Adjustable Tent Poles - Heavy Duty Steel Rods for Tarp, Canopy & Camping (Set of 2, Black) | Perfect for Outdoor Adventures, Backpacking & Emergency Shelter Setup

I bought one pair of these, then came back a few months later to buy a second pair.I used them with a camping tarp/fly I bought off of Amazon (has the tarp, lines and spikes).Together, I've been able to rig any number of configurations to keep the sun and rain off me. With four poles, I can cover an enormous area to keep the sun away. I've even parked partially underneath so the truck camper shell was kept out of direct sunlight, while the rest of the cover provided shade for a campsite. With two poles, I've rigged a tarp over a picnic table to provide protection from a light shower. I've also tied the tarp to the truck at one end, and then used two poles at the other end to create an extended awning for well under $80 all-in. I've also created some privacy by rigging one end of the tarp to two poles and the other end to the ground. That same configuration proved useful when winds picked up and were creating a hassle of blowing dust and sand at the campsite.I have a set of "infinitely adjustable" poles as well, which are much heavier weight. But they only break down to 1/2 the full length (instead of 5 pieces) and I find the pieces in this set can be used flexibly enough to meet all my needs.The pressure springs inside help hold the pole segments together, but they do not lock. They are convenient for setting up and moving around the poles. But once set, the pole is pressurized between the ground and the tarp/tie-down line at the top, so nothing really has to hold the segments together.I wouldn't rely upon these to hold up heavy canvas tarps or to serve as the main poles supporting a large tent. But for a fly or small/mid-sized tarp (5'x7'-12'x12'), they do the job very well.Update: Have now had them for two years. Used them many times. No issues at all - no bends, no breaks, no chips even. They roll around in a box in my truck all the time. I love the flexible configuration - sometimes I go full height, sometimes I set one pair of poles lower to block a view (eg neighboring campsite) or serve as a bit of a wind stop or to allow rain to run off in one direction.