Review on Alvantor Adjustable Aluminum Telescoping Poles With Round Pad For Screen House, Bubble Tent, And Vendor Booths by John Pineda

At first I also thought this pole was junk, because I couldn't figure out how to lock it. It just wouldn't lock for me, though I thought I was doing it correctly according the decal. I was going to send it back, but decided to read reviews first in the event I missed how to extend and lock it. After reading one review which the person said it took a bit of figuring it out (how to make it lock) I tried different ways. What worked for me is - first set the bottom section pole where you want to place it inside the tent. Next move the second section pole (middle pole) to the extension you desire. This middle section pole is the pole you need to twist to lock it in place, going clockwise. Do not twist the bottom pole that has the "lock/unlock" decal on it when you are twisting the middle pole. Next move the top pole to the position you desire, then twist the top pole in a clockwise direction, without twisting the other two sections. It will lock.