The rod can be up to 99cm off (measured from the beginning of the handle to the holder) and is very stable. The bracket is screwed with a quarter of an inch thread on the stick and the holder still is a small Gumminupsi which protects the edge of the smartphone. The handle is a trigger button and at the end of the handle is the Micro USB port for charging and an on / off slide switch.
The Bluetooth connection to my smartphone LG G3 S worked right away. My Sony Xperia Z1 made a couple of problems and wanted that I can enter a number, but this was not working. I then switched the stick a few times out and tries to re-connect, which then worked in the end without number input.
The smartphones are very good on the shutter button. Each press of the button produced a photo. 5 inch smartphone fit easily into the bracket. It is even more space available. A bit of a problem there, if any buttons sitting on the side right where also the Gumminupsi's will. Which could be triggered at the onset of the smartphone in the cradle. Sits smartphone but once inside, it does not happen again.
The Selfie Stick is well made, works! Flawlessly and gets me 5 stars