice days. With care this could last a while but remember, it’s eight bucks, know that it is not handmade by Betsy Ross. As far as being thin, read the comments some people post about their disappointment that those expensive flags just hang and droop and never flutter. The thicker the material the less likely is will flutter. If you like that effect you need to choose a thinner material flag and this one does really well in that respect. And as far as the stars being sewn on, once I put my flag on a pole I never see the difference. Realize that for the cheap cost this one has the colors printed on it, they say they use colorfast dyes. It will probably fade with time, if that bothers you, you will have to spend more but even those fade in my harsher climate. YES NO MAYBE The last hurdle, at least for me, is that I have never bought a flag that is not made in America, it just seems wrong to do that. I had to swallow hard and be okay with the possibility that this one is made in China and although I can accept that as my decision, what I have trouble accepting is that nowhere does this product disclose the point of origin. Their product page is otherwise surprisingly accurate and honest and not telling me where its made disappoints me, almost enough to take a star away but I didn’t because they never said otherwise either, so I have to come back to I got what I paid for and I am satisfied with it and that is the reason it is rated as it is.

I put it on my wall vs the yard. Looks great and inexpensive.

Great price Clear vibrant color

I was surprised when I opened this Flag. Very Durable. The Price was great.

Good quality and value. I'm very pleased.